Begin a captivating six-day journey through Ethiopia, commencing from Addis Ababa and traversing diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestries. Highlights include encounters with the Oromo, Gurage, and Silte peoples, boat excursions on Lake Chamo to witness Africa’s longest crocodiles and lazing hippos, and immersive experiences with tribes like the Mursi and Hamer. Marvel at the Karo people’s striking body adornments, explore vibrant markets, and admire the agricultural terracing practices of the Konso. Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive back to Addis Ababa, taking in the breathtaking Rift Valley lakes along the way. This tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Ethiopia’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Itinerary
Upon arriving at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will board an early morning Ethiopian Airlines domestic flight (approx. 7:30 AM) to Jinka. After arriving around 8:30 AM, you will be transferred to Jinka town. The late morning and afternoon are dedicated to cultural exploration, starting with a visit to the Ari Village, home to one of the Omo Valley's largest and most culturally advanced tribes. Here, you will discover their traditional practices in pottery, metalwork, and coffee brewing. Following the village visit, you will gain insights into the region's diverse ethnography at the Jinka Museum. In the evening, transfer to Eco Omo Lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.
Begin the day early with a drive into Mago National Park (approx. 2.5–3 hours) to visit a Mursi village. The Mursi are famously known for the clay lip plates worn by their women and their tradition of body scarification. After the culturally intense visit, you will return to Jinka for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a significant drive (approx. 4.5 hours) south to Turmi, the heartland of the Hamer tribe, passing through the towns of Key Afer and Dimeka. Upon arrival, check into Buska Lodge or Turmi Lodge. If there is an ongoing celebration, you may have the opportunity to attend a traditional Evangadi dance performed by Hamer youth before your overnight stay.
The morning starts with an excursion to Omorate (approx. 1.5–2 hours), located near the Omo River and the Kenyan border. Here, you will cross the river in a traditional dugout canoe to visit the Dassanech tribe, who are known for their resilience in this harsh environment. After returning to Turmi for lunch, the afternoon takes you to Korcho village (approx. 1.5 hours) to meet the Karo people. The Karo are renowned for their intricate body and face painting rituals and offer stunning panoramic views of the Omo River and valley. Return to Buska Lodge for dinner and your overnight accommodation.
After breakfast, depart Turmi and begin the northbound journey to Konso (approx. 5–6 hours). This day is primarily a travel day punctuated by the unique culture of the Konso people. In the afternoon, you will visit a Konso village, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour will highlight their elaborate stone-walled terraces, the distinctive waka funerary statues, and their fascinating age-based generation system. Check in at Kanta Lodge in the evening, a peaceful eco-lodge, where you may enjoy a traditional Konso dinner and cultural presentation before settling in for the night.
In the morning, depart Konso and drive towards the Dorze village (approx. 2.5–3 hours), situated high in the Guge Mountains, offering magnificent views over Arba Minch. The afternoon is spent exploring this unique village. You will admire their towering, beehive-shaped bamboo houses, learn about their traditional weaving of shammas and gabis, and explore the cultivation and preparation of enset (false banana), including tasting kocho, a fermented bread. Conclude the day with a short drive (approx. 45 minutes) down to Arba Minch, where you will check into Haile Resort or Paradise Lodge for your overnight stay.
The final morning features a highlight of Southern Ethiopia: a 2-hour boat trip on Lake Chamo. This excursion takes you to the renowned "Nile crocodile market" to see large crocodiles basking, observe hippo pods, and spot various African fish eagles and other birdlife. Following the boat trip, you will return to the hotel for checkout and lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Arba Minch Airport to catch your domestic flight back to Addis Ababa (approx. 4:00 PM departure, 5:00 PM arrival), marking the end of the tour.
Optional arrangements for a farewell dinner or cultural show in Addis Ababa can be made if you are departing late or the following day.
