Arbaminch & the Omo Valley

Group size

4-8

Tour duration

10 Days

Price per Person

Euro 1,850

- BOOKABLE AS A PRIVATE TOUR

Overview

A journey through the Omo Valley in Ethiopia promises an immersive cultural experience, offering glimpses into the lives of various indigenous tribes that have preserved their traditions for centuries. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from a trip to this captivating region, including stops in Arbaminch, Dorze, Mursi, Hamer, and Karo tribes:
Arbaminch:
  • Begin your journey in Arbaminch, a town known for its stunning views of the Rift Valley and its two lakes, Abaya and Chamo.
  • Explore the local markets to witness the vibrant bustle of daily life and perhaps pick up some handcrafted souvenirs.
  • Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Dorze:
  • Journey to the Dorze village, where you’ll encounter the unique architecture of the Dorze people, characterized by their towering beehive-shaped houses made of bamboo and thatch.
  • Learn about traditional weaving techniques and admire intricate textiles crafted by Dorze artisans.
  • Sample local delicacies such as kocho (a fermented flatbread) and visit a local market to experience the vibrant atmospher.
Mursi:
  • Travel deeper into the Omo Valley to reach the Mursi tribe, known for their distinctive lip plates and intricate body adornments.
  • Engage with Mursi villagers to gain insights into their customs, rituals, and way of life.
  • Witness traditional ceremonies and dances, offering a glimpse into Mursi cultural heritage.
Hamer:
  • Continue your journey to the Hamer tribe, renowned for their vibrant traditions, including bull jumping ceremonies and intricate body painting.
  • Attend a bull jumping ceremony if your visit coincides with one, where young men demonstrate their courage and masculinity by leaping over the backs of bulls.
  • Interact with Hamer women, known for their elaborate hairstyles adorned with beads and clay.
Karo:
  • Conclude your adventure with a visit to the Karo tribe, whose members inhabit the banks of the Omo River.
  • Marvel at the stunning landscapes and agricultural practices of the Karo people, who cultivate crops along the fertile riverbanks.
  • Appreciate the artistry of Karo body painting, which often features intricate patterns and designs using natural pigments.
  •  
Throughout your journey, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that define the Omo Valley, and interact respectfully with the indigenous communities you encounter, fostering meaningful exchanges and unforgettable memories.
 

Southern Ethiopia  10 days Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ADDIS ABABA

Morning: Arrive in Addis Ababa. Check-in to your hotel. Afternoon: first we will attend a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony to welcome you then we start your Tour in National Museum of Ethiopia and see the famous fossil, Lucy. Evening: Stroll through the Merkato, one of Africa’s largest markets. Overnight stay in Addis Ababa

DAY 2: ADDIS ABABA – ARBA MINCH (FLIGHT)

Today, you will take a morning flight to Arba Minch (approx. 1 hr). Afternoon, we will visit the Dorze village (approx. 1-hour drive from Arbaminch). Explore traditional Dorze houses and their unique weaving techniques. Learn about Dorze culture and daily life. Afternoon: we undertake a boat trip on Lake Chamo and search for Africa’s biggest crocodiles (up to 6m long), hippos, and a large variety of birdlife.   Evening: Overnight stay in Arbaminch.

DAY 3: DRIVE TO JINKA             

Morning: Drive to Jinka (approx. 3-4 hours). On the way, you will visit Konso (UNESCO –Heritage site). This cultural site is known for its rich cultural heritage and terraced agriculture and continues to explore Konso’s unique totems and traditional craftsmanship. Note that market days in Konso are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. You will reach at Jinka in the late afternoon.  Evening: Overnight stay Jinka.

DAY 4: DRIVE TO MURSI AND BACK TO JINKA

Morning: Drive to Mago National Park (approx. 2 hrs each way). The park has variety of mammals and birds, but the animals tend to stay away from the main roads and sightings cannot be guaranteed. There is an option to camp in the park, and this gives you the opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife: such as Elephant, Buffalo, Grant’s gazelle, Topi, and Burchill’s Zebra. Afternoon: Experience the Mursi tribe and their distinctive lip plates and body adornments. Explore the local market and engage with the Mursi people. Evening: Overnight stay in Mursi or return to Jinka. 

DAY 5: DRIVE TO TURMI

Morning: we will visit the people of Ari and Bena (market on Thursday), those are found Key Afer and then drive south towards Dimeke (Market on Tuesday and Saturday) to your base (Turmi). We will use Turmi as our base for visiting other communities in the Omo. Enjoy your evening at Turmi or nearby Lodge.       

DAY 6: DRIVE TO OMORATE

Morning: Today, you will have a full day visit of the Murle, and the Dus, Korcho and Dassenech village of Karo people (approx. 2-3 hrs drive). Afternoon: The Karo village, famous for their body painting and beadwork. Interact with the Karo people and explore their unique cultural practices. Evening: Return to camping or nearby Lodge for overnight.

DAY 8: DRIVE TO KARO VILLAGE

Morning: you will drive towards Omo River; on the way you will pass through Kangate and the village of the Bume people proceeds towards Galeb villages. Afternoon, we will take a local boat to cross the river and visit the villages on the other side. Evening: return to camping or nearby Lodge for overnight. 

DAY 9:  HAMER VILLAGES – JINKA   

Morning: Drive to the Hamer region (approx. 4-5 hours). Afternoon: Visit a Hamer village and learn their traditional ceremonies and customs. Learn about the Hamer’s unique rituals and cultural practices. Evening: drive to Jinka for Overnight stay

DAY 10: FLIGHT TO ADDIS ABABA (DEPARTURE)

Today, we fly back to Addis Ababa via Jinka (approx. 1:30 hr). Today, you are in Addis Ababa. There is time for last Souvenirs shopping and to visit a community-led initiative like child support center or elderly care center. Evening: We will take you to one of the best traditional restaurant where you could taste Ethiopian cuisine and enjoy live performance of Ethiopian music and dance. Afterwards we drive to Bole international Airport or to your hotel, based on your back home flight schedule.

Notes:

Exploring a captivating journey that immerses you in the diverse cultures, style of living and stunning landscapes of South Omo Valley, Ethiopia.

  • Round Trips and all Transfers according to the Program in a modern vehicle.
  • All domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines (economy class).
  • All overnight stays in 3–4-star hotels/lodges in a double room.
  • Daily breakfast and dinner include non-alcohol drinks.
  • Drinking water throughout the Tour.
  • 24/7 contact person during your stay in Ethiopia.
  • Qualified, German-/ English – speaking tour guide and scout in the National Park.
  • All national park and entrance fees.
  • Visit a local initiative and project.
  • All government taxes for the services included in the tour.
  • Participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
  • International flight.
  • Single room.
  • Any meals not mentioned in the Package.
  • Video and photo fees.
  • Tips (e.g. for tour guides, drivers, scouts and hotel staff).
  • Personal expenses and
  • Visa fee.

Physical condition:

On this Tour, there are visiting points that can only be reached on good physical mobility. For this reason, this trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. In individual cases, please contact us for further information.

Accommodation:

the Hotels und Lodges classified 3-4 star, based on Ethiopian standardization.

Occasional power and hot water outages may occur.

Visa:

All nationals require except Kenia und Djibouti requires an entry visa to visit Ethiopia. The entry visa can be obtained from an Ethiopian Embassy or a consulate general (processing time may take several weeks). Or the visa can be applied online www.evisa.gov.et (processing time may take 1-3 working day). In this case, you will receive the visa on arrival at the airport in Addis Ababa upon presentation of the confirmation e-mail. To enter Ethiopia or apply for a visa, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months After the End of your Trip.

Vaccinations:

Vaccinations are not mandatory, when you enter directly from Europe to Ethiopia. When you come from one of the yellow fever areas, proof of a valid yellow fever vaccination is required for a trip in Ethiopia. Please speak with your doctor regarding vaccinations and health issues for your Trip.

BALTHASAR TRAVEL RECOMMENDED A TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE TOUR. TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD BE ORGANIZED IN THE COUNTRY WHERE YOU LIVE.

            Tour Dates

Price Per Person

05/01/2025 -14/01/2025

   € 1.850

01/02/2025 – 10/02/2025

   € 1.850

09/03/2025 – 18/03/2025

   € 1.850

13/04/2025 – 22/04/2025

   € 1.850

10/05/2025 – 19/05/2025

   € 1.850

05/05/2025 – 10/05/2025

   € 1.850

15/06/2025 – 24/06/2025

   € 1.850

20/07/2025 – 29/06/2025

   € 1.850

03/08/2025 – 12/08/2025   

  € 1.850

07/09/2025 – 19/09/2025

  € 1.850

12/10/2025 – 21/10/2025

€ 1.850

09/11/2025 – 18/11/2025

  € 1.850

14/12/2025 – 23/12/2025

  € 1.850

Note:

1.This Price applies when you fly with Ethiopian Airlines, as Ethiopian Airlines charges a surcharge on the domestic flights when you fly with other airline. For this tour, the surcharge is € 150 per person

2.Single Room: € 300.   

3.This tour can be also booked as a private tour, the tour programm can be adapted to your individual wishes and the Tour date is flexible;

-Price: € 2.050 per person (by 2 travelers) with English-speaking tour guide.

OR

-Price: € 2.650 per Person (by 2 travelers) with German-speaking tour guide.

ask us
anything

This tour can be also booked as a private tour, the tour programm can be adapted to your individual wishes and the Tour date is flexible;

-Price: € 2.050 per person (by 2 travelers) with English-speaking tour guide.

OR

-Price: € 2.650 per Person (by 2 travelers) with German-speaking tour guide.

Do you have Questions about Ethiopia, a travel offer, would you like individual advice or do you have another concern ? You can call us or drop us an email! 

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