Ethiopia, often referred to as the "Land of Origins," is a country brimming with rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a diverse tapestry of cultures. Nestled in the Horn of Africa, this East African nation is renowned for its unique and ancient heritage, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking to explore its multifaceted history and vibrant cultures. One of the most intriguing regions within Ethiopia is the Omo Valley, located in the southwest part of the country. This remote and relatively untouched region is home to an array of indigenous tribes, each with their own distinctive traditions, languages, and ways of life. The tribes of the Omo Valley represent a living connection to humanity's past, offering a rare opportunity to delve into the fascinating tapestry of human existence. We will embark on a journey to explore Ethiopia's Omo Valley and the remarkable tribes that inhabit it. Dive into the unique cultures, practices, and traditions of these communities, gaining a deeper understanding of their way of life and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world.
About me: I’m Kathi, 27 years old and born in Austria. I already organized many JoinMyTrip group trips, and it was always a lot of fun! Traveling is my passion and I truly enjoy planning trips. You can find all my trips when you click on my profile. Or read more about me here: https://www.joinmytrip.com/en/t/tripleader/kathichristalon
Accommodation: Our accommodations will be a combination of hotels, lodges and camping. Please note that standards might not be the same as in Europe etc. and especially in rural locations, will be basic. This itinerary is for adventure lovers as we will drive through the off-roads and stay in the bushes. Feel free to ask all your questions in the Q&A section - See you in beautiful Ethiopia!
What's included?
Accommodation
All meals
Private driver and local guide
4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser
Airport Transfer
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Most likely, you will be arriving early in the morning! Since it is a long drive to get to Omo valley, we directly start driving to Hawassa via Butajera. On the way, visit the rock hewn church of Adadi Mariam, which believes carved by King Lalibela at the end of 12th C and the steles of Tiya, which carved from monolithic stones and used as tomb for the soldiers who died between the age of 18 and 22. And also the Stele of Tiya registered on the UNESCO Album as one of the world heritage sites.
2
Hawassa
Day 2-3
After breakfast drive to the lake Awassa to visit the colorful water birds and Fish market, where people are buying fresh fish from fishermen; And then drive directly to the lakeside town of Arba Minch. On the way visit two different village, one is Alaba village and the second one is the Dorze people who live on the Guge Mounatin and are famous for their beehive bamboo house and weaving skill; In their society, it is a taboo for men to spin the cotton and also taboo for the women to make a traditional cloth.
3
Arba Minch
Day 3-4
Early morning, drive to Nechi Sar National Park to visit many species of birds and mammals. Nechi Sar National Park, located in the rift valley. It is enriched with many species of birds and mammals; African orange-bellied parrots, bustards, weavers, Somber rock-chat, yellow-throated serine, Red-fronted barbet, Pygmy baits, Lesser striped swallow, and Anubis Baboon, Black-backed Jackal, Bat-eared Fox, Egyptian Mongoose, Warthog, Soemmerring’s Gazelle, Lesser Kudu, Salt’s Dik-dik, etc. After lunch will have a boat trip on the 3rd largest lake in Ethiopia called Chamo; which famous for big Crocodile, Hippos, and water birds.
4
Jinka
Day 4-5
After breakfast, we drive to Weyto via the town of Key Afer. On the way visit the Konso village, where you see colorfully costumed dress, impressive terracing of the land, annually engraved wooden status used as grave markers and community house. We will then drive to Weyto for Lunch. After Lunch, we continue driving to the town of Jinka. En route, visit the Tsemay people, who give right for girls to choose their husband before marriage. In the Tsemay society, the brides eat together only during their honeymoon time and the rest of their life, they will not eat together.
5
Turmi
Day 5-6
Early in the morning, we drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people with their village. The Mursi are well known for the large clay discs that the women wear inserted in their slit lower lips; The Mursi women start cutting their lips between the age of 12 and 16 years and then after they cut their lips, they put small wooden plugs and change every night with the big one to stretch the lips till their lips can hold 6-inch round clay. The Mursi men wear very little, although a cotton wrap is becoming more & more common. After lunch we drive to Turmi via Dimeka.
6
Turmi
Day 6-7
Early in the morning, we drive to Korocho village to visit the Karo tribe! They are famous for body decoration during the ceremony. In the old time, Men were famous for body scars. By counting of the scars, you can identify how many people he killed. In the afternoon we visit the Hammer village, where we might see kids playing in the compound or women decorating their hair by using red soil, water and cow butter. Hamer people have a bull jumping ceremony. This ceremony is a transformation for young boys from young to adulthood. During the ceremony, you see the real Hamer traditional dance called Eveangadi.
7
Turmi
Day 7-8
The next day, we will drive to the city of Omorate to visit the Dassench people, who live across the Omo River. Afterwards, we drive back to Turmi. We will stay in tents during the visit of the tribes.
8
Arba Minch
Day 8-9
We will drive to Arba Minch via Arbore. On the way, will have a stop at the Arbore tribe. With a total population of 6850, the Abore population is divided into just four villages. Like for the majority of other tribes of the Omo Valley, cows, goats and sheep are the main source of existence and value for Arbore.
9
Langano
Day 9-10
Drive to lake Langano via the town of Shashemene, where Rasta people (Jamaicans who worship Emperor Haile Selassie). On the way, we will visit one of the Welayata people with their village. We will stay overnight at a beach side lodge.
10
Addis Ababa
Day 10-11
Enjoy on the beach till 10:30 and then drive back to Addis. On the way, visit Lake Ziway, where you see the Colorful water birds and it is the largest lake from the Northern Rift Valley Lakes. Evening after the dinner program in one of the traditional restaurants.
11
Addis Ababa
Day 11-12
Today we have a full day city tour in Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum, where you see the famous fossil Lucy, who was 3.2 million years old, the Ethnographic Museum, Entoto St. Mary Museum, St. Trinity Cathedral church, and Merkato market, the largest open-air market in Africa.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel & Bed & Breakfast & Camping & Other
12 days trip
Addis Ababa, Hawassa & 9 more
Transportation
Car
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What's excluded?
Flights
Personal expenses
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