Omo Valley Explorer

Visit the remote tribes of Ethiopia’s deep south, with distinct cultures and fascinating traditions that have long since died out elsewhere.

Price:	$ 2,999 per person
Type:	Tour
Duration:	11 days
Country:	Ethiopia
Persons:	minimum (2)  maximum (12)
Accommodation:	Mixed
Game Parks:	Mago NP (Ethiopia)
Activities:	Cultural Tours, 4x4 Driving, Lake Cruise

 Itinerary

Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is one of the most culturally diverse regions in all of Africa, a land where tribal traditions still take precedent over anything else and where modernity is still kept largely at bay. On this trip we head into the villages of the various tribes that make up this kaleidoscope of ethnicity, including the Mursi, Karo, Hamer and Konso, learning about their complex customs and experiencing a way of life very far removed from the rest of Ethiopia. Where possible we try to visit local markets, one of the best ways to experience life in the Omo Valley. This is a cultural discovery that can rarely be equalled, visiting some of the most remote people in the world, and to spend time among them is an amazing privilege.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Addis Ababa
Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel. This afternoon visit some of the capital’s key sights including the Entoto Mountains, with great views over the city, the National Museum, St George’s Cathedral and the Merkato, reputedly the biggest open air market in Africa. Overnight Ghion Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Drive to Rift Valley Lakes
Drive to the Rift Valley lakes of Shala, Abyata and Langano, admiring wonderful views and many birds, including pelicans, flamingoes and more. Then relax at the Sabanna Beach Resort, secluded in a natural paradise on the shore of Lake Langano and near to Munessa Forest. Possibility of trekking, bird-watching, horse-riding, boat excursions, cycling and more. Overnight Sabanna Beach Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 3 – Villages of the Rift Valley
Continue our journey south meeting the Wolayta people as we go, passing through little visited villages and admiring spectacular green hills, to Arba Minch. Overnight Paradise Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Day 4 – Visit Chencha
Morning drive to Chencha, to see the Dorze people, with their unique culture, houses and traditions. In the afternoon we take a boat trip to view the crocodiles on Lake Chamo. Overnight Paradise Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Day 5 – Tsemay Market and Jinka]
Continue to Jinka, admiring the Derase, Tsemay, Ari and Benna people. Stop at the village market of Tsemay and meet the Arbore people. Overnight Jinka Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 6 – Mago National Park]
Travel to Mago National park and visit the Mursi people, renowned for their practice of extending their lips with plates. Overnight Jinka Resort or similar. (BLD)

Day 7 – Jinka to Turmi]
Drive to Turmi, through the lands of the very colourful Hamer, Karo and Dassanech people, with a stop at Dimeka village, where there is an interesting market. Overnight Evangadi Lodge (Bungalows or camping depending upon availability). (BLD)

Day 8 – Karo People]
Continue on our journey and visit the Karo people, known for their body decoration and scarification. We then visit the villages of the Hamer people. Overnight Evangadi Lodge (Bungalows or camping depending upon availability). (BLD)

Day 9 – Turmi to Arba Minch]
Drive to Arba Minch, visiting the villages of the Erbore and Konso people. Overnight Paradise Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Day 10 – Arba Minch to Addis Ababa]
Morning drive back to Addis Ababa. There is free time for any last minute souvenir shopping, before the evening meal with traditional dancers. Overnight Ghion Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Day 11 – Addis Ababa]
This morning you will be transferred to the airport, for your flight home. (B)

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Price Includes
All accommodation based on twin/double share
All transport (4WD vehicles throughout) and transfers
Meals as listed above
Park entrance fees
An English speaking guide

Price does not include
International flights
Travel insurance
Drinks
Visa
Single Supplement

Departure Dates
20 March 2010, 16 October 2010, 30 April 2011, 15 October 2011  

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Ethiopia Cultural Tour to the Omo Valley

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 

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 

 

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