Trip Info
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boat, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
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2-20
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to be provided for during the trip
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boat trips, hikes, walks
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Addis Ababa
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to be provided for during the trip
Overview
Experience unforgettable cultural encounters in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, a region famous for its diverse tribal communities that maintain traditional ways of life, each with unique customs, beliefs, and body art. This tour explores southern Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, home to fascinating tribes such as the Mursi, whose women wear lip plates; the Hamer, renowned for their “bull jumping” ceremonies; and the Konso, known for their elaborate funerary practices.
Trip Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour uses lodges and resorts.
- Shared tour: On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 4 people per vehicle.
- Can start any day: If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
- Cannot be customized: The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
- Suitable for single travelers: Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
- Minimum age of 5 years: The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.
Itinerary
Clients will be greeted upon arrival to Bole International Airport, regardless of arrival time and transferred to your hotel Located in the center of the country. Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s geographic, political and cultural hub. Addis is distinct from many other African capitals because it was not developed under colonial rule. One of its best-known sites is the National Museum of Ethiopia, which houses the remains of “Lucy,” a bipedal hominid who lived 3.2 million years ago and was discovered in 1974. If you arrive early perhaps take a tour of this bustling city, Established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887. The optional city tour will include the National Museum, where you’ll find the famous remains of 'Lucy’, and the Ethnographic Museum set within the beautiful gardens of Haile Selassie’s former palace. We gather for a welcome dinner with our fellow travelers this evening.
Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
Da'amat Hotel
Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Flight to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in southern Ethiopia. On arrival we will drive to Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.
Main Destination:
Arba Minch (City)
Accommodation:
Arbaminch Tourist Hotel
Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
After breakfast, we will take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. En route to Jinka we will be visiting various ethnic groups, such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar's weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods.
Main Destination:
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Nasa Hotel
Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
An early drive into the vast wilderness of Mago National Park. Founded in 1960, this national park houses nearly 100 mammal species and 300 bird species within its dense acacia forests and open savannah lands. Next set out to visit a Mursi village. The women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Return to Jinka to visit an ethnographic museum dedicated to the tribes speaking South Omotic languages. Jinka is a lively trading hub and known as a capital of sorts for the range of ethnic groups that call this region home.
Main Destination:
Mago National Park
Accommodation:
Nasa Hotel
Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of "bull-jumping" which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.
Overnight at the cheerful, well-designed Buska Lodge or similar.
Main Destination:
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
In the morning, you will have an excursion trip to Murrulle the village of Karo people who are the least in number and known for their body painting they indulge before important ceremonies then after we headed to Omorate enjoy interactions with the Geleb (Dassenech), pastoralists who celebrate a woman's upcoming marriage with a long, drawn out ceremony where the entire tribe is invited to dress up in their finest clothing, dance and feast on slaughtered cattle. Return for Overnight at the cheerful, well-designed Buska Lodge.
Main Destination:
Omorate (Lower Omo Valley)
Accommodation:
Emerald Lodge Turmi
Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Drive to Konso, a recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, for its terraced hillsides and intricately carved totems, which locals use to decorate graves. This destination is a spectacular example of living cultural tradition that stretches back over 400 years. Overnight Kanata Lodge.
Main Destination:
Konso (Cultural Village)
Accommodation:
Kanta Lodge
Mid-range lodge located in Konso (Cultural Village)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Our resort is situated right at the lakeshore and the grounds and surroundings are a great place for Rest and relaxation. It's also a good place to watch different species of birds.
Overnight Haile Resort Hawassa or similar.
Main Destination:
Awasa (City)
Accommodation:
Haile Resort Hawassa
Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning. Drive to Addis Ababa making stops at the Rift Valley Lakes. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for your international flight.
Main Destination:
Addis Ababa (City)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All flights during the tour
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
FAQs
The 9-Day Ethiopia Omo Valley Tribes tour typically includes accommodation, transport in a 4×4 vehicle, professional guides, park fees, and cultural visits to various indigenous communities. Meals and domestic flights may also be included depending on the itinerary and tour operator.
During the 9-Day Ethiopia Omo Valley Tribes journey, travelers usually visit the Mursi, Hamar, Karo, Dassanech, and Arbore tribes, among others. Each community offers a unique cultural experience, traditional practices, and ways of life.
Yes, the 9-Day Ethiopia Omo Valley Tribes tour is generally safe when organized through reputable operators. Local guides, structured itineraries, and coordination with regional authorities help ensure traveler safety throughout the journey.
The best time for the 9-Day Ethiopia Omo Valley Tribes tour is during the dry seasons, from October to March and June to September. During these periods, road conditions are better, and cultural activities are more accessible.
For the 9-Day Ethiopia Omo Valley Tribes adventure, it is recommended to pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, a camera, and personal essentials. A small medical kit is also advisable.
The 9-Day Ethiopia Omo Valley Tribes tour is moderately demanding. Travelers should be comfortable with long drives, walking in rural environments, and adapting to basic facilities in some remote areas.
