12 Days Tribes of the Omo Valley
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About This Experience in Addis Ababa
Why Visit Addis Ababa?
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Addis Ababa provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Addis Ababa
You can reach Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Purified bottled water
- English Speaking guide
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Camera or Videos fees if and where applicable
- Tips, telephone, laundry and other personal expenses
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.
Itinerary
Drive to Awassa
Depart south from Addis Ababa via Butajira 3 hours
Depart south from Addis Ababa via Butajira. On the way you will visit the archeological sites of Tiya (ancient stelae field and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Adadi Maryam (a rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela) and Melka Kunture (pre-historic tool-making site). Final destination for the day is Awassa. Overnight in Awassa (hotel)
Drive from Awassa to Dorze
n the morning after breakfast, visit the fish... 10 hours
n the morning after breakfast, visit the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa and then proceed driving to Dorze, set in the highlands above Arba Minch. The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. If today is market day (in Dorze village on Monday and Thursday and in nearby Chencha on Tuesday and Saturday), that will be visited.
Drive to Arba Minch
In the morning, visit the local market in... 9 hours
In the morning, visit the local market in Dorze (Monday and Thursday) or Chencha (Tuesday and Saturday). Afterwards, continue driving to Arba Minch. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “crocodile market”, and the local hippos.
Drive form Arba Minch to Turmi
After breakfast, depart from Arba Minch to Turmi 9 hours
After breakfast, depart from Arba Minch to Turmi. On the way you will pass through the village of Weyto (market day Saturday), which is home to the Tsemai tribe. Continue through the Weyto Valley to Erbore, where you will have a brief visit to a local Erbore village (market day is Saturday). Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. At night, you can see the traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as evangadi.
Drive to Dassenech tribe
In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe 9 hours
In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe. Here you will cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a Dassenech village. Afterwards, return to Turmi (Monday is market day) for a visit to a local Hamer village. If there is Jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony, that will be visited.
Drive to the Omo river
Early morning depart from Turmi to the village of Kangatan 10 hours
Early morning depart from Turmi to the village of Kangatan. Here you will cross the Omo River and take a short walk through the local fields to visit a village of the Nyangatom tribe. After the visit, return across the river and proceed to the Karo village of Korcho, with a stunning location lookin over the Omo River. The Karo people, while the smallest tribe of the Omo Valley in number, are also known to be the most decorated. After the visit, return to Turmi for another opportunity to see Jumping of the Bulls. Overnight in Turmi (camping, basic hotel or lodge).
Travel to Jinka
Depart for Jinka, via Dimeka and Key Afar 9 hours
Depart for Jinka, via Dimeka and Key Afar. Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo. Afterwards, continue to Jinka.
Drive through the Mago National park to Mursi and Ari village
In the morning, drive through the Mago National... 9 hours
In the morning, drive through the Mago National Park to a local village of the Mursi tribe. The Mursi are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. In the afternoon, after returning to Jinka, you can visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes. Alternatively, take a hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.
Drive to Konso
After breakfast, depart from Jinka to Konso, via Key Afar 9 hours
After breakfast, depart from Jinka to Konso, via Key Afar. Thursday is market day in Key Afar, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is another very popular market in the region. After the visit, proceed to Konso (market days are Mondays and Thursdays).
Konso - Yabello
The Konso people are known for their wooden... 9 hours
The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, known as wakas, which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as their innovative agricultural terracing. Today you will have the opportunity to visit a local village and the cultural museum displaying many waka statues. Time permitting, you can also visit the “natural New York Village”, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers. After the visit, continue to Yabello. If there is time, visit the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to see zebras.
Drive to Borena
Early in the morning, take an excursion south... 9 hours
Early in the morning, take an excursion south to visit El Sod, a village that is home to a crater lake with a large salt deposit called the House of Salt (chow bet). This is the land of the Borena people, a large nomadic ethnic group that extends deep into Kenya. After the visit, proceed driving to Yirgalem. Here you can enjoy an evening coffee ceremony while watching the hyenas in the surrounding forest.
Drive back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, depart north to Addis Ababa 9 hours
After breakfast, depart north to Addis Ababa. On the way, you may visit the Abiatta-Shala National Park. Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m. Lake Abiatta is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
