8 Days Omo Valley Tour
Tour Highlights
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Diverse Tribal Encounters
Mursi, Dassanech, Hamer, Benna, Tsemai, Karo, Ari & Konso communities -
Authentic Cultural Experiences
∘ Traditional markets ● Evangadi night dance ● Possible Bull-Jumping Ceremony -
Iconic Natural & Wildlife Sites
Lake Chamo crocodiles & hippos, Great Rift Valley landscapes -
World Heritage Attractions
Tiya Stelae Field & Konso Cultural Landscape -
Immersive Village Visits
Dorze highland homes, Ari hills, Konso terraced farmlands -
Archaeology & Ancient History
Prehistoric tool sites, rock-hewn churches, ancient monoliths
Day 1: Addis Ababa - Butajira Route - Hawassa
Depart south from Addis Ababa via Butajira. Along the way, visit several important archaeological and cultural sites:
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Tiya — UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient stelae
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Adadi Maryam — a unique rock-hewn church similar to those of Lalibela
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Melka Kunture — prehistoric archaeological site known for ancient stone tools
Continue to Hawassa and enjoy the serene lakeside environment.
Overnight: Hawassa Hotel
Day 2: Hawassa - Dorze Village - Arba Minch
After breakfast, explore the vibrant fish market on the shores of Lake Hawassa.
Then drive to the highlands above Arba Minch to visit the Dorze people, known for:
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Their towering beehive-shaped houses
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Exceptional cotton weaving craftsmanship
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Rich cultural traditions and agricultural practices
If today coincides with a local market day, it will be included:
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Dorze Market: Monday & Thursday
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Chencha Market: Tuesday & Saturday
Accommodation Options:
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Overnight in a traditional Dorze hut (shared facilities)
OR -
Continue to Arba Minch, overnight at Ezana Hotel
Day 3: Arba Minch → Lake Chamo → Turmi
Morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see:
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The famous Crocodile Market
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Hippos and abundant birdlife
Drive south toward Turmi, passing:
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Weyto village — home to the Tsemai tribe (market day Saturday)
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Erbore — short cultural stop (market day Saturday)
Arrive in Turmi, center of the Hamer community.
Evening: Experience the Evangadi — traditional Hamer night dancing (subject to availability).
Overnight: Turmi Lodge
Day 4: Turmi - Omorate - Turmi
Day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassanech tribe.
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Cross the Omo River by traditional canoe
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Visit a Dassanech village and learn about their pastoral lifestyle
Return to Turmi. If it is Monday, visit the bustling Hamer Market.
Opportunity to witness the Hamer Bull-Jumping Ceremony — a traditional rite of passage for young men (if available locally).
Overnight: Turmi Lodge
Day 5: Turmi - Dimeka - Jinka
Drive north toward Jinka, stopping at:
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Dimeka Market — (Tuesdays & Saturdays)
One of the most lively markets in Omo Valley, attended by Hamer, Karo, Benna and others.
Continue to Jinka.
Overnight: Jinka Resort
Day 6: Jinka - Mago National Park - Mursi - Jinka
Morning excursion through Mago National Park to meet the Mursi, famous for:
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Women’s lip plates
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Unique scarification rituals
Afternoon options in Jinka:
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Visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center
OR -
Trek to a nearby Ari village for cultural immersion
Overnight: Jinka Resort
Day 7: Jinka - Key Afar - Konso - Arba Minch
After breakfast, return north with stops en route:
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Key Afar Market (Thursdays) — vibrant gathering of Benna, Ari & Tsemai tribes
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Continue to Konso, renowned for:
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UNESCO-recognized terraced hillsides
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Waka wooden grave markers honoring local heroes
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Rich cultural heritage preserved for centuries
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Visit a Konso village and its cultural museum before driving to Arba Minch.
Overnight: Ezana Hotel, Arba Minch
Day 8: Arba Minch → Addis Ababa
Early morning departure for the full-day drive back to Addis Ababa.
Time permitting, enjoy a final stop at an archaeological or cultural site along the way.
Evening arrival in Addis Ababa.
