English
DeutschVisit the rapidly changing tribes of the Omo Valley. We will try to incorporate the local markets as they happen.
- Tribes inhabitated around Jinka – Gamo, Derashe, Konso, Tseme, Benna and Ari;
- Mursi People known for clay plates in lips;
- Hamer people known for decorating bodies in clay;
- Dansanch Tribe;
- Konso highland people;
- Dorze people known for beehive shaped bamboo houses;
- Boat trip on Lake Chamo;
- Addis sights;
Best time to visit: From June through March. April and May are rainy season.
| Accommodation | Destination | Basis | Room Type | Duration |
| Saro-Maria Hotel | Addis Ababa | FB+ | 1x Standard Room | 1 Night |
| Paradise Lodge | Arba Minch | FB+ | 1x Standard Room | 1 Night |
| Eco-Omo Safari Lodge | Jinka | FB+ | 1x Standard Unit | 2 Nights |
| Buska Lodge | Turmi | FB+ | 1x Standard Room | 2 Nights |
| Kanta Lodge | Konso | FB+ | 1x Standard Unit | 1 Night |
| Haile Resort | Hawassa | FB+ | 1x Standard Room | 1 Night |
Key: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Price
US$2,383.-per person, sharing occupancy. 2 persons travelling together.
US$2,299.- per person, sharing occupancy, 5 persons travelling together.
Single room surcharge US$200.-
Price valid 2021.
Included
Accommodation and meals as per package, Entrance fees for all sites and parks listed in the journey. Experienced tour guide. Ground transportation in tour vehicle.
Excluded
International flight to Addis Ababa. Photography or video fees at sights, if applicable. Visa; Travel and evacuation insurance.
Day 1: Saro-Maria Hotel, Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Situated in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia boasts extraordinary natural features, a vast range of wildlife, and a captivating historical and cultural heritage. An increasing number of visitors are frequenting this treasure trove filled with unique attractions. Popular attractions include: the medieval castles of Gondar; the walled city of Harar; and Lalibela, a pilgrimage site known for its ancient monolithic churches, hewn into the area’s steep rocky hillsides. Ethiopia’s stunning natural landscapes are the real tourist drawcard. From the lush Simien Mountains to the sulphur vents of the Danakil Depression, the country’s outstanding natural environment is unforgettable. Bahir Dar, located on Lake Tana, is popular as a base from which to explore the fascinating monasteries situated on the numerous islands dotted around the lake, as well as the Blue Nile Falls, which are arguably the most spectacular falls in North Africa.
Addis Ababa
Located in the highlands fringing the Great Rift Valley, Addis Ababa serves as the political, cultural and commercial centre of Ethiopia. This sprawling city rests in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains and features a mix of traditional homes, elegant villas, and tall office buildings. Visitors can look forward to a selection of wonderful activities including: visiting the National Museum, displaying local art, traditional crafts and prehistoric fossils; exploring the copper-domed Holy Trinity Cathedral, a Neo-Baroque architectural landmark; and sampling rich Ethiopian coffee as well as the memorable cuisine featuring spicy stews and Ethiopia’s signature Injera bread.
Day Itinerary
Arrive at Bole International Airport. Our representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. For morning arrivals, visit the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. As time allows, visit the Mercato, one of Africa’s largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Overnight: Saro-Maria Hotel
Strategically located in the prime business area in the city of Addis Ababa within walking distance of shopping malls, the Saro-Maria Hotel provides accommodation in 96 rooms ranging from standard to superior deluxe, all with satellite TV, tea-coffee-making equipment, Wi-Fi, safety deposit boxes, mini bars, and telephones. The private bathrooms feature bathtubs and/or showers and bathrobes, towels, and complimentary toiletries are provided.
The hotel features a restaurant serving international cuisines and an Italian restaurant. There is also a bar where guests can relax with a drink. Other facilities include free private parking, free Wi-Fi throughout the premises, a gift shop, a spa with a steam bath and sauna, and a free shuttle service.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Day 2: Paradise Lodge, Arba Minch
Arba Minch
Situated in southern Ethiopia at the base of the western side of the Great Rift Valley, the city of Arba Minch is the largest city in the Gamo Gofa Zone. Surrounded by forested mountains and home to two of Ethiopia’s largest Rift Valley Lakes, Arba Minch is named after the abundant springs found in the area. This resort town rests on the edge of Lake Chamo where it has a stunning view of the aptly named ‘Bridge of God’, an isthmus that separates Lake Chamo from the neighbouring Lake Abaya. This stretch of land is home to zebras, gazelle, kudus and other wildlife. The Dorze village is also a popular attraction in Arba Minch – here tourists can visit the famous beehive huts built by the Dorze tribe.
Day Itinerary
Drive to Arba Minch via Hoseana. En route visit Adadi Mariam, a 12th century rock-hewn church; and Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its mysterious stelae, thought to be grave markers, dating from the 12th century . Approximate driving time 10 hours.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge
A secluded lodge located in the town of Arba Minch, 505 km south of Addis Ababa, Paradise Lodge Arbaminch overlooks the forest of Nech Sar National Park and two lakes of the Rift Valley. Accommodation options include bamboo-thatched Gamo styled huts that are built with an outdoor veranda with a view of the lakes, or huts that are set in the gardens of the lodge grounds. Each hut is equipped with a bathroom with shower, a mosquito net, a reading table, and a minibar. Lodge facilities include Wi-Fi in the lobby, a fitness centre, a spa, a restaurant and bar, and a swimming pool.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Day 3: Eco-Omo Safari Lodge, Jinka
Jinka
Located in southwestern Ethiopia, near the borders of Sudan and Kenya, Jinka is the largest town in the Debub Omo Zone. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. This remote market town is home to the Mursi people, who are well known for their elaborate lip plates made of clay. At the South Omo Research Center and Museum, visitors can learn more about the Mursi, as well as other groups in the region, through a series of exhibits detailing the cultures and customs of local tribes. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby Mago National Park, where abundant wildlife finds shelter in the dense acacia woodland.
Day Itinerary
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka through areas inhabited by various peoples such as the Gamo, Derashe, Konso, Tseme, Benna and Ari. Stop at Key Afar’s weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes that have gathered to barter their goods. Approximate driving time 5 hours.
Overnight: Eco-Omo Safari Lodge
Welcome to Eco-Omo Safari Lodge. This unique lodge is located in Jinka, in the heart of the Omo Valley, just outside the town and bordering the Neri River on the way to Mago National Park.
The lodge is based on 4 hectares of green area, and has a coffee plantation, vegetable and herb garden and fruit trees like banana, mango, papaya, oranges, lemon etc which all make part of our restaurant menu.
The lodge is eco friendly, based on low impact concept, constructed using as much as possible natural materials and at the same time creating a good harmony with nature. The rooms are high quality tents placed on wooden platforms, which in turn are covered with a second roof made of grass.
The Omo valley has been preserved till now thanks to its geographical position. Here are found 18 diverse tribes untouched by modern civilization. The nature, often endemic to this part of Ethiopia, offers magnificent attraction for bird watching and trekking activities.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Day 4: Eco-Omo Safari Lodge, Jinka
Day Itinerary
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Day 5: Buska Lodge, Turmi
Turmi
This small market town in southwestern Ethiopia functions as a central transport hub as well as an important meeting point for the area’s weekly Monday market. The local Hamer inhabitants of the surrounding villages flock here to buy and sell local produce and handicrafts. Visitors to the area can enjoy culturally fascinating guided tours of the surrounding villages. Popular cultural attractions include traditional Hamer dance performances and exhilarating ‘Jumping of the Bulls’ ceremonies which form the culmination of a three-day long rite of passage for any young man within the Hamer tribe.Turmi is a great choice of destination for travellers in search of a unique and authentic African experience in one of the most remote places on the continent.
Day Itinerary
Drive to Turmi, home of the Hamer people, stopping to see the various tribes such as the Ari, and the Benna. The Banna are known for decorating their bodies with clay. The Hamer are known for their body decorations and the clay and ochre that they put in their hair. Driving time approximately 3 hours.
Overnight: Buska Lodge
Situated in Omo Valley in the heart of Southern Ethiopia, Biska Lodge is an eco-lodge that overlooks the plains of Buska Mountain and is conveniently located within easy reach of the tribes of Omo Valley. Accommodation options include standard bedrooms and roofed camping islands. Standard bedrooms are equipped with bathrooms facilities, Wi-Fi and mosquito nets. Amenities include a massage service, and a restaurant and bar. The location is ideal for the culturally curious to learn about the unique practices and beliefs of the various tribes of Omo Valley.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Day 6: Buska Lodge, Turmi
Day Itinerary
Excursion to Omorate visiting the Dasanch Tribe. Return to Turmi and explore more of the Hamer tribe and the villages.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Day 7: Kanta Lodge, Konso
Konso
Resting alongside the Sagan River in south-western Ethiopia, Konso (also known as Karati) is famous for its incredible display of human adaptation to challenging geographical conditions. The landscape here is arid, dry and hilly, but the people created a unique system of living: stone walled terraces and fortified settlements up the hillsides, which stop soil erosion, collect the maximum amount of water, and create terraced fields for agricultural use. The community has succeeded in growing millet, corn, and many other grains using this system, and also raise cattle, sheep and goats. The system was put in place more than 400 years ago, and many other wonderful ancient cultural traditions remain. Groups of anthropomorphic wooden statues pay homage to respected community members and heroic events, while a complex decorative stone system marks the passing of generations of leaders.
Day Itinerary
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages. Approximate driving time 3 hours.
Overnight: Kanta Lodge
Kanta Lodge is located in the beautiful town of Konso, Ethiopia. Guests are sure to enjoy comfortable tukuls that feature ensuite bathrooms. The lodge also features a restaurant with a terrace that offers picturesque views of the valley.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Day 8: Haile Resort, Hawassa
Hawassa
Situated on the shores of Lake Awassa, Hawassa serves as the capital of southern Ethiopia. Also known as Awassa or Awasa, it is one of the country’s fastest growing settlements and is establishing itself as a popular resort town with a variety of attractions including a bustling market, a vibrant nightlife and impressive cultural sites like the St. Gabriel Orthodox Church. Visitors are also treated to splendid views of the lake and the Great Rift Valley beyond it. The lake offers great opportunities for fishing, bird watching and even catching a glimpse of some lurking local hippos.
Day Itinerary
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. En route, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location. Approximate driving time 6 hours.
Overnight: Haile Resort
A warm southern Ethiopian welcome awaits you at Haile Resort, a low-rise resort-style hotel encompassing of tropical beauty. The idyllic lake of Hawassa with its spectacular lake view and azure waters offers a unique experience of Ethiopian culture. The Haile Resort captures the spirit of the island in a resort that combines its abundant natural beauty with refined luxury. The resort is located in 52000 SQM of beautiful sub-tropical beauty with a 1000 SQM lake front.The Resort offers a rich variety of dining experiences ranging from all day dining restaurant serving global cuisine, to Multi cuisine Restaurant and a signature of Asian & Classic Haike restaurant under the direction of the executive chef.
Basis
Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Day 9: End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
Drive to Addis Ababa. Optional souvenir shopping if time permits. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure or additional hotel night booked upon request. Approximate driving time 5 hours.
Basis
Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
