This tour is more focused on culture, belief and way of life of the Omo valley tribes who are intact with their own way of life. Most of them are nomadic societies excluded from the modern world. There are about 18 ethnic groups with unique practices that express their identity. Of wich few of them are- the Hamer, Bena, Tsemay, Karo, Mursi, Dasanech, Surma or Suri and etc.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At the airport
Day 1 Addis Ababa
Arrive Addis Abeba transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day, do city tour and visit National museum where Lucy is located, Mount Entoto and Merkato. O/n hotel
Day 2 Addis Abeba- Aawassa
Early breakfast then drive to Awassa. On the way visit Tiya cemetery field, Lake Ziway home for different species of aquatic birds and Abijata-Shalla lakes NP. (In poor condition). O/n hotel
Day 3 Awassa-Arbaminch
Check out your hotel and go for Awassa fish market then proceeded to Arbaminch. Lunch in Sodo town, more drive to Dorze village to visit the Dorze people and their day to day activities. O/n hotel/Lodge
Day 4 Arbaminchi - Turmi
Have breakfast and proceed to lake Chamo for boat cruise to see Hippos and African Crocodiles, back to your car then drive to Konso for lunch. Afternoon continue to Turmi with a stop at Keyafer market where the Bena, Tsemay and Ari people are transacting their goods (Thursday). O/n lodge
Day 5 Full day in Turmi
Full day in Turmi with excursion to Kara village to visit the Karo tribe, the smallest in the Omo valley counting not more than 1500 heads. They live nearby the Omo river for they are semi pastoralist growing small crops through the river. They are known for body painting and scarification. O/n lodge.
7:30 Start the day
13:30 In the afternoon drive to Omorate to see the Dasenechi people or optional Bull jumping ceremony if available. Late afternoon, more visit of the Hamer village and experience their way of life. O/n Lodge
Day 6 Jinka
Today we drive to Jinka with a stop at any available market places. Late afternoon visit Ari village who occupy the outskirt of Jinka town.
O/n hotel (basic)
Day 7 Jinka-Addis Abeba
Take an early breakfast, pack your luggage and drive to Mago N/P to visit the Mursi tribe known for lip plate insertion. Back to Jinka for lunch then transfer to airport for your flight to Addis Abeba. Balance of the day, Shopping and other activities then go to one of the cultural restaurants for farewell dinner and experience local dishes and dances, finally, drop at Bole Int'l airport for your departure home.
End of our service
Ending Point
At the airport
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
-meal in full board with 1 soft drink or water
-Englisgh speaking guide all the way
-local guide service
-Room
-car rental
-all entrance fee in the villages
-bottle of water/day/pax
-pick up and drop of hotel or airport
-gov tax and so on
-Local and Int'l flight fare
-Video and camera charges
-photo payment for tribes
-shopping expenses
-alcoholic drinks
-juice and tea or coffee
-insurances
-medical expenses and etc
-payment for bull jumping ceremony
-Be aware of taking photo of the tribes before ask permission
-Negotiate with the tribes /person how much he/she/they will charge you.
-Take mosquito shots or use mosquito repellent lotion as we stay in the low land
Available any time of the year
As I am working in the travel business, I work from Monday- Sunday. But in the month of May 2023, I am not available in Addis Ababa for I fly to Gondar. In case if your are coming there by that month, I can arrange you all the necessary things for the city tour of Gondar and trekking or day trip to the Simen mountains NP.
Also, I'm happy to create a special itinerary for you and your family, friends or loved ones up on your request. Thus, please feel free to contact me at any time when you schedule to travel Ethiopia.
A JOURNEY FOR A PURPOSE!
Hello dear travelers. This is Beyene. But please call me by my nick name, 'Bayu'.
I was born and raised in Gondar, a historical city in north western part of
Ethiopia known for medieval history and culture, but now working and living in Addis Ababa since the last 16 years.
I joined the hospitality business when I was in my home town as a local guide taking tourists around the city and to the breathtaking Simen mountains national park.Then this coincidence of meeting many tourists from different countries, eventually grew up and motivated me for further education which I finally came to Addis Ababa to attend tourism college. Here I studied and got diploma in tour guiding techniques and travel operation. With this the Federal Government of Ethiopian Tourism Commission has certified me as a national tour guide to escort travelers all over the country. In addition, the Amhara reginal state tourism office has also licensed me as a local guide. This time, I am a member of Ethiopian professional tourist guides Association based in Addis Ababa.
For me travelling is just more than a business and is simply a source of excitement by meeting new people and make them happy through social and intercultural exchanges.
Ethiopia's long history, divers culture, ancient tradition and beliefs, stunning geography, archeology, unique nature and the society's way of life are the main factors that attracts tourists all year round. This condition always makes me to go off the beaten-truck and discover places which are beyond the routine destinations.
In line of this, I'm became very much keen on travelling and familiar with almost all destinations in the country, which is from the historic route in the north to the cultural destination to Omo valley tribes in the south; from the adventurous Danakil depression and Eta'ale to trekking in the Simen and Bale mountains National parks; from coffee tours in the Ethiopian rift valley system to the bird watching activities across the country.
Above all, Addis Ababa is my favorite city where I got a better knowledge about Ethiopian tourism in general. lt is a vibrant city where diversified ethnic groups all over the nation are living together in peace and harmony. In addition to being the capital of Ethiopia and Africa the whole, it also served as a commerical and political hub of the country hosing local and international organizations. Such as:- AU/African Union, EU/European Union, ECA/Economic Commissioned for Africa including embassies and consulates of different countries in the world.
Because of that Addis Abeba became one of the best tourist stops in the country where a short and long term travelers are coming for their holidays.
The city encompasses many things to be seen either in a half or full day city tours including day trips to a nearby places.To mention but few are:- the national Museum where the 3.2 million years old Lucy is located, mount Entoto where the old grass thatched roof palace of king Menellik ll is still standing, Trinity Cathedral from which the remains of emperor Hailesilassie and his families are rested, Markato the busiest and largest open air market in Africa, St. George church erected up to recall the victory of Adewa over Italy in 1886. Plus historical monuments and squares; coffee houses and traditional restaurants; amusement parks and night life clubs are the few spots on which travelers shall have a life time experience.
Therefore, when ever you have a chance to visit Addis Ababa/Ethiopia or a short transit at Bole intl airport, please contact me anytime to join my tour and let we together uncover the hidden wonders!
I look forward to welcome and spend a wonderful time with you.
See you soon!
Tour guide and travel organizer in Ethiopia
$2,800/ per person