Omo Valley & Cultural Tour – 8 Days

Travelling through the Rift Valley lakes and coffee plantations, down to the famous Omo Valley. Here you will visit the villages and market towns of the fascinating ethnic groups who live in the valley – an experience like no other full of costumes, colourful ceremonies and celebrations, from a diverse group of traditional cultures.

Day 1 – Addis Ababa

From the Capital we head south to Awassa, visiting ancient cities along the journey. We first stop at UNESCO World Heritage Site Tiya and then Adadi Maryam and Melka Kunture. We rest at Awassa for the night.

Day 2 – Awassa to Arba Minch

We will visit the fish markets of Awassa in the morning before resting by the shores of Lake Awassa. We then depart for Arba Minch and Dorze. The Dorze villagers are renowned for their tall beehive-like houses and their cotton weaving. We will see the town’s market or that of neighbouring Chencha, depending what day it is. We spend the night in a traditional Dorze hut or if you’d prefer a hotel we can go on to Arba Minch.

Day 3 – Arba Minch to Turmi

We will take a boat tide on Lake Chamo to visit the crocodile market, possibly seeing hippos on the way. After this we depart for Turmi passing Weyto village on the way to see the Tsemai tribe, and then Erbore village, stopping for market days if they are on. We will meet the Hamer tribe in Turmi where the villages will dance the evangadi dance.

Day 4 – Omo

Today we visit the Dassenech tribe by crossing the Omo River by boat. We return to Turmi to see the traditional Jumping of the Bulls Ceremony, done to represent a man’s coming of age.

Day 5 – Turmi to Jinka

Deparing Jinka, we pass through Dimeka and Key Afar to see their colourful markets. We continue on to Jinka before resting for the night.

Day 6 – Mango National Park to Jinka

We drive to the Mango National Park and visit the Mursi tribe, known for having plates in their earlobes and rings in their lower lips. We will visit the South Omo Museum and Research Center to learn about the traditional life of the different local tribes and explore more details of their arts, crafts, music and dance. We can also hike into the surrounding hills.

Day 7 – Konso

We leave Jinka and stop to see local tribes and markets on the way. Heading to Konso to see their famous woodwork and agricultural terracing. We continue on to Arba Minch for the night.

Day 8 – Arba Minch to Addis Ababa

Back to Addis Ababa via car – seeing sites on the way. We arrive back in the city and finish our incredible tour.

To book or ask questions about this itinerary contact Mitiku here.