Begin your journey in Ethiopia's vibrant capital, where you'll explore the Ethnological Museum and the breathtaking Holy Trinity Cathedral, offering insights into the nation's diverse heritage.
Enchanting Ethiopia: 9-Day Omo Valley Tour
A Cultural Odyssey through the South Omo Valley
Embark on an immersive Omo Valley tour where Ethiopia’s southern frontier reveals a mosaic of tribes, wildlife-rich lakes and cinematic savannahs. Over nine days you’ll trace the Rift Valley to Hamer hamlets, meet Mursi women famed for lip plates, and witness the body-painting artistry of the Kara—an unrivalled Omo Valley tribal tour package that celebrates living tradition while showcasing dramatic landscapes.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Experience the stunning Rift Valley Lakes, known for their rich birdlife and scenic beauty, providing a perfect backdrop for your Omo Valley adventure.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the South Omo Valley, where you'll encounter the Hamer, Mursi, Dassenech, and Kara tribes, each with their unique traditions and way of life.
Explore the wildlife-rich Mago National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, and visit Mursi villages known for their distinctive lip plates.
Cross the Omo River by canoe to visit the Dassenech village, where you'll learn about their agro-pastoral lifestyle and cultural practices.
Witness the intricate body-painting rituals of the Kara tribe, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Omo River cliffs.
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: DRIVE TO ARBA MINCH
- Early this morning, after breakfast, commence your private driving to the famous lake-side town of Arba Minch. The drive will pass through high mountain plateaus, scenic landscapes, and the beautiful villages of Gurage and Wolayita; en route stop at the archaeological site of Melka Kunture and the stelae field of Tiya. Having lunch stop en route, you continue driving to Arba Minch. It and the surrounding area are inhabited by the people of the Gamo tribe, originally nomads but now farmers. The last section of this drive offers magnificent views of Lake Abaya, surrounded by mountains.
- Overnight in Arba Minch
DAY 3: BOAT TRIP ON LAKE CHAMO
- 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 beautiful aquatic birds.
- Leaving Arba Minch behind, you drive to Jinka through dramatic scenery towards the heartland of the tribes of the South Omo Valley. En route, you stop at the village of Konso which is known for its distinctive religious and cultural traditions.
- After lunch continue your drive towards Jinka overnight.
- Overnight in Jinka
DAY 4: MAGO NATIONAL PARK & 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 5: EXCURSION TO VISIT DASSENECH & HAMER HAMLETS
- 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 6: EXCURSION TO KARA TRIBE (KORCHO)
- 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 7: 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 for lunch.
- Then you proceed to Arba Minch.
- Overnight in Arba Minch
DAY 8: EXCURSION TO VISIT DORZE AND FLY TO ADDIS ABABA
- After breakfast, you drive to visit a local Dorze tribe. The Dorze 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 the best-woven cotton cloth.
- You return to Arba Minch for lunch and transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 9: DEPARTURE
- 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.
Begin Your Adventure with Sawla Tours
At Sawla Tours, we believe that every journey should be as unique as the traveler. Our expert team is dedicated to crafting personalized itineraries that reflect your interests and passions, ensuring an unforgettable Ethiopian experience.
Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, wildlife adventures, or breathtaking landscapes, we tailor each tour to your preferences. From the moment you reach out, our travel designers work closely with you to create a bespoke itinerary that captures the essence of Ethiopia.
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