Addis Ababa

In the morning we will pick you up from the airport or your location in Addis Ababa and depending your flight hours we will take you to National Museum of Ethiopia. Isaac will accompany you in a flight to Jinka.

Jinka is the gateway to the Omo Valley. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transported to the heart of the Hamer tribe's territory 130 km to Turmi town. Along the way, you will visit a tribal market, such as the Keyafer, Alduba, Dimeka Market, or Turmi Market. If it is not a market day, you will visit a village of the Banna tribe en route.

This Thursday market provides a fascinating glimpse into the local culture, as various tribes gather to trade goods, produce, and handmade crafts on Thursdays.

This market provides a fascinating glimpse into the local culture, of the Hamer Tribe as they gather to trade goods, produce, and handmade crafts.

Turmi

Upon arriving in Turmi, you'll be transferred to your hotel to settle in before embarking on an exploration of the town and its culturally rich surroundings. One of the highlights includes visiting the local Hamar tribe, celebrated for their distinct customs and traditions. During your two-night stay, you'll have the exceptional opportunity to witness the Bull Jumping Ceremony, an important cultural ritual for the Hamar people marking a significant rite of passage.

After breakfast in Turmi, a scenic 1-hour drive will take you to Omorate, where you'll embark on a fascinating journey to visit the Dassanech tribe. Crossing the Omo River in a traditional dugout canoe will take you to the other side, where you'll immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Dassanech people. After exploring and interacting with the tribe, you'll return to Turmi for lunch. In the afternoon, depending on availability, you'll have the opportunity to visit a local tribal market or attend a ceremonial event such the Bull Jumping.

Visit the Hamar Tribe Bull Jumping Ceremony if available. The Hamar tribe's Bull Jumping Ceremony is a significant cultural event among the Hamar people in the Omo Valley region. It's a rite of passage for young men transitioning into adulthood.

After breakfast you will drive 1 hour west of Turmi to meet the Karo tribe, renowned for their distinctive body and facial paintings, in their picturesque village along the banks of the Omo River. Here, you'll have the privilege of interacting with the Karo people and visiting a local family who will warmly welcome you into their home. Experience the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a ritual that fosters community and conversation. Engage in meaningful discussions with the family, gaining insights into their daily lives, customs, and traditions. This authentic encounter offers a genuine connection with the Karo people, enriching your understanding of their culture amidst the stunning backdrop of the Omo River.

Jinka

After visiting the Karo villages, a scenic two-hour drive brings you to Jinka. Upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Jinka Museum. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the cultural heritage and diverse traditions of the tribes inhabiting the Omo Valley region, enriching your journey with historical artifacts and exhibits that showcase the depth of Ethiopia's cultural diversity.

Mago National Park

Your day begins with an excursion to Mago National Park, a journey that will take you to visit a Mursi villages. The Mursi are among the most exotic ethnic groups in Ethiopia, known for their distinctive cultural practices and way of life. They live in low huts constructed from straw leaves, a testament to their resourcefulness and adaptation to the environment. One of the most striking aspects of the Mursi culture is the tradition among women to wear terra cotta or wooden plates in their enormously stretched lower lips and ear lobes. This practice, which starts at a young age, is a significant cultural marker and a symbol of beauty and social status within the community.

Konso

After visiting Mago National Park and enjoying lunch in Jinka, we will embark on a 150-kilometer drive to Konso. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the village of the Konso people, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage site. Your visit will include a guided tour of the Konso museum and the chief's compound, where you'll encounter the ancestral graveyard marked with Waka symbols.

Arba Minch

After enjoying a relaxed breakfast, you will set off on a scenic drive to Arbaminch, a town known for its lush environment and beautiful landscapes. Arbaminch, meaning "Forty Springs" in Amharic, After a lunch, you will head to the villages of the Dorze tribe.

Dorze Village

The Dorze people are renowned for their distinctive woven bamboo huts, which are shaped like beehives and can last up to 80 years. These huts are not only architecturally fascinating but also highly functional, as they can be lifted and moved to new locations.

Chamo Lake

In the morning, you will take a boat to Lake Chamo, a lake known for its rich wildlife flora and fauna. hippos, a variety of bird species, and the famous "Crocodile Market" area, where large Nile crocodiles bask in the sun. Following lunch, you will be taken to the airport to catch your flight back to Addis Ababa.