Ethiopia Cultural Tour to the Omo Valley
The Omo Valley in Southern Ethiopia is the best place to explore the colorful culture of Ethiopia tribes. Book this Omo Valley Cultural Tour and visit Benna, Hamer, Mursi, Karo, Geleb, Arbore and Borena people.
TOUR CODE  DURATION  SITE TO  VISITE  TRANSPORT
AAT1119 18 DAYS/17 NIGHTS SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA OMO VALLEY SURFACE

ITINERARY

Departure Day: Daily Guaranteed Departure with 2 participants minimum

The Omo Valley in Southern Ethiopia is a little visited area of Ethiopia containing some of the most colorful tribes and ethnic groups. The fascinating costumes, colorful ceremonies and celebrations, arts, crafts, music and dance of the Benna, Hamer, Mursi, Karo, Geleb, Arbore and Borena people are very special. In the Omo Valley region many of the tribal groups have changed little over hundreds of years and they offer the visitor extraordinary insight into a variety of traditional cultures. On this trip, you get truly off the beaten track, exploring little visited villages and vibrant tribal markets of the Southern Ethiopia.

Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis Ababa
On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Ambassador Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight Ambassador Hotel                                   

Day 2: Drive Arba Minch  
Drive to Arba Minch via Wolayta Sodo, about 505 km south of Addis Ababa. This drive will take us along some of the Rift Valley Lakes and we will stop shortly at Lake Ziway, best known for its birdlife. We will also drive through the Wolayta farmlands, with views of the lush green hills and valleys. You arrive late in the afternoon at Arba Minch - meaning 'Forty Springs' in Amharic. Arba Minch takes its name from the bubbling streams that cover the groundwater forest occupying the flats of the town. Overnight Bekele Molla hotel  
Day 3: Nech Sar National Park and Boat trip on Lake Chamo
Morning Visit Nech Sar National Park for game viewing and birding; afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo. Boat trip on Lake Chamo is along the best anywhere in Ethiopia. One can spot many Hippos and the world's most spectacular concentrations of Giant Crocodiles (It is locally called as "Crocodile Market"). The water birds are great the scenery is truly unforgettable. Fishing for Nile Perch and many other species by locals on their traditional boat is by far the best in the country. Overnight Bekele Molla hotel  

Day 4: Drive Jinka  
If the day is Thursday, Key Afer Market can be visited en route.  After break fast drive to Konso where colorfully costumed dress, impressive terracing of the Land and unusually engraved wooden statues used as grave markers can be seen. Further along the route visit the Woito people live in the area around Woito River and Tsemay village. Continue driving to Jinka for overnight in Jinka Resort Hotel.  

Day 5: Jinka - Mursi- Jinka
After breakfast leave Jinka and drive to Mursi village to visit and appreciate the very attractive culture of Mursi tribe. They are renowned for the strange custom followed by their women who, on reaching maturity, have their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted. Proceed to Mago National Park. After a picnic lunch in the late afternoon drive back to Jinka. Overnight Jinka Resort Hotel
 
Day 6: Jinka – Turmi  
After breakfast drive to Turmi through Dimeka for the visit of Hamer people and their village. Turmi is a small town, which is the base to visit the Hamer village. Hamers have remarkable hairstyles made from ochre, water, and binding resin. They rub the mixture into their hair then twist the strands repeatedly to create coppery-coloured locks. This is a sign of wealth and welfare. Hamers are considered to be masters of body decoration.  Overnight camping at Turmi  

Day 7: Turmi –  Murulle excursion – Turmi
After break fast drive to Murule and visit the Karo People. You will be driving through the Hamer village, which is good opportunity to know the way of life of the Hamer people. The Karos are famous for tattooing, scaring and body painting. They reside by the side of the Omo River. After your visit  drive back to Turmi. Overnight Camping at Turmi  
 
Day 8: Turmi - Omorate - excursion – Turmi
Morning drive to Omorate to visit the Gelab (Dassanech) tribe inhabiting the riverbanks of Omo River. We cross Omo River by a small boat and walk fifteen minutes to visit their village. The Gelabs are also known for their body painting as their neighboring. In the  afternoon drive back to Turmi and visit one of the Hamer villages. Overnight Camping at Turmi       

Day 9: Turmi – Yabello
Drive to   Yabello visiting the Arbore and the Tsemay people en route. After lunch stop at Konso, continue to the region of Oromo Borena and visit their village. The drive this day will let you to experience the life of the Oromo Borena People who is well known in cattle rearing. You also visit the Oromo Borena People villages and their 'singing well' from which they cater water to their own thousands of cattle by singing.   Overnight Yabello Motel

Day 10: Yabello - Yerga Alem
Drive from Yabello to Yerg Alem over a beautiful Sidamo mountains &   coffee plantation.  Late afternoon visit the Hyenas around the loge. Overnight Aregash Loge

Day 11: Yerga Alem - Addis Ababa Then Departure
Drive back to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley lakes Via Awassa. At Awasssa visit the fish Market where the local people buy fish from the fisher men. En route we will stop on the viewpoints for the Rift Valley Lakes of Shala, Abyta and Langano. In the Evening a fare well diner party in one of the Traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dances from the different ethnic Groups. Transfer out to the airport for departure back to home.


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