OMO Valley – the unique wilderness in 7 days

Isolated for millennia from the rest of the world, the beautiful Omo Valley is home to an exciting mix of many small and distinctive tribal groups. Amongst others, we find the Karo, the Mursi and the Hamer-all of whom have retained their own unique customs and traditions. Lifestyles are as varied as the tribes themselves. Lacking any material, culture and artifacts common to other cultures, these tribes find unique ways in which to express their artistic impulses. Both the Surma and the Karo, for example, are experts at body painting, using clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on each other’s faces, chests, arms, and legs. These designs are created purely for fun and aesthetic effect, each artist vying to outdo his fellows.

In this captivating region, you are privileged to witness age-old customs and rituals, learning of the symbolisms that remain an integral part of everyday life, it’s absolutely a unique wilderness.

Day 1:  Arrive Addis Ababa

Arrive at Bole (ADD),  Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Transfer to Jupiter Hotel (4 Star).

A half day city tour is included in the rate. You visit the National Museum (Lucy), one of the churches in Addis, the Merkato and enjoy the view from the Entoto Mountain.

Day 2: Addis Ababa-Arbaminch-Tia Stele (UNESCO World Heritage Site) (B-D)

In the morning, start driving south to Tiya, where you will see the southern-most example of a peculiar type of engraved, standing stele which stretch across parts of southern Ethiopia. These steles are believed to have been erected between the 12th and 14th centuries and are almost certainly grave markers.

After lunch, we will continue driving to Arbaminch on the way visiting the different small villages Welyita at Sodo and Alaba at Tembaro. Overnight: Paradise Lodge

 Day 3: Arbaminch-Jinka (B-Picnic Lunch-D)

After an early breakfast, we will drive to Jinka en-route visiting different cultural people and their villages which include the Konso, Tsemai, and Ari. The Konso are famous for their old and unique terracing and unusual engraved wooden statues of Konso grave markers. Overnight: Omo Eco-Jinka.

Day 4: Jinka-Mago-Mursi-Jinka (B-Picnic Lunch-D)

After breakfast, we will drive from Jinka to Mursi Village. The Mursi, undoubtedly the most celebrated residents of South Omo are distinctive group of pastoralists. The Mursi are best known for their unique item of decoration, After our visit to the Mursi Village, we will have our picnic lunch in the Mago National Park and drive to Turmi. Overnight: Buska Lodge

Day 5:  Turmi-Omorate (B-Picnic Lunch-D)

In the cool morning, we will drive to Omorate to visit the Desanech (Geleb) tribal village after crossing the Omo River by boat. In the afternoon, we will drive to Hamer Village. The Hamer, display an elaborate and diverse selection of body decorations.  At the same village we might enjoy the seasonal cultural activities including the famous Evangadi. Overnight: Buska Lodge

 Day 6: Turmi-Arbaminch (B-D)

In the morning, we will start driving back to Arbaminch with brief stops to visit different villages including Erbore and Tsemay. In the afternoon, we will have a boat cruise over Lake Chamo to see some of the biggest African crocodiles. Hippopotamus and many beautiful aquatic birds. Overnight: Paradise Lodge Hotel-Arbaminch

 Day 7: Arbaminch –Addis Ababa-Departure (B-D)

In the morning, drive back to Addis Ababa en-route visiting the different small towns like Shashemene where Rastafarian lives, Ziway and one of the Great Rift Valley Lakes Ziway. At the end of the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport.

B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner