Addis Ababa › Arba Minch › Turmi › Yirgalem
Experience the rich cultural tapestry and world-renowned coffee heritage of Ethiopia on this 10-day expedition. From the diplomatic hub of Addis Ababa to the deep south's Omo Valley, you'll encounter indigenous tribes like the Dorze, Hamer, and Karo. The journey continues to the lush coffee-growing region of Yirgachefe, where you'll explore ancient stelae, participate in traditional coffee ceremonies, and relax in serene wilderness lodges. This unique safari perfectly blends anthropological discovery with the sensory delights of Ethiopia's finest coffee culture.
On arrival Addis Ababa our representative will meet you at Bole international Airport and you will visit the diplomatic capital of Africa, headquarters of the Africa union starting from Holy Trinity Cathedral (The church is constructed in 1955 for the 25 years anniversary of Emperor Haileselassie and painted richly with remarkable biblical and other saint’s story), National museum (home of Lucy hominid skeleton dating back to 3.2 million years), afterwards continue to the campus of Addis Ababa University to the Ethnographical museum, with great displays of the many cultures of Ethiopia, housed in the former palace of Haile Selassie. In the afternoon proceed to Mountain Entoto, here you will visit the Entoto Mariyam church and Museum.
Accommodation
Settle into your premium city hotel, offering modern amenities and comfort in the heart of Ethiopia's bustling capital.
1 Night · Lunch & Dinner
Morning take flight to Arbaminch and proceed driving to Dorze, set in the highlands above Arba Minch. The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. If today is market day (in Dorze village on Monday and Thursday and in nearby Chencha on Tuesday and Saturday), that will be visited. In the afternoon take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “crocodile market”, and the local hippos.
Accommodation
Enjoy a serene stay in Arba Minch, surrounded by nature and exceptional hospitality after exploring the highland cultures.
1 Night · Full Board
After breakfast, depart from Arba Minch to Turmi. On the way you will pass through the village of Weyto (market day Saturday), which is home to the Tsemai tribe. Continue through the Weyto Valley to Erbore, where you will have a brief visit to a local Erbore village (market day is Saturday). Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. At night, you can see the traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as evangadi.
Accommodation
Nestled in the heart of the Omo Valley, this eco-lodge provides an authentic and comfortable base for exploring the diverse tribal cultures of Turmi.
1 Night · Full Board
In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe with a wooden boat crossing the Omo River and enter a Dassenech village. Afterwards, return to Turmi (Monday is market day) for a visit to a local Hamer village. If there is jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony that will be visited.
Accommodation
Return to the lodge to unwind in the tranquil surroundings after an eye-opening day engaging with the Dassenech and Hamer peoples.
1 Night · Full Board
Early morning depart from Turmi to the village of Kangatan. Here you will cross the Omo River and take a short walk through the local fields to visit a village of the Nyangatom tribe. After the visit, return across the river and proceed to the Karo village of Korcho, with a stunning location looking over the Omo River. The Karo people, while the smallest tribes of the Omo valley in number are also known to be the most decorated.
Accommodation
Enjoy your final evening in Turmi, reflecting on the profound cultural interactions and deep history of the Omo Valley tribes.
1 Night · Full Board
After breakfast depart from Turmi to Arba Minch via Key Afar and Konso. Thursday is market day in Key Afar, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is another very popular market in the region. After the visit, proceed to Konso (market days are Mondays and Thursdays). The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, known as wakas, which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as their innovative agricultural terracing. Today you will have a brief opportunity to visit a local village and the cultural museum displaying many waka statues. After the visit, proceed driving to Arba Minch.
Accommodation
Return to the comforts of Haile Resort to relax by the pool and enjoy modern amenities as your deep cultural expedition wraps up.
1 Night · Full Board
Morning after breakfast you will be driven to Awassa and visit the fish market at Lake Awassa.
Accommodation
Enjoy a serene stay by the shimmering waters of Lake Awassa, surrounded by nature and exceptional lakeside hospitality.
1 Night · Full Board
Morning drive to Yirgachefe, where one of the most popular coffees in the world is harvested. On the journey south along the main road leading up to Kenya, you will always see coffee plantations. One of the centers for the cultivation and processing of good coffee is Yirgachefe. In the area, several coffee cooperatives with lovely plantations can be seen. Not far away, the ancient grave stelae of Tutu Fela can be seen near the small town of Dilla, testimonies of regional death cult of past millennia. In the late afternoon you reach the beautiful Aregash Lodge. Far from the village it lies undisturbed in the green countryside, surrounded by coffee plants, forests and wilderness. Join a bonfire and take part in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, an integral part of the country's culture and hospitality.
Accommodation
Nestled in a pristine forest environment, this eco-friendly lodge offers traditional Sidama-style bamboo huts surrounded by abundant flora and fauna.
1 Night · Full Board
Another day of coffee tours around Yirgalem and Yirgachefe. We will see the coffee plantation and seedlings.
Accommodation
Savor the peace of the coffee forests, waking up to the sounds of tropical birds and enjoying the lodge's home-grown organic produce.
1 Night · Full Board
Drive back to Addis. Evening there will be a special Ethiopian farewell dinner in one of the Ethiopian restaurants for a live cultural dances show from the different ethnic groups. The perfect ending of your trip. Then transfer to the airport for flight back home.
Day Use & Meals
Enjoy a day room to freshen up before your onward journey.
Day use room until 18:00 hrs · Full Board
Suggested accommodation may be changed to similar depending on availability at the time of booking. This proposal cost is subject to change due to unforeseeable changes in fuel and other levies.
Strategically situated in Addis Ababa, the Best Western Plus offers a seamless blend of contemporary luxury and warm Ethiopian hospitality. It serves as an ideal base for your arrival and departure in the bustling capital. Guests can enjoy well-appointed rooms, modern fitness facilities, and exceptional dining experiences, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing stay before heading out to the country's historic and cultural sites.
With stunning properties in Arba Minch and Awassa, Haile Resort provides breathtaking panoramic views and a tranquil environment away from the city bustle. Perfectly situated for exploring the natural lakes and local highland cultures, the resort features modern rooms, scenic dining spaces, and beautiful gardens to relax in after a day of discovery.
Located in the heart of the Omo Valley, Paradise Lodge is an eco-friendly retreat designed in harmony with its surroundings. It serves as an ideal and comfortable hub for interacting with the region's ancient tribes. Stay in traditionally inspired huts equipped with modern comforts. The lodge's elevated position offers spectacular sunset views over the plains, providing a peaceful retreat after full days of cultural immersion.
Tucked away in the pristine green countryside of Yirgalem, Aregash Lodge is a peaceful eco-lodge built in the traditional Sidama style using local bamboo and thatch. Surrounded by coffee plantations and rich forests filled with monkeys and diverse birdlife, this lodge is the perfect place to experience traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies and learn about the region's world-famous coffee heritage.
Ancient rock churches, castles and highland landscapes along Ethiopia's legendary northern trail
A cultural immersion into the tribal traditions of the remote Omo Valley
Ethiopian wolves, Afro-alpine moorlands and the walled city of Harar
Tribal encounters paired with the birthplace of Arabica coffee
The complete Ethiopia experience — ancient history meets living culture
