9 Days Omo Cultural Tour Ethiopia

The Omo River in southern Ethiopia is the largest Ethiopian river outside the Nile Basin. Its course is entirely contained within the boundaries of Ethiopia, and it empties into Lake Turkana on the border with Kenya. The river is the principal stream of an endorheic drainage basin, the Turkana Basin.

A remote area in Southern Ethiopia spanning several national parks amidst a steamy tropical landscape, despite the magnificent nature of the Omo Valley, it’s the people of this place that always clinch the top spot.

A long-standing land of migration for the communities of East Africa, the Omo Valley boasts over 20 unique and distinct cultural groups, which for a geographical area of this size, is unparalleled.

Highlights

• Cultural Encounters in the Omo Valley
• Addis Ababa city tour
• Mago national park
• Lake Chamo

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa Bole international airport

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Arrive in Addis Ababa Bole international airport and meet up and transfer to the hotel for relaxation and overnight.

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Overnight:

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Day 2: Addis Ababa city tour

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After morning breakfast you will embark on a city tour of Addis Ababa and City highlights – Drive up to mount Entoto for a panoramic view of Addis, the National Museum of Ethiopia, the Holy Trinity built during WWII, the Ethnographic Museum, Merkato, the biggest market in East Africa.

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Day 3: Drive from Addis Ababa- Arbaminch

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Early morning drive south to Arbaminch through Gurage village. On the way visit the Tiya stelae field which is one of the eleven Ethiopian world heritage sites registered by UNESCO. In the afternoon, visit the Dorze tribe and their village, famed for their beehive-shaped houses and their weaving skills. Weaving is a primary profession for many Dorze. They are also farmers, who prevent soil erosion by indigenous terracing of the mountainsides. Around their huts they have their own little garden with vegetables, spices; tobacco, and Enset (false-banana or Musa Ensete) late afternoon continue driving to Arbaminch.

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Day 4: Drive from Arbaminch-Turmi

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Morning drive south to Turmi via Weyto valley, on the way visit konzo Cultural Centre, famous for old and unique terracing and unusual engraved wooden statues. Continue driving to Turmi visiting the tribal market in Keyafer village if today is Thursday, in Dimeka village if today is Saturday, or in Alduba village if today is Tuesday.

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Day 5: Drive from Turmi – Omorate – Jinka

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Morning drive to Omorate and visit the Dasenech village and tribe on the other side of the Omo River then return to Turmi. In the afternoon visit the village of Hamar tribes. Or alternatively attend the Hamer tribe bull-jumping ceremony (this is a seasonal ceremony, so you will attend if available on the day. the Entrance fee to attend the ceremony is 50 USD per person). Then proceed to Jinka.

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Day 6: Visit the Mursi Village

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Early morning drive to Mursi village through Mago National Park. The Mursi woman is famous for wearing big clay discs in their lower lip which is considered a sign of beauty. Then drive back to Jinka for lunch in the afternoon visit the Jinka cultural museum displaying many more details about all tribes of Omo valley, including several very interesting documentary films.

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Day 7: Drive from Jinka-Arbaminch

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In the morning after breakfast, you’ll meet your driver and the guide at the hotel lobby. You will dive into the van for a road trip, drive to Arbaminch through Keyafer and Weyto valley. On the way visit the traditional market at Keyafer. Then proceed driving to Arbaminch city.

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Day 8: Arbaminch- Hawassa

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In the morning, take a boat ride on Lake Chamo. Enjoy Lake Chamo’s aquatic life including the giant Nile crocodile, hippos, and birdlife. Then drive back to Arbaminch town for a lunch break. In the afternoon proceed driving to Hawassa through several villages including the colorful Halaba village.

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Overnight:

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Day 9: Drive from Hawassa- Addis Ababa

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In the morning visits the traditional fish market on Lake Hawassa. Then drive to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley and Abita Shala national park. Have a shortstop in the park to visit animals such as warthog, gazelle, kudu, and the biggest African bird, Ostrich. Then proceed driving to Addis Ababa. Arriving in Addis Ababa, optional activities such as shopping is possible. Then dinner party at one of the traditional restaurants enjoying traditional Ethiopian music live from the stage. Finally, transfer to the airport for your international flight. End of the trip.

End of tour

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Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.

What’s included in the Safari

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• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Entrance fees
• Boat safaris
• Meals

What’s excluded in the safari

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• International flights
• Insurance
• Tips
• Donations
• Alcoholic drinks

When to book the safari package?

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6-10 months in advance.

Best Time to Travel

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The dry season runs from September through to March which is the best time to travel to Ethiopia. The long rains run from July through to the end of September.

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