Omo Vally Tours Ethiopia's tribes and cultures 11 Days

Omo Vally Tours Ethiopia's tribes and cultures 11 Days

Capture the memories of a lifetime in the Omo valley - Ethiopia’s largest nature sanctuary and rich in spectacular game and yet one of the least visited areas.

The lower Omo is home to an astonishing mix of small, contrasting ethnic groups uniquely known for their natural artistic impulses. You will also meet and greet some of the very colorful local tribes who live in this area. Marvel at the Great Rift Valley, Lakes Awassa, Shalla, Abiyata and Zeway, all part of a unique vacation package.

Ethiopia holiday is a fascinating insight into this friendly and unique country. You’ll learn about its history, culture and religious life, see its dramatic architecture left behind by ancient civilisations, and explore its diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Itinerary

Day 1: Addis abeba

Stop At: Addis Mercato, Kenya St Addis Ketema, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
You'll be met on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International airport for transfer to the 4* Jupiter International Hotel in two superb locations in Addis Ababa’s Cazanchise area, within walking distance of the UNECA centre. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, have free broadband internet and multichannel satellite television. Good facilities including a spa, steam room, fitness centre, massage and sauna - a great start to your trip.

Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 4* Jupiter International Hotel or similar

Day 2: Lake Langano

Stop At: Adadi Maryam, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Drive south to the Rift Valley Lake of Langano. Visit the rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam (believed to be the southern most church founded by King Lalibela). Explore the pre-historic archeological site of Melka Kunture, the stelae field of Tiya (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Swim and do a little bird watching at Lake Langano. You'll stay at the Sabana Beach Resort at Oromia on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Sabana Beach Resort or similar

Day 3: Arba Minch

Stop At: Arbaminch, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Drive from Langano to Arba Minch through the fertile land of Wolayta and Alaba regions. The Alaba people are very famous for their beautiful home painting style. Visit Sinkile Wild life Sanctuary en-route to see the endemic Swain’s hartebeest and other mammals. Spend the next 2 nights at the Paradise Lodge Arba Minch, including dinner, bed and breakfast.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Paradise Lodge or similar

Day 4: Arba Minch

Stop At: Arbaminch, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
Arba Minch
After breakfast drive to Chencha and visit the Dorze village. The Dorze people are well known for traditional weaving and their attractive elephant shaped traditional hut made from bamboo and false banana tree leaves. Watch the daily activities of the Dorze people. Drive back to Arba Minch for lunch, during the afternoon you've a scheduled boat trip on lake Chamo, one of the rift valley lakes. Here you can visit the Crocodile Market with large numbers of crocodile and different aquatic birds and hippos. This is your second night at the Paradise Lodge.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Paradise Lodge or similar

Day 5: Jinka

Stop At: Konso Cultural Centre, On the road with Stawberry Fields Eco-Lodge, Konso Ethiopia
Drive 275 km south to Jinka to visit the villages of the Konso people, renowned for their colourful hand-woven cotton clothes and beautiful rock terraces. Stay at the Eco-Omo Safari Lodge at Jinka for 2 nights, dinner bed and breakfast.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Eco-Omo Safari Lodge or similar

Day 6: Jinka

Stop At: Mago National Park, 782km south of Addis on East bank of the Omo River, 1046 Ethiopia
An excursion to the Mago National Park, visit the people of Mursi whose women are typically known for their clay lip plates. Drive back to Jinka to visit the Cultural Museum of the People of the Lower Omo Valley. Your second night at Eco-Omo Safari Lodge.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Eco-Omo Safari Lodge or similar

Day 7: Turmi

Stop At: Dasenech Village, Omorate Dasenech, Turmi 1000 Ethiopia
Drive to Turmi – the village of the Hamer people whose women are noted for their typical hairdressing and leather skirts. (If you visit on a Tuesday or Saturday you must stop at the colorful weekly market of the Hamer and the Benna people at Dimeka.) Stay at Buska Lodge at Turmi for 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Buska Lodge or similar

Day 8: Turmi

Stop At: Dasenech Village, Omorate Dasenech, Turmi 1000 Ethiopia
An excursion to Omo Rate to visit the Dasenech (the country's southernmost) people, known for their scarifications. Stop for a picnic lunch at Murulle, head to Korcho – the village of the Karo people. (OR if you're here on a Tuesday or Saturday take an excursion in the afternoon to visit the colorful weekly market of the Hamer at Dimeka, or (if it's a Monday) at Turmi. Your second night at Buska Lodge.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Buska Lodge or similar

Day 9: Yabelo

Stop At: Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary, Yabelo Ethiopia
Drive to Yabello, stop at the villages of the nomadic people of Erbore. Stay at Yabello Motel, dinner, bed and breakfast.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Yabello Motel or similar

Day 10: Hawassa

Stop At: Borena-sayent National Park, Mekane Selam, Ethiopia
Head north to visit the nomadic people of Borena and the people of Sidama, renowned for their cultivation of Enset or False Banana.
O/N – Tadesse Enjori or other Similar Hotel

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tadesse Enjori or other Similar Hotel

Day 11: Drive back to Addis

Stop At: Fish Market at Awassa Lake, Awassa Lake, Awasa Ethiopia
Visit the ‘Fish Market’ on the shore of Lake Awassa. Drive back to Addis visiting the chains of the Rift Valley Lakes of Langano, Abiyatta, Shalla, and Ziway. Spend a leisurely afternoon in Addis. During the evening you'll have a farewell dinner party at one of the best traditional restaurants serving up the best of the country's traditional dishes. You'll also be treated to folkloric dances of the Ethiopian people before being transferred to the airport for your departure.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Jupiter International Hotel or similar