Omo Valley

Isolated for millennia from the rest of the world, the beautiful Omo Valley is home to an exciting mix of many small and distinctive tribal groups. Amongst others, we find the Karo, the Mursi, and the Hamer — all of whom have retained their own unique customs and traditions.

    Tribal Tour and Safari to the Ethiopian Great Rift Valley and Omo Valley — 9 Days

    Isolated for millennia from the rest of the world, the beautiful Omo Valley is home to an exciting mix of many small and distinctive tribal groups. Amongst others, we find the Karo, the Mursi, and the Hamer — all of whom have retained their own unique customs and traditions.

    Lifestyles are as varied as the tribes themselves. Lacking any material, culture and artifacts common to other cultures, these tribes find unique ways in which to express their artistic impulses. Both the Surma and the Karo, for example, are experts at body painting, using clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on each other's faces, chests, arms, and legs. These designs are created purely for fun and aesthetic effect, each artist vying to outdo the others.

    Trip Highlights

    • Meet various ethnic groups.
    • Experience the natural beauty of the country from the stunning savannah plains and elaborately terraced hillsides to the vast coffee fields.
    • See the elaborate hairstyles and personal adornment.
    • Visit colorful and exuberant African markets.
    • Tour the vibrant city of Addis Ababa.
    • Meet your ancestor Lucy at the National Museum in Addis Ababa.
    • Try the varied Ethiopian food.
    • Attend an Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

    Itinerary

    Day 1: Addis Ababa

    Arrive at Bole airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the transfer to hotel. If you arrive in the morning, we can arrange an optional city tour.

    Day 2: Addis Ababa, Arba Minch

    In the morning, we drive south of Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley to Arba Minch enroute visiting the Rift Valley lakes of Ziway, Abiata, and Shalla.

    Day 3: Arba Minch, Nechsar National Park, Lake Chamo

    In the morning, will have a game drive around the Nechsar National Park. In the afternoon, we will take a boat ride on Lake Chamo to see some of the biggest African crocodiles and hippopotamuses.

    Day 4: Arba Minch, Turmi

    After an early breakfast, we will drive to Jinka enroute visiting different cultural peoples and their villages including the Konso.

    Day 5: Turmi, Omorate

    In the cool morning, we will drive to Omorate to visit the Desanech (Geleb) tribal village after crossing the Omo River by boat.

    In the afternoon, we will visit to Hamer village. Here, we will enjoy seasonal cultural activities including the famous Evangadi (Hamer dancing).

    Day 6: Turmi, Keyafer, Jinka

    After breakfast, we will drive to Jinka through Keyafer. At Keyefer, we will visit the colorful weekly Keyafer market.

    Day 7: Jinka, Mursi, Jinka

    After an early breakfast, we will drive from Jinka to Mursi village. After our visit to the Mursi village, we will have a picnic lunch in Mago National Park and continue driving back to Jinka through the park.

    Day 8: Jinka, Arba Minch

    In the morning, we will drive back to Arba Minch with brief stops to visit different villages including Erbore and Tsemay.

    Day 9: Arba Minch, Tia, Addis Ababa, Departure

    After breakfast, we drive to Addis Ababa through Butajira enroute visiting different tribal villages and seeing the typical housing styles of the Gurage and the Oromo.

    In the evening, there will be farewell dinner party with a traditional special buffet and local drinks (flight schedule permitting). After the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back. End of tour.

    Additional Info

    • Trip Type: Tribal Tour
    • TourCode: GHET-005
    • JourneyType: Private Journey
    • TourDuration: 9 Days
    • Activities/Description: The Omo Valley is a classic Ethiopian/African destination with incredible safari opportunities and many unique tribal highlights. This can be tailored to your interests.
    Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours has been operating responsible travel activity and adventure holidays in Ethiopia for more than a decade.Travel to Ethiopia with Grand Holidays Ethiopia Tours and discover amazing Ethiopia. We have a wide selection of holiday tour packages including the following: cultural tours for groups and individuals, family holiday options, varied adventure tours and travel packages, photo expeditions, trekking adventure holidays, cultural explorations in the Omo Valley, and photo tours in Ethiopia. We are the local travel specialists and the leading Ethiopian tour operator based in Addis Ababa. Contact us for your holiday in Ethiopia.
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