5 Days South Ethiopia Omo Valley Cultural Tour
Overview
This 5-day South Ethiopia tour takes you through the cultural heart of the Omo Valley. Visit Arba Minch, Lake Chamo, Dorze Village, Jinka, Turmi, and Omorate while experiencing the traditions of the Hamer, Dassenech, Ari, Benna, Karo, and Tsemai tribes. Enjoy scenic landscapes, local markets, cultural dances, and unforgettable wildlife and lake excursions in one of Ethiopia’s most fascinating regions.
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch
Flight time 8:05 AM Addis Ababa – Arba Minch. In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the crocodile market and hippo pods. In the afternoon, ascend into the Gughe Mountains to visit the Dorze people, who are known for their tall beehive-shaped houses and fine cotton weaving. Market days in Dorze Village are Mondays and Thursdays, and in Chencha on Tuesdays and Saturdays. After the visit, continue to Arba Minch.
Overnight: Mora Heights Hotel, Arba Minch
Day 2: Arba Minch – Jinka
Visit local attractions and continue driving to Jinka via Weyto (market day Sunday) and Key Afer (market day Thursday).
Overnight: Jinka Resort, Jinka
Day 3: Jinka – Turmi
After breakfast, drive to the home of the Hamer people. On the way, stop in Dimeka for the local market, which takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This is one of the most colorful markets in the South Omo region and is visited by the Hamer, Benna, Karo, Tsemai, and Ari tribes. At night, enjoy the traditional night dancing of the Hamer people, known as Evangadi.
Overnight: Emerald Lodge, Turmi
Day 4: Visit Turmi
In the morning, drive to Omorate and cross the Omo River by local boat to visit the Dassenech tribe, also known as the Galeb tribe. Afterwards, return to Turmi and, if available, attend the Jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer wedding ceremony. Monday is market day in Turmi.
Overnight: Emerald Lodge, Turmi
Day 5: Turmi – Arba Minch – Addis Ababa
Flight time 4:45 PM Turmi – Arba Minch – Addis Ababa. After breakfast, drive back to Arba Minch and fly back to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon.
Included
- Accommodation
- Car with driver
- Entrance fees
- Boat trip on Lake Chamo
- Domestic flights
