Tribal Ethiopia Tours

Introducing Colors of the Omo Valley

An Exploration into Ethiopia's Tribal Heartland

Embark on a journey of awe-inspiring beauty and cultural immersion as we venture into the heart of Ethiopia's Omo Valley. This extraordinary expedition will take you through a kaleidoscope of experiences, from the breathtaking landscapes of the Rift Valley Lakes to encounters with fascinating tribes whose rich traditions and vibrant way of life have captivated the world.

Prepare to be enthralled by the diverse avian and wildlife species that inhabit the region, and be enchanted by the extraordinary adornments of the Hamer and Mursi people, who proudly wear their heritage on their sleeves – or rather, their lips. With each passing day, you'll witness the wonders of nature and the tapestry of human culture intertwine, creating an unforgettable odyssey of discovery. Join us on this remarkable journey through Ethiopia's Omo Valley and be transported to a world where time-honored traditions and captivating landscapes converge in a mesmerizing symphony of colors, traditions, and authenticity.

Destination Highlights

Day by day Tour Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ADDIS ABABA & CITY TOUR

Fly to Addis Ababa; upon arrival at Bole international airport, your hospitality begins. We provide you with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel.

This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Addis Ababa, a pleasant capital city with wide jacaranda-edged avenues, interesting museums, and lively markets. Start our visit with the Ethnological Museum for an overview of Ethiopia's history, culture, and traditions, and its collections from thousand-year-old nomadic tribes.

Next, see the beautiful baroque-styled Holy Trinity Cathedral, which contains the thrones and the tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie (the last king of Ethiopia) and some other members of the royal family. We end up the city tour by inviting you to the oldest and best coffee roaster and coffee shop-Tomoca. Not only do they serve fantastic Ethiopian coffee, but they also offer other fine coffees.

Overnight in Addis Ababa

DAY 2: FLY TO JINKA

A short domestic flight takes you to Jinka where you will meet your vehicle waiting at the airport. You are entering an area where the people living their authentic tribal life. Nowadays a vanishing lifestyle. More than at any other place, we should not forget that we are the visitors and act responsibly.

In the afternoon, we visit the Jinka museum at the South Omo Research Centre to learn more about the people living in the area and we visit the Ari people who have adopted a much more 'Western' lifestyle than their neighbors we are going to meet in the coming days.

Overnight in Jinka

DAY 3: EXCURSION TO MAGO NATIONAL PARK AND VISIT MURSI TRIBE

Today your journey begins early in the morning with an excursion to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi village. They are possibly the most famous residents of the South Omo Valley. The men of the Mursi tribe are renowned warriors, and Mursi women are famous for the lip plates they use for adornment. Learn about the incredibly unique culture.

Having lunch in Jinka, continue to Turmi, crossing an area where Ari, Benna, and eventually Hamer people are living.

Overnight in Turmi

DAY 4: EXCURSION TO VISIT DASSENECH

After breakfast, your drive will take you through flat-open savannah land and go via Omorate on the eastern banks of the Omo River. Crossing the river by local dugout canoe, you reach the homeland of Dassenech and visit one of their villages. They are agro-pastoralists, herd cattle, and practice flood retreat cultivation on both sides of the river.

You return to Turmi and spend the afternoon visiting some small Hamer villages. The Hamer people are particularly beautiful and are most distinguishable by their hair, which they style into thick braids with red mud and lard. They wear thick copper bracelets and necklaces, and elaborate costumes with cowrie shells, beads, and leather.

Overnight in Turmi

DAY 5: EXCURSION TO VISIT KARA

This morning you take an excursion to Korcho and visit the Karo tribe who are very famous for their body painting. The Karo people use clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on each other's faces, chests, arms, and legs. Karo men, as with neighboring tribes, are also famous for their unique hairstyle.

Overnight in Turmi

DAY 6: DRIVE TO ARBA MINCH VIA ELBORE

Departing Turmi after breakfast, we head for Weyto. Lying midway between Konso and Key Afar, the village is home to the Tsemai and Arbore peoples. These people are mainly farmers and pastoralists, tending their herds and growing sorghum and maize and supplementing it with honey.

Continuing from here, we cross the Weyto Valley and head for Konso. After lunch in Karat-Konso village, we meet the Konso people with their maze-like villages and terraces for agriculture. They are also well known for their Waqa stelae, grave markers for the brave and important men of this people. The cultural landscape of Konso is the youngest World Heritage Site in Ethiopia.

Then you proceed to Arba Minch.

Overnight in Arba Minch

DAY 7: BOAT TRIP ON LAKE CHAMO & EXCURSION TO DORZE

This morning, not far from Arba Minch, you will take a relaxing boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot wildlife such as crocodiles, and hippos as well as many beautiful aquatic birds.

In the afternoon, drive from Arba Minch to the highland village of Dorze. They are one of the small segments of ethnical groups in southern Ethiopia. Once warriors, the Dorze have now turned to farming and weaving to earn a living. Their success in the field of weaving has been phenomenal and the Dorze name is synonymous with best-woven cotton cloth. Monday is market day and well worth a visit.

Overnight in Arba Minch

DAY 8: FLY TO ADDIS ABABA & DEPARTURE

You will have this morning at your leisure. At noon transfer you to the airport for your flight to Addis. On arrival in Addis, you transfer to a hotel where you can freshen up and have lunch.

You have the afternoon free for shopping in Addis Ababa.

Depending on your flight schedule, a transfer is arranged to Addis Ababa Bole international airport for the flight back home.

Starting from 2498, 00 € / person

Prices are per person based on 2 people travelling together. Price is guideline only. Price will depend on your final itinerary, group size, accommodation choices, and time of year.