8 days Cultural tour to Omo valley

Day 01   Addis Ababa – Arba Minch

Drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in Southern Ethiopia.  On the way, 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. Overnight Lodge

Day 02   Arba Minch – Jinka

Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles 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 Konso, Tseme, Benna and Ari. Once in Jinka, visit a nearby village of the Ari people. Overnight Lodge

Day 03   Mago National Park

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. Overnight Lodge

Day 04   Jinka – Turmi

Drive to Turmi in the heartland of the Hamer people. The Hamer are known for their body decorations and the clay and ochre that is used to create their unique hairstyles. Turmi is a very small town and nearby we explore a Hamer village and meet some of the locals Overnight Lodge

Day 05   Turmi – Omorate – Turmi

Drive from Turmi to Omorate. Crossing of the Omo River via a traditional canoe (a recently built bridge now also allows for optional crossing via tour vehicle.). Visit a village of another Omo tribe, the Dasanech, a semi nomadic people who are one of the more numerous (about 30,000 people) tribes in the Omo. Return to Turmi in the afternoon. Overnight Lodge

Day 06   Turmi – Konso

Drive to Konso, 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. Each Konso village begins on a hill top. As the population grows a new “ring” of homes are built around the hilltop. When the final “ring” reaches near the bottom of the hill, a new village on a different hill must be built. Look for the “generation pole” located in each village. Every 18 years and new pole is added to the others making it easy to calculate the age of the village. Overnight Lodge

Day 07   Konso – Hawassa

Drive to Hawassa via the Senkele game reserve. This Park is the last pocket of the original Ethiopian Savannah. You will have a chance to spot the endemic Antelope called Swayne`s hartebeest, one the rarest and most elegant animals in all of Africa.  Continue to Hawassa and relax. Overnight Hotel

Day 08   Hawassa – Addis Ababa

Drive to Addis Ababa stopping at Rift Valley Lakes that are renowned for their endemic birdlife.  Upon arrival in 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.