The Omo Valley in Southern
Ethiopia is the best place to explore the colorful culture of Ethiopia
tribes. Book Omo Valley cultural tour to visit Bena, Hamer, Mursi, Karo,
Geleb,Arbore & Borena people.| Price: | USD $2,160 per person | ||
| Type: | Tour | ||
| Duration: | 9 days | ||
| Customise: | This Tour can be customised | ||
| Country: | Ethiopia | ||
| Supplement: | Plus USD $240 for a single person booking | ||
| Persons: | minimum (2) | ||
| Accommodation: | Mixed | ||
| Activities: | 4x4 Driving, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Photography, Wildlife Viewing, Birdwatching. |
Itinerary
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Departure Day: Daily Guaranteed Departure with 2 participants minimum
The
Omo Valley in Southern Ethiopia is a little visited area of Ethiopia
containing some of the most colorful tribes and ethnic groups. The
fascinating costumes, colorful ceremonies and celebrations, arts,
crafts, music and dance of the Benna, Hamer, Mursi, Karo, Geleb, Arbore
and Borena people are very special. In the Omo Valley region many of the
tribal groups have changed little over hundreds of years and they offer
the visitor extraordinary insight into a variety of traditional
cultures. On this trip, you get truly off the beaten track, exploring
little visited villages and vibrant tribal markets of the Southern
Ethiopia.
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa, city tour of Addis Ababa
On
arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole
International Airport and transfers to Ambassador Hotel. An overview of
the program and itineraries will be given. The rest of the day visit
historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological
Museum, where we will view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”,
whose skeletal remains when discovered in 1974. You will also visit the
Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University, Holy Trinity Cathedrals
and Mount Entoto which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers
the panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight Ambassador Hotel
Day 2: Drive Arba Minch
Drive
to Arba Minch via Hosahena, about 460km south of Addis Ababa. This
drive will take you along the scenic farmlands of Gurage People. We
will also drive through the Wolayta farmlands, with views of the lush
green hills and valleys. You arrive late in the afternoon at Arba Minch -
meaning 'Forty Springs' in Amharic. Arba Minch takes its name from the
bubbling streams that cover the groundwater forest occupying the flats
of the town. Overnight Paradise Lodge
Day 3: Visit Doze Village and Boat trip on Lake Chamo
After
breakfast visit the Dorze tribe and their village, famed for their bee
hive shaped houses and their weaving skills. Weaving is a primary
profession for many Dorze. They are also farmers, who prevent soil
erosion by ingenious terracing of the mountainsides. Around their huts
they have their own little garden with vegetables, spices, tobacco and
enset (false-banana or musa ensete). Afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo.
Boat trip on Lake Chamo is along the best anywhere in Ethiopia. One can
spot many Hippos and the world's most spectacular concentrations of
Giant Crocodiles. The water birds are great the scenery is truly
unforgettable. Overnight Paradise Lodge
Day 4: Drive Jinka en route visit Key Afer Market
After
break fast drive to Konso where colorfully costumed dress, impressive
terracing of the Land and unusually engraved wooden statues used as
grave markers can be seen. Further along the route visit the Woito
people live in the area around Woito River and Tsemay village. Continue
driving down to the south to the small town of Key Afer.op at this
little town and visit the Key Afer Tribal Market.Late afternoon you will
arrive in Jinka for overnight in Jinka Resort Hotel.
Day 5: Jinka - Mursi - Jinka
After
breakfast leave Jinka and drive to Mursi village to visit and
appreciate the very attractive culture of Mursi tribe. They are renowned
for the strange custom followed by their women who, on reaching
maturity, have their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted.
Proceed to Mago National Park. After a picnic lunch in the late
afternoon drive back to Jinka. Overnight Jinka Resort Hotel
Day 6: Jinka – Turmi en route visit the Demeka Market
After
breakfast drive to Turmi through Dimeka for the visit of Hamer people
and their village. Turmi is a small town, which is the base to visit the
Hamer village. Hamers have remarkable hairstyles made from ochre,
water, and binding resin. They rub the mixture into their hair then
twist the strands repeatedly to create coppery-coloured locks. This is a
sign of wealth and welfare. Hamers are considered to be masters of body
decoration. Overnight local hotel or camping at Turmi
Day 7: Turmi – Yabello
Drive
to Yabello visiting the Arbore and the Tsemay people en route. After
lunch stop at Konso, continue to the region of Oromo Borena and visit
their village. The drive this day will let you experience the life of
the Oromo Borena people who is well known in cattle rearing. You also
visit the Oromo Borena villages and their 'Singing Well' from which they
cater water to their thousands of cattle by singing. Overnight Yabello
Motel
Day 8: Yabello - Lake Awassa
Drive
from Yabello to Awassa over a beautiful Sidamo Mountains and coffee
plantation. On the way, stop at Wenago to visit the Tutu Fella stelae
field – an unusual collection of carved stones. We then continue to Lake
Awassa, which is surrounded by mountains and populated by countless
species of birds. Overnight in Awassa at Pina Hotel.
Day 9: Awassa - Addis Ababa Then Departure
Drive
back to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley lakes. At Awasssa
visit the fish Market where the local people buy fresh fish from the
fisher men. En route we will stop on the viewpoints for the Rift Valley
Lakes of Shala, Abyta and Langano. In the Evening a fare well diner
party in one of the Traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dances from
the different ethnic Groups. Then after transfer out to the airport for
departure back to home.
PRICE
Price per person based on 2 persons traveling = US $ 2160
Discounted Group Cost
From 4 - 5 Participants = per person US $ 2000.
From 6 - 7 Participants = per person US $1900.
Single room supplement = US $ 240
Our Available Group Tour Departures are:
From 9 - 17 March 2012
From 6 - 14 April 2012
From 11 - 19 May 2012
From 15 - 23 June 2012
From 20 - 28 July 2012
From 16 - 24 August 2012
From 26 Sept, 2010- 8 Oct. 2012
From 19 - 27 October 2012
From 9 - 17 November 2012
From 19 - 30 December 2012
Price includes:
- Meet and greet at airport
- All accommodation based on twin room occupancy
- Meals in Addis, on bed & breakfast basis
- Meals out of Addis, on full board basis
- All entrance fees at sites, churches, parks and villages.
- All transfers and visits in Addis Ababa using mini-bus according to the itinerary.
- All Ground transportation including insurance, fuel and all costs of the driver.
- Professional English speaking Tour Guide accompanying throughout the trip
- Local Guide and scout fees in parks and villages
- Boat trip on Lake Chamo and Omo River
- Cook who prepares meals while camping
- Camping gears; tents, mattresses, sleeping bags and cooking utensils for camping.
- Farewell dinner in Addis to enjoy traditional Ethiopian food & Music; transfer & guide
- A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a convenient time in the program
- Government taxes
Price doesn’t include
- International flights
- Lunch and Dinner in Addis Ababa
- Any kind of drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Video filming and photography fees
- Incidental meals, snacks and drinks
- Tips and items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc
- All what is not included in the list above
