7 days Omo Valley Dorze and Arba Minch

7 days Omo Valley Dorze and Arba Minch

Omo Valley is undoubtedly one of the most unique places on earth and the discovery of human remains dating back nearly 2.5 million years prompted UNESCO to dub the Lower Valley a World Heritage site in 1980.

The villages are home to some of Africa’s most fascinating ethnic groups and a trip here represents a unique chance for travellers to encounter a culture markedly different from their own. Whether it’s wandering through traditional Dassanech villages, watching Hamer people performing a Jumping of the Bulls ceremony or seeing the Mursi’s mind-blowing lip plates, your visit here will stay with you for a lifetime.

The landscape is diverse, ranging from dry, open savannah plains to forests in the high hills and along the Omo and Mago Rivers. The former meanders for nearly 800km, from southwest of Addis Ababa all the way to Lake Turkana on the Kenyan border.

Day 1 : Arba Minch to Dorze

You will be met at Arba Minch airport and will take a beautiful drive up the mountains to Dorze village - home of Ethiopia's weavers.  You will enjoy a walking tour – visit the traditional bamboo houses, learn how to make the local bread from false banana tree, enjoy the market, watch women spinners and see the famous Dorze weavers. Stay overnight at Dorze Lodge, renowned for the spectacular views of the two Rift Valley lakes. After dinner, sit by the camp fire and enjoy the local singing and dancing.

Day 2 : Dorze to Arba Minch (Lake Chamo and Nechisar National Park) 

After seeing sunrise, drive to Arba Minch and take a motor boat across Lake Chamo to visit Nechisar National Park. Take a gentle hike across the savannah and see zebras, gazelles and different types of animals. On the return boat ride, you will see giant crocodiles, hippos, local fishermen, pelicans and different types of birds. Spend the evening in Arba Minch. Stay overnight at Haile Resort.

Day 3 : Arba Minch to Konso to Turmi

Drive to Konso, a UNESCO world heritage site.  Your village walking tour will include Konso's renowned stone walled terraces and fortified settlements,  wooden statues (Waga), and stone steles (a complex system of marking the passing of leaders).  Drive to Turmi, a market town and home to the Hamer tribe.  Stay overnight at Turmi lodge.

Day 4 : Karo tribe - Hamer market - Hamer village

Spend the morning visiting the Karo tribe, famed for their body painting and elaborate headdresses - decorating with nature. Drive back to Turmi in time for the colourful afternoon Hamer market. If there is a coming of age ceremony, attend a bull jumping ceremony. Camp overnight with a BBQ in a Hamer village, where you will welcomed as a member of the family. 

Day 5 : Turmi - Omorate - Dassanech tribe - Jinka

Drive to Omorate, on the Omo River, which is as deep as one can get into the Omo valley, without entering Kenya. Cross the river to visit Ethiopia's most southern tribe, Dassanech. Afterwards, drive to Jinka which is set in the hills above Mago National Park and capital of the Omo Valley.  You will visit the South-Omo Museum & Research Centre which hosts interesting exhibitions.  Stay overnight in an Eco lodge.

Day 6 : Mursi and Ari tribes

Drive through Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, famed for their unique lip plates. After lunch, visit the Ari Tribe, renowned for their pottery, agriculture and beautiful wall paintings. Stay overnight in an Eco lodge.

Day 7 : Jinka to Arba Minch

Drive through the Rift Valley which covered in acacia woodland and studded with lakes, it feels unequivocally African and there many opportunities to take stunning photographs. You will arrive back in Arba Minch in time for the afternoon flight to Addis Ababa.