Addis Ababa › Awassa › Arbaminch › Turmi
Embark on a fascinating 8-day cultural expedition into the heart of Ethiopia's Omo Valley. This journey takes you from the bustling diplomatic hub of Addis Ababa to the remote, southern regions where ancient traditions thrive. Meet the Dorze, Hamer, Dassenech, and Karo tribes, witness unique ceremonies, navigate the wildlife-rich waters of Lake Chamo, and explore the spectacular landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. This safari offers an unparalleled deep dive into one of Africa's most culturally diverse destinations.
On arrival in 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. Start from the Holy Trinity Cathedral (constructed in 1955 for the 25 years anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie and painted richly with remarkable biblical stories), and the National Museum (home of the Lucy hominid skeleton dating back 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 Mount Entoto, where you will visit the Entoto Mariyam church and Museum.
Accommodation
Settle into your upscale city hotel in Ethiopia's bustling capital, offering a comfortable and luxurious base for your first night's rest.
1 Night · Dinner
In the morning drive to Awassa, capital of the southern region. We will check into the hotel and take a boat trip on Lake Awassa. With its mountainous background, it is one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful lakes and is home to a huge population of birds. Walking along the shores, one can also see hippos, Colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and baboons.
Accommodation
Enjoy a serene stay by the shimmering waters of Lake Awassa, surrounded by nature and exceptional lakeside hospitality.
1 Night · Full Board
Morning after breakfast drive to Arbaminch through the Wolayta people & villages, admiring spectacular green hills. Then 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.
Accommodation
Relax at this beautiful resort in Arbaminch, offering stunning views and a tranquil environment after your cultural immersion in the highlands.
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 a 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 tribe 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 Arbaminch 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 before heading back to the capital.
1 Night · Full Board
Morning take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “crocodile market” and the local hippos. Then transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis and if time allows visit Mercato, one of Africa’s largest outdoor markets, and enjoy shopping in the city. 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.
An upscale, modern hotel situated in the heart of Addis Ababa, offering international standards of luxury and convenience. It is the perfect base for your arrival and departure in Ethiopia's vibrant capital. Guests can enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms, fine dining experiences, and outstanding hospitality, ensuring a restful stay before or after exploring the country's diverse regions.
Set in some of Ethiopia's most scenic lakefront locations, Haile Resort provides a tranquil getaway surrounded by nature. It seamlessly blends modern luxury with local architectural influences. Wake up to beautiful water views, explore the shoreline to spot diverse birdlife and monkeys, and relax in premium comfort after days filled with cultural and natural exploration.
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.
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
