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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
4 Days Omo Valley Tour
The living cultures of the south, without the long drive
About The Tour
4 Days Omo Valley Tour: Fly to Jinka and Meet the Mursi, Hamar and Dassanech
The living cultures of the south, without the long drive
Overview
The Omo Valley is home to more than a dozen peoples, each with its own language, dress and traditions. The drive from Addis Ababa takes two full days each way, so this 4 day tour flies you straight to Jinka and spends all your time in the valley itself.
You visit the Mursi in Mago National Park, the Hamar around Turmi and the Dassanech on the banks of the Omo River, and we plan the route around the local market days. All visits are made with local guides from each community, and we follow responsible tourism practices, paying fair fees directly to villages.
Duration
4 Days (3 Nights)
Suggested Accommodations
- Jinka: Eco Omo Lodge or Jinka Resort
- Turmi: Buska Lodge or Turmi Lodge
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Jinka, Ari Village and South Omo Museum
Morning flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka. Visit the South Omo Research Centre and Museum for an introduction to the peoples of the valley, then walk through an Ari village to see pottery and coffee growing. Overnight in Jinka.
Day 2: Mursi Village in Mago National Park, Drive to Turmi
Early drive into Mago National Park to visit a Mursi village, known for the clay lip plates worn by women. Afternoon drive to Turmi through Hamar country, stopping at the Key Afer market if it is Thursday. Overnight in Turmi.
Day 3: Dassanech at Omorate and a Hamar Village
Drive to Omorate and cross the Omo River by dugout canoe to visit a Dassanech village. Return to Turmi and visit a Hamar village. If one is happening, you may be invited to a bull jumping ceremony, a rite of passage for young Hamar men. Overnight in Turmi.
Day 4: Turmi Market and Fly Back from Jinka
Visit the Turmi market on Mondays or Dimeka on Saturdays, then drive back to Jinka for your flight to Addis Ababa.
Price and Booking
Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.
Tip on domestic flights: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, you can usually get large discounts on domestic flights. Book them on the same booking reference or send us your ticket and we book them for you.
Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.
What Is Included
- Private air conditioned vehicle (4×4 where needed) with fuel and an experienced driver
- English speaking tour guide throughout (other languages on request)
- Hotels as listed, twin or double room with breakfast
- All entrance fees and local guide fees at the sites in the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Mago National Park fees and scout
- Village entrance fees and local community guides
- Dugout canoe crossing at Omorate
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Flights between Addis Ababa and Jinka
- Lunch and dinner
- Photo fees in villages (paid per person photographed, usually small)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Best Time to Go
The Omo Valley can be visited all year. The driest months are December to February and June to August. Heavy rain in April, May and November can make some roads difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4 days enough for the Omo Valley?
It is enough to meet three or four peoples and see one market. For Konso, Dorze and Arba Minch on the way, see our 7 day Omo Valley tribes tour.
Can I see a bull jumping ceremony?
Ceremonies are family events and are not scheduled for tourists. Your guide asks around each day and takes you if one is happening.
How do photographs work?
In most villages people ask a small fee per photo. Your guide explains the custom and helps you agree fairly. Always ask first.
Tour Languages
Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.
Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.
Booking Form
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