OVERVIEW
Our first destination is the Lower Omo Valley which has been recognized by UNESCO, which has declared it a cultural World Heritage site. It also contains two expansive national parks and several Important Bird Areas. This vast, scenic valley is however most famous for its staggering cultural diversity. Over a dozen distinctive ethnic groups exist here, many of whom live lives little touched by the modern world. This is largely due to the area’s remoteness and prior near-inaccessibility, forming a natural barrier to modernization and the detribalization of the Omo Valley.
Our tour aims to spend time with the Dorze, Konso, Arbore, Hamar, Benna, Karo, Ari and Mursi tribes (all now justly famous for their dress, body adornments and unique culture) and we will also encounter other tribes when visiting market villages. In addition, we will of course take time to enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife of this remote and fascinating region.
Your adventure concludes in Addis Ababa where you enjoy a night of traditional Ethiopian food, live music and dancing.
Culture 
Adventure & Nature 
Wildlife 
Day 1 : Addis Ababa to Arba Minch
Morning around 7:30 we start driving to Arba minch via the great rift valley over viewing the Rift valley lakes of Lake Zeway, Langano, Abjata and Shalla.
Visit the Oromo and the Gurage, Hadiya, Silte tribes way of life with their thatched roof circular house surrounded by enset “ false banana” trees. The landscape is very beautiful and overlooking lake Abaya and lake chamo, one of the fertile and evergreen place in the country.
Overnight at Haile Resort.
Meal : Breakfast
Day 2 : Arba Minch
Morning have breakfast and drive to lake Chamo for early morning boat excursion to see the Crocodile Market and the Hippos. (Here crocodiles are some of the longest in Africa , With length of 8 and also above meters.
Afternoon a drive to Chencha to see the Dorze tribes and their village. The Dorze are Well known cotton weavers, the Dorze tribe were once warriors. They are famous for their cotton woven cloths and beehive huts. Admire the wonderful view of Lake Abaya and Chamo.
Overnight at Haile Resort Arbaminch
Meal : Breakfast
Day 3 : Arba Minch - Turmi (285kms)
Morning Proceed to Konso visit the Konso village which is one of the world heritage sites of UNESCO. Enjoy Konso – Gargesie near the village lies a giant cleft, within which many rock formations resembling the outline of their forms in New York.
Then drive to Turmi and on the way visit the Konso, Tsemay and Ari tribes. Cross the weito Dessert which is the home of the Tsemay tribes.
Overnight at Buska / Paradise lodge
Meal : Breakfast
Day 4 : Turmi - Karo/Kara - Turmi - (120 kms)
Today we get to the gallery, the gallery of body painting. Patterns, ornaments and even scars on the body of the Karo tribe can be viewed endlessly. And Kalashnikov assault rifles, with which they protect their property from other tribes, give the tribe a "wild, but not primitive look". They are the most artistic tribe in the Omo valley.
Afternoon we check the possibility to get market or any bull jumping ceremony if you are lucky.
Overnight at Buska / Paradise lodge
Meal : Breakfast
Day 5 : Turmi - Omorate - Turmi - Jinka (240 kms)
This morning we will rise early and drive to the edge of the Omo River. We will cross the river by canoe to the villages of the Dasanech tribes (a motor boat or a ferry maybe available but is not guaranteed). The Dasanech are a semi-nomadic tribe numbering approximately 50,000.
Their clans stretch across Sudan, Kenya and Southern Ethiopia. They are known for their very unique and ornate hair buns. Back to Turmi and drive to Jinka.
Overnight at Eco Omo lodge
Meal : Breakfast
Day 6 : Jinka - Mursi - Jinka and fly back to Addis ( 140 kms)
Enter Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people and their villages. Here for beauty women insert round clay plates in their lips. The men practice scarification based on the number of enemies or wild animals they have killed in battle.
Back to Jinka for Lunch.
Then transfer to Jinka airport for the flight back to Addis. Have souvenir shopping, farewell dinner in the best cultural restaurant, depart to airport to catch the international flight and it will be end of the trip.
Meal : Breakfast and farewell dinner
End of our services.
Our services include :
- Five nights room accommodation on a double bed bases as per the above details.
- Meal as per the above details ( Breakfast)
- All ground transport including the airport transfer in/out as per the above specification
- Boat trip on lake Chamo in Arbaminch
- English speaking local guide fee in all destinations (mandatory)
- Last day farewell dinner in the best traditional restaurant with cultural music
- All entrance fee as per the itinerary in villages, parks etc.
- Scout in the park
- Any Road taxes
Our services do not include :
- Lunch and dinner
- Domestic flight
- Any alcoholic drinks,
- Personal gratitude to driver, guide video/camera shooting fee,
- What is not included in the inclusive part
- Domestic flight : For the sector Jinka – Addis is USD 92/person for those who use ET internationally. Otherwise it will be USD 168/person. Price of ticket might increase unless ticketed.
Accomodation :
Arbaminch : Haile Resort
Turmi : Buska / Paradise lodge
Jinka : Eco Omo lodge
Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the cradle of humanity, Ethiopia boasts diverse landscapes ranging from arid deserts to lush highlands, ancient historical sites, and vibrant cities.
Key Cities :
Addis Ababa :
Overview : The capital city and the political, cultural, and economic hub of Ethiopia.
Attractions : National Museum of Ethiopia (home to the famous fossil Lucy), Holy Trinity Cathedral, Entoto Hills, Merkato (one of Africa's largest open-air markets), and Addis Ababa Museum.
Activities : Enjoy traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, explore the nightlife, and visit local restaurants to taste authentic Ethiopian cuisine.
Lalibela :
Overview : Known for its rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Attractions : Eleven medieval monolithic cave churches carved into the rock, including the famous Church of St. George.
Activities : Explore the churches, attend religious ceremonies, and hike the surrounding areas.
Gondar :
Overview : Often referred to as the "Camelot of Africa," known for its castles and churches.
Attractions : Fasil Ghebbi (the Royal Enclosure), Debre Berhan Selassie Church, and the bath of Fasilides.
Activities : Explore the historical sites, and attend the Timkat festival if visiting in January.
Axum :
Overview : An ancient city known for its obelisks and as the reputed home of the Ark of the Covenant.
Attractions : The Obelisk of Axum, Church of St. Mary of Zion, and archaeological sites.
Activities : Explore the ruins, visit the museum, and learn about Ethiopia's ancient history.
Harar :
Overview : A historic city known for its old city walls and as a center of Islamic culture in Ethiopia.
Attractions : Harar Jugol (the old walled city), Rimbaud House, and the Hyena Man (nightly feeding of hyenas).
Activities : Wander through the old city, visit local markets, and experience the unique tradition of feeding hyenas.
Natural Attractions :
Simien Mountains National Park :
Overview : A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife.
Activities : Trekking, wildlife viewing (Gelada baboons, Walia ibex), and bird watching.
Danakil Depression :
Overview : One of the hottest and lowest places on earth, known for its volcanic activity and salt flats.
Activities : Visit the Erta Ale volcano, explore the salt flats, and witness the colorful Dallol hydrothermal fields.
Omo Valley :
Overview : Known for its diverse indigenous tribes and cultures.
Activities : Cultural tours to visit tribes like the Hamer, Mursi, and Dassanech, and participate in traditional ceremonies and markets.
Lake Tana :
Overview : The largest lake in Ethiopia, source of the Blue Nile.
Activities : Boat trips to visit the island monasteries, explore the Blue Nile Falls, and bird watching.
Culture and Cuisine :
Cuisine : Ethiopian cuisine is characterized by its use of injera (a sourdough flatbread) served with various stews (wot) and vegetables. Popular dishes include Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew), Tibs (sautéed meat), and Kitfo (minced raw beef).
Coffee : Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and the traditional coffee ceremony is an integral part of Ethiopian culture. Participating in or observing a coffee ceremony is a must-do activity.
Festivals : Major festivals include Timkat (Epiphany), Meskel (Finding of the True Cross), and Fasika (Ethiopian Orthodox Easter).
Travel Tips :
Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit Ethiopia is from October to April, during the dry season.
Language : Amharic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in urban areas.
Currency : Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Addis Ababa, but cash is preferred in rural areas.
Health and Safety : Malaria is prevalent in some areas, so take necessary precautions. It's advisable to drink bottled or boiled water.
Ethiopia offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers.
Ethiopia
OMO VALLEY AND CULTURAL TOUR
Reference #: WTP0649
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Our first destination is the Lower Omo Valley which has been recognized by UNESCO, which has declared it a cultural World Heritage site. It also contains two expansive national parks and several Important Bird Areas. This vast, scenic valley is however most famous for its staggering cultural diversity. Over a dozen distinctive ethnic groups exist here, many of whom live lives little touched by the modern world. This is largely due to the area’s remoteness and prior near-inaccessibility, forming a natural barrier to modernization and the detribalization of the Omo Valley.
Our tour aims to spend time with the Dorze, Konso, Arbore, Hamar, Benna, Karo, Ari and Mursi tribes (all now justly famous for their dress, body adornments and unique culture) and we will also encounter other tribes when visiting market villages. In addition, we will of course take time to enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife of this remote and fascinating region.
Your adventure concludes in Addis Ababa where you enjoy a night of traditional Ethiopian food, live music and dancing.