Day 1
Departing from Addis Ababa, we will travel south through Butajira and visit some of the most fascinating archeological sites along the way. This includes Tiya, an ancient stelae field and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Adadi Maryam, a rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela, and Melka Kunture, a pre-historic tool-making site. Overnight Awassa in Hotel.
Day 2
we visit the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa in the morning. After that, we head to Dorze, a village known for its tall beehive-like houses and fine cotton weaving. We will have the opportunity to learn about the daily lives of the locals and immerse ourselves in their unique culture. We then continue to Arba Minch for an overnight stay, where you can choose from camping, hotel or lodge accommodations.
Day 3
On day 3, start your day with a visit to the local market in Dorze (Monday and Thursday) or Chencha (Tuesday and Saturday). Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and immerse yourself in the local culture. Afterwards, continue driving to Arba Minch where you can take a boat trip on Lake Chamo in the afternoon to visit the “crocodile market” and the local hippos. Spend the night in Arba Minch at your choice of accommodations, including camping, hotels, or lodges.
Day 4
we will pass through the village of Weyto, home to the Tsemai tribe. As we continue through the Wey to Valley to Erbore, you will have a chance to visit a local Erbore village and learn about their way of life. Finally, we will arrive at Turmi, where you will experience the fascinating culture of the Hamer tribe, including their traditional night dancing. Overnight Turmi
Day 5
Take a day trip to Omorate and visit the Dassenech tribe. Cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a Dassenech village to learn about their way of life. Return to Turmi (market day on Mondays) and visit a local Hamer village. If there is a traditional Jumping of the Bulls ceremony, that will be visited as well.
Day 6
we depart from Turmi and head to the village of Kangatan. Here we will cross the Omo River and take a short walk through the local fields to visit a village of the Nyangatom tribe. After our visit, we will return across the river and proceed to the Karo village of Korcho. With its stunning location overlooking the Omo River, Korcho is an idyllic place to learn about the Karo people, who are the smallest tribe of the Omo Valley in number, but have a rich and unique culture. Overnight in Turmi (camping, basic hotel or lodge).
Day 7
Depart for Jinka, via Dimeka and Key Afar. Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo. Afterwards, continue to Jinka. Overnight in Jinka (camping, hotel or lodge). On our 12-day South Omo Valley tour, we’ll begin by departing for Jinka via Dimeka and Key Afar. Dimeka has one of the most colorful markets ( Tuesdays and Saturdays ) in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna, and Karo. We’ll continue our journey to Jinka for an overnight stay at a camping site, hotel or lodge.
Day 8
In the morning, drive through the Mago National Park to a local village of the Mursi tribe. The Mursi are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. In the afternoon, after returning to Jinka, you can visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes. Alternatively, take a hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village. Overnight in Jinka (camping, hotel or lodge).
Day 9
After breakfast, depart from Jinka to Konso, via Key Afar. Thursday is market day in Key Afar, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is another very popular market in the region. After the visit, proceed to Konso (market days are Mondays and Thursdays). Overnight in Konso (camping, hotel or lodge).
Day 10
The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, known as wakas, which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as their innovative agricultural terracing. Today you will have the opportunity to visit a local village and the cultural museum displaying many waka statues. Time permitting, you can also visit the “natural New York Village”, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers. After the visit, continue to Yabello. If there is time, visit the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to see zebras. Overnight in Yabello (hotel).
Day 11
Early in the morning, take an excursion south to visit El Sod, a village that is home to a crater lake with a large salt deposit called the House of Salt (chow bet). This is the land of the Borena people, a large nomadic ethnic group that extends deep into Kenya. After the visit, proceed driving to Yirgalem. Here you can enjoy an evening coffee ceremony while watching the hyenas in the surrounding forest. Overnight in Yirgalem (lodge).
Day 12
After breakfast, depart north to Addis Ababa. On the way, you may visit the Abiatta-Shala National Park. Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m. Lake Abiatta is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.