The Lower Omo Valley is one of the most fascinating regions in Ethiopia, and even the African continent, thanks to the cultural diversity of over a dozen tribes that coexist with varying degrees of peace.
The valley is mostly a dry savanna expanse fed by the Omo River –one of their most important resources.
Along the river and throughout the valley region, hundreds of small tribal villages pepper the landscape, each of them with its unique customs and even its own language.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Your Hotel or Airport
Day 1 Addis Ababa - Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in Southern Ethiopia. On the way, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.
Overnight Hotel in Arba Minch.
Day 2 Arba Minch - Jinka
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar's weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods.
Overnight in Jinka Hotel.
Day 3 Mago National Park Excursion
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Overnight in Jinka Hotel
Day 4 Jinka - Turmi
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of "bull-jumping" which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.
Overnight in Turmi Lodge
Day 5 Omorate Excursion
Excursion from Turmi to Omorate. Crossing of the Omo River via a traditional canoe (a recently built bridge now also allows for optional crossing via tour vehicle.). Visit the Dassanech, a semi nomadic people who are one of the more numerous tribes (population about 70,000) in the Omo. A highly egalitarian society, involving age sets and clan lineages, the Dassanech are primarily "agro-pastoralists” and cultivate sorghum, maize, and beans and raise livestock such as cattle and sheep. To supplement their crops and livestock Dassanech men will also fish and hunt crocodiles at night.
Return to Turmi for the evening.
Overnight in Turmi Lodge
Day 6 Turmi - Konso
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.
Overnight in Konso Lodge
Day 7 Konso - Hawassa
Drive to Hawassa via the Shenkele game reserve. This Park is the the last pocket of the original Ethiopian Savannah. You will have a chance to spot the endemic Antelope called Swayne`s hartebeast, one the rarest and most elegant animals in all of Africa. Continue to Hawassa and relax at a lakeside resort.
Overnight in Hawassa Hotel
Day 8 Hawassa - Addis Ababa
Drive to Addis Ababa stopping at Rift Valley Lakes that are renowned for their endemic birdlife. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, optional souvenir shopping if time permits. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure or additional hotel night booked upon request.
END OF THE TOUR
The tour will end up at the aorport or your hotel.
Ending Point
At Your Hotel or Airport
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- Accommodation : Hotel and Lodge
- Meals :Breakfast ,Lunch and Dinner
- All tribes village and Entrance fees
- Local Guide
- 4×4WD Land Cruiser and Driver
- Photography and video fees
- alcohol
- international Flight
- Gift
The ending time of the tour (the last day) would be flexible depending on the traffic condition.
I am MAMARU, Born and raised in one of the remote corners of the Omo Valley Archaic tribal communities village. This has given me the opportunity to grow up living by fully understanding the authentic way of life of these unique tribal communities and made me a passionate local guide and expert regarding the life of these communities.
I followed my dream of showing my people to the world and became a well equipped tourism expert by finalizing my college studies on Tour operating and guide and currently I work as a self made private service provider to all culture loving travelers who come to my area.
I believe that I am the most complete Omo Valley culture guide with a real passion and connection to all the beautiful communities. I also had a chance to travel to all the destinations of the country leading group and individual tours.
Yours authentic passionate guide
MAMARU
$2,800/ per person