Cultural South – A reliable travel agency in Ethiopia

Arbaminch & the Omo Valley

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.

Day 1: Arrival in Arbaminch

Arrive in Arbaminch, a town located on the shores of Lake Chamo.
Check into your hotel and take some time to rest after your journey.
In the afternoon, visit the Dorze village known for its unique beehive-shaped houses and intricate bamboo crafts.
Explore the local market to experience the vibrant culture and shop for souvenirs.
Enjoy a traditional dinner with local specialties.

Day 2: Arbaminch to Jinka

Depart Arbaminch early in the morning for the drive to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley.
En route, stop at the Konso village to learn about their terraced agriculture and ancient traditions.
Continue the journey, passing through stunning landscapes and traditional villages.
Arrive in Jinka in the afternoon and check into your accommodation.
Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the adventures ahead.

Day 3: Jinka and Mursi

Begin your day with a visit to the South Omo Research Center and Museum to gain insights into the diverse cultures of the region.
Head towards the Mursi village, known for the distinctive lip plates worn by the women.
Spend time interacting with the Mursi people, learning about their customs, and admiring their unique way of life.
Return to Jinka in the afternoon and explore the local market.
In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing traditional dances and music.

Day 4: Jinka to Turmi (Hamer)

Depart Jinka and drive towards Turmi, home to the Hamer people.
En route, stop at the Key Afer market (if it's market day) to witness the bustling trading activities and meet various ethnic groups.
Arrive in Turmi in the afternoon and check into your accommodation.
Take a leisurely walk around the village, interacting with the friendly locals and learning about their customs.
Enjoy a traditional dinner with the Hamer people, accompanied by lively music and dance.

Day 5: Turmi (Hamer) to Karo

Spend the morning exploring more of the Hamer village, perhaps visiting a local family to learn about their daily life.
Depart Turmi and drive towards the Karo village, located along the Omo River.
Arrive in Karo in the afternoon and settle into your accommodation.
Visit the Karo village and witness their impressive body painting and scarification traditions.
Enjoy a peaceful evening by the river, soaking in the serene atmosphere and enjoying the sunset.

Day 6: Karo to Arbaminch

Depart Karo and begin the journey back to Arbaminch.
En route, stop at the Dimeka market (if it's market day) to experience the vibrant trading scene and interact with the locals.
Continue the drive, passing through picturesque landscapes and traditional villages.
Arrive in Arbaminch in the afternoon and check into your hotel.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps taking a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the famous crocodile market.

Day 7: Departure

Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time in Arbaminch to explore further or relax at your hotel.

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you memories of the diverse cultures and stunning landscapes of the Omo Valley.

1. Accommodation as per plan.

2. All inter transfer & sightseeing as per Itinerary by Suitable NON AC Vehicle.

PLS. NOTE THAT VEHICLE WILL NOT BE ON DISPOSAL. IT WILL BE PROVIDED AS PER ITINERARY AND POINT TO POINT BASIS

3. Newspaper and bottled water on arrival.

4. All parking and permit charges.

5. Assistance on arrival.

• Visa fees and requirements

• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Optional gratuities/tipping

• Optional activities/tours

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

• Mandatory city tax (where applicable)

We will use Hotels which range from 2 star to five stars. We will also arrange camping, especially in the Semien Mountains National Park.

Booking information

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Nibh praesent tristique magna sit amet purus. Odio ut sem nulla pharetra diam sit amet nisl. Facilisi cras fermentum odio eu feugiat. Aenean

Cancellation policy

Flights

Visas

Toggle Content

Travel insurance

Toggle Content

Arbaminch & the Omo Valley

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.

Day 1: Arrival in Arbaminch

Arrive in Arbaminch, a town located on the shores of Lake Chamo.

Check into your hotel and take some time to rest after your journey.

In the afternoon, visit the Dorze village known for its unique beehive-shaped houses and intricate bamboo crafts.

Explore the local market to experience the vibrant culture and shop for souvenirs.

Enjoy a traditional dinner with local specialties.

Day 2: Arbaminch to Jinka

Depart Arbaminch early in the morning for the drive to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley.

En route, stop at the Konso village to learn about their terraced agriculture and ancient traditions.

Continue the journey, passing through stunning landscapes and traditional villages.

Arrive in Jinka in the afternoon and check into your accommodation.

Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the adventures ahead.

Day 3: Jinka and Mursi

Begin your day with a visit to the South Omo Research Center and Museum to gain insights into the diverse cultures of the region.

Head towards the Mursi village, known for the distinctive lip plates worn by the women.

Spend time interacting with the Mursi people, learning about their customs, and admiring their unique way of life.

Return to Jinka in the afternoon and explore the local market.

In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing traditional dances and music.

Day 4: Jinka to Turmi (Hamer)

Depart Jinka and drive towards Turmi, home to the Hamer people.

En route, stop at the Key Afer market (if it's market day) to witness the bustling trading activities and meet various ethnic groups.

Arrive in Turmi in the afternoon and check into your accommodation.

Take a leisurely walk around the village, interacting with the friendly locals and learning about their customs.

Enjoy a traditional dinner with the Hamer people, accompanied by lively music and dance.

Day 5: Turmi (Hamer) to Karo

Spend the morning exploring more of the Hamer village, perhaps visiting a local family to learn about their daily life.

Depart Turmi and drive towards the Karo village, located along the Omo River.

Arrive in Karo in the afternoon and settle into your accommodation.

Visit the Karo village and witness their impressive body painting and scarification traditions.

Enjoy a peaceful evening by the river, soaking in the serene atmosphere and enjoying the sunset.