Discover the abundant birdlife and wildlife that grace the scenic shores of Ethiopia's Rift Valley.
Introducing Colors of the Omo Valley
An Exploration into Ethiopia's Tribal Heartland
Embark on a journey of awe-inspiring beauty and cultural immersion as we venture into the heart of Ethiopia's Omo Valley. This extraordinary expedition will take you through a kaleidoscope of experiences, from the breathtaking landscapes of the Rift Valley Lakes to encounters with fascinating tribes whose rich traditions and vibrant way of life have captivated the world.
Prepare to be enthralled by the diverse avian and wildlife species that inhabit the region, and be enchanted by the extraordinary adornments of the Hamer and Mursi people, who proudly wear their heritage on their sleeves – or rather, their lips. With each passing day, you'll witness the wonders of nature and the tapestry of human culture intertwine, creating an unforgettable odyssey of discovery. Join us on this remarkable journey through Ethiopia's Omo Valley and be transported to a world where time-honored traditions and captivating landscapes converge in a mesmerizing symphony of colors, traditions, and authenticity.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of the region, engaging with tribes renowned for their unique customs and practices.
Witness the vibrant beauty of the Hamer people, renowned for their elaborate hairstyles, copper jewelry, and colorful costumes.
Explore the world of the Mursi, known for their warrior heritage and the distinctive lip plates worn by women.
Journey into this national park for a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the Mursi tribe.
Cross the Omo River by traditional canoe to reach the Dassenech village and learn about their agro-pastoralist lifestyle.
Encounter the Karo tribe and their incredible body painting techniques, which adorn their faces and bodies with intricate patterns.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by day Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ADDIS ABABA & CITY TOUR
- Fly to Addis Ababa; upon arrival at Bole international airport, your hospitality begins. We provide you with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel.
- This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Addis Ababa, a pleasant capital city with wide jacaranda-edged avenues, interesting museums, and lively markets. Start our visit with the Ethnological Museum for an overview of Ethiopia's history, culture, and traditions, and its collections from thousand-year-old nomadic tribes.
- Next, see the beautiful baroque-styled Holy Trinity Cathedral which contains the thrones and the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie (the last king of Ethiopia) and some other members of the royal family. We end up the city tour by inviting you to the oldest and best coffee roaster and coffee shop-Tomoca. Not only do they serve fantastic Ethiopian coffee, but they also offer other fine coffees.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 2: FLY TO JINKA
- A short domestic flight takes you to Jinka where you will meet your vehicle waiting at the airport. You are entering an area where the people living their authentic tribal life. Nowadays a vanishing lifestyle. More than at any other place we shouldn't forget that we are the visitors and act responsibly.
- In the afternoon, we visit the Jinka museum at the South Omo Research Centre to learn more about the people living in the area and we visit the Ari people who have adopted a much more 'Western' lifestyle than their neighbors we are going to meet in the coming days.
- Overnight in Jinka
DAY 3: EXCURSION TO MAGO NATIONAL PARK AND VISIT MURSI TRIBE
- Today your journey begins early in the morning with an excursion to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi village. They are possibly the most famous residents of the South Omo Valley. The men of the Mursi tribe are renowned warriors, and Mursi women are famous for the lip plates they use for adornment. Learn about the incredibly unique culture.
- Having lunch in Jinka, continue to Turmi, crossing an area where Ari, Benna, and eventually Hamer people are living.
- Overnight in Turmi
DAY 4: EXCURSION TO VISIT DASSENECH
- After breakfast, your drive will take you through flat-open savannah land and go via Omorate on the eastern banks of the Omo River. Crossing the river by local dugout canoe, you reach the homeland of Dassenech and visit one of their villages. They are agro-pastoralists and herd cattle and practice flood retreat cultivation on both sides of the river.
- You return to Turmi and spend the afternoon visiting some small Hamer villages. The Hamer people are particularly beautiful and are most distinguishable by their hair, which they style into thick braids with red mud and lard. They wear thick copper bracelets and necklaces, and elaborate costumes with cowrie shells, beads, and leather.
- Overnight in Turmi
DAY 5: EXCURSION TO VISIT KARA
- This morning you take an excursion to Korcho and visit the Karo tribe who are very famous for their body painting. The Karo people use clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on each other's faces, chests, arms, and legs. Karo men, as with neighboring tribes, are also famous for their unique hairstyle.
- Overnight in Turmi
DAY 6: DRIVE TO ARBA MINCH VIA ELBORE
- Departing Turmi after breakfast, we head for Weyto. Lying midway between Konso and Key Afar, the village is home to the Tsemai and Arbore peoples. These people are mainly farmers and pastoralists, tending their herds and growing sorghum and maize and supplementing it with honey.
- Continuing from here, we cross the Weyto Valley and head for Konso. After lunch in Karat-Konso village, we meet the Konso people with their maze-like villages and terraces for agriculture. They are also well known for their Waqa stelae, grave markers for the brave and important men of this people. The cultural landscape of Konso is the youngest World Heritage Site in Ethiopia.
- Then you proceed to Arba Minch.
- Overnight in Arba Minch
DAY 7: BOAT TRIP ON LAKE CHAMO & EXCURSION TO DORZE
- This morning, not far from Arba Minch, you will take a relaxing boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot wildlife such as crocodiles, and hippos as well as many beautiful aquatic birds.
- In the afternoon, drive from Arba Minch to the highland village of Dorze. They are one of the small segments of ethnical groups in southern Ethiopia. Once warriors, the Dorze have now turned to farming and weaving to earn a living. Their success in the field of weaving has been phenomenal and the Dorze name is synonymous with best-woven cotton cloth. Monday is market day and well worth a visit.
- Overnight in Arba Minch
DAY 8: FLY TO ADDIS ABABA & DEPARTURE
- You will have this morning at your leisure. At noon transfer you to the airport for your flight to Addis. On arrival in Addis, you transfer to a hotel where you can freshen up and have lunch.
- You have the afternoon free for shopping in Addis Ababa.
- Depending on your flight schedule, a transfer is arranged to Addis Ababa Bole international airport for the flight back home.
- Thanks for vacationing with Sawla Tours.
How Can We Help You Create an Extraordinary Ethiopian Adventure?
At Sawla Tours, we are passionate about turning your travel dreams into reality. With years of hands-on experience in crafting unforgettable journeys to Ethiopia, we are your go-to experts in deciding when to travel, where to explore, and what to discover.
Whether you have a detailed itinerary in mind, seek professional advice, or simply don't know where to begin, we're eager to assist. Reach out to us today, and together, we'll create an extraordinary travel experience tailored just for you.
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