Overivew

This 12-day Omo Valley Cultural Expedition offers an in-depth journey into one of Africa’s most culturally diverse and authentic regions. Traveling through southern Ethiopia, you will encounter ancient tribes, dramatic landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and traditional lifestyles that have remained unchanged for centuries. The tour combines domestic flights and scenic overland drives to explore the rich cultures of the Dorze, Konso, Hamer, Dassenech, Mursi, Karo, Ari, Nyangatom and other ethnic groups of the Omo Valley.

Along the way, experience vibrant markets, traditional ceremonies (when available), unique architecture, agricultural innovations, and striking natural scenery including rivers, savannahs and highlands. This journey is ideal for cultural travelers, photographers and explorers seeking meaningful encounters and a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s living heritage.

Day 1 Drive to Awassa via Butajira. This day you will be able to see different historical places on the way such as Melka Kunture, a stone-age archeological site; Adadi Mariam, a 12th century rock-hewn church and Tiya, a stele from the 12th century considered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Overnight in Awassa

Day 2Visit the fish market on the Lake Awassa and drive to the Dorze Village, known for the beehive-shaped bamboo houses and the fine cotton weaved by their people. Overnight in Arba Minch

Day 3 Visit the local market in the morning and head towards Arba Minch to visit the Nechisar National Park with a boat trip on the Lake Chamo to see crocodiles, hippopotami and abundant bird species. Overnight in Arba Minch

Day 4 Depart to Turmi via Weyto, homeland of the Tsemai tribe and continue to Turmi through Erbore. In Turmi you will meet the Hamer ethnic group, known as for the “bull-jumping” tradition that young men try to accomplish in order to get married. Overnight in Turmi

Day 5 Day Excursion to Omorate by crossing the Omo River by boat to visit the Dassenech tribe. Drive back to Turmi to visit the local Hamer Village. Overnight in Turmi

Day 6 Drive to the village of Kangatan by crossing the Omo River and walking through the local fields to visit the Nyangaton tribe. Afterwards, proceed to the Karo village, known for their body decorations. Drive back for oOvernight in Turmi

Day 7 Drive to Jinka via Dimeka and visit the local market (Tuesdays and Saturdays). Overnight in Jinka

Day 8 Drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi ethnic tribe, known for the clay plates used by the women on their lower lip. In the afternoon, visit the South Omo Museum and Research Center or take a hike to visit the Ari village in the surrounding mountains. Overnight in Jinka

Day 9 Drive to Konso via Key Afar and visit the popular market where Benna and Tsemai tribes trade goods (Thursdays). In Konso, you can also visit the market (Mondays and Thursdays). Overnight in Konso)

Day 10 In Konso, visit the wakas, wooden statues erected in honor of the dead heroes and the 55 km stonewalled terraces and fortified settlements declared as World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and also known as the natural “New York village”. Proceed to Yabello for overnight with time to visit the Wildlife Sanctuary upon arrival

Day 11 Drive to El Sod, homeland of a crater lake with an enormous salt deposit called the “House of Salt” and visit the land of the Borena tribe, a nomadic ethnic group that lives also in Kenya. Continue driving to Yirgalem for overnight

Day 12 Drive back to Addis Ababa via the Rift Valley lakes with a stop at Abiatta-Shala National Park. In the evening, farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant with local dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s ethnic groups. Then Transfer to airport for departure.

Tour Includes

• All domestic flights mentioned in the itinerary
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• All ground transportation in a 4WD vehicle with professional driver
• Fuel, driver allowances, and vehicle insurance
• Accommodation for 11 nights (lodges, hotels, or camps as per itinerary)
• Daily breakfast at all accommodations
• English-speaking professional guide (local guides where required)
• All entrance fees to villages, cultural sites, and national parks
• Community and tribal visit fees
• Local boat crossings (Omo River and other rivers if required)
• Bottled drinking water during road journeys
• Government taxes and service charges

Tour Excludes

• International flights
• Ethiopian visa fees
• Lunches and dinners (unless otherwise specified)
• Camera and video fees charged by local communities
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and local hosts
• Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
• Travel and medical insurance
• Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary
• Expenses caused by unforeseen circumstances (flight delays, weather conditions, road closures)