Off-beaten Omo Valley Tribes

This captivating 7-day journey through Ethiopia's Omo Valley tribes engages with the Omo people and their rich cultural heritage.

Off-beaten Omo Valley Tribes

Explore the diverse traditions

Overview

Set out on a captivating 7-day cultural tour of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, home to some of Africa’s most diverse and fascinating tribes. This guided itinerary takes you from the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiya Stelae to the vibrant tribal markets of Key Afer and Dimeka, where the traditions of the Omo people come to life. Discover the unique customs of the Mursi tribe, famous for their lip plates, and the agricultural ingenuity of the Konso people with their terraced farming practices. Enjoy a scenic boat trip on Lake Chamo, where hippos and crocodiles thrive, and witness extraordinary cultural ceremonies, including the Hamar bull jumping ritual. Depending on your interests, you’ll also have the rare opportunity to connect with the remote Dassanech tribe for an authentic cultural exchange. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance throughout, this Omo Valley tour offers an unforgettable journey into Ethiopia’s living traditions and breathtaking landscapes.

Duration

7 Days (6 Nights)

Suggested Accommodations

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa. Addis Ababa City Tour

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, you will start the city tour that includes a visit to the National Museum to see the famous Lucy fossil, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Entoto Mountains, and the bustling Mercato market.

Day 2: Drive to Arba Minch via Tiya UNESCO Site

Breakfast will be served earlier at your hotel then you will drive to Arba Minch. About 100 km from Addis Ababa, you will find Tiya Stelae field. We will have a 1-1.5 hrs visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site. Out of the 160 or so archaeological sites that have been found so far in the Soddo region, south of Addis Ababa, Tiya is one of the most significant. The 36 monuments at the location include 32 carved stelae covered with symbols. These are the remnants of a long-gone Ethiopian civilization, the exact age of which is yet unknown. Proceed driving south to Arba Minch. Arrival will be later in the evening.

Day 3: Lake Chamo and Drive to Jinka via Konso

Start your day trip by onboarding on a breathtaking boat trip on Lake Chamo. As you cruise along the tranquil waters, be prepared to be mesmerized by the stunning scenery surrounding the lake. Keep your camera ready to capture the diverse wildlife that inhabits the lake, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. After the boat trip, take a short en-route trip to Konso Village, where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Konso people. Finally, continue your journey by driving to Jinka, where you can enjoy a comfortable overnight stay, and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day.

Day 4: Excursion to Mago National Park for Mursi Tribe

On this day, you will have an exhilarating trip that takes you through the stunning Mago National Park, where you will have the incredible opportunity to visit the remote Mursi tribe. As you traverse the park, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home, including Dikdik, gazelle, and various common bird species. Upon reaching the Mursi village, experience their unique culture and traditions, known for their distinctive lip plates and intricate body scarification. Engage in meaningful interactions with the Mursi people, learn about their way of life, and witness their traditional ceremonies and dances, and of course, photograph the moments. Afternoon, make your way to Turmi, where you will have the overnight stay and reflect on the fascinating encounters with the Mursi tribe.

Day 5: Dassanech and Hamar People

As we start your second day in Turmi, you will have a half day excursion to the Dassanech tribe along the scenic Omo River. Dassanech are known for their rich culture and unique way of life. In the afternoon, head back to Turmi to experience the vibrant traditions of the Hamar people, known for their striking body adornments and bull jumping ceremonies.

Day 6: Turmi to Arba Minch with stopovers for Markets

This day will be relatively relaxed. The day mainly involves the drive between Turmi and Arba Minch. On the way to Arba Minch, you will have the chance to experience open markets of the tribes. The Dimeka Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays gather tribes of Benna, Bashada, Hamer, Karo, Tsemay, Ari, and Mursi. Whereas Key Afer Market on Thursdays is attended by Benna, Hamer, Tsemay, Dime, Mursi, and Surma. After attending one of these markets, you will arrive in Arba Minch early in the evening.

Day 7: Return to Addis Ababa

You will take a different route on the way back, giving you the chance to pass through the lakes of Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley. Lake Langano, Lake Ziway, and Lake Koka will all be brief stops along the way. Additionally, on your left will be Abijatta-Shalla National Park. You will have time to shop when you get to Addis Ababa before heading to one of the best restaurants for a farewell dinner. Yod Abyssinia Cultural Restaurant, 2000 Habesha Restaurant, Capital Cultural Restaurant, and Dashen Terara Traditional Restaurant are a few of the best places for great Ethiopian meals, music, and dance.

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

Did you find it interesting? For getting quotes and additional information, please use the below form.