The Omo Valley

14 Days - from $2043

An encounter with extraordinary people in a unique part of Ethiopia

Visiting the people of the South Omo is an enriching and educational experience. Over twenty tribes inhabit the area and we visit villages and local markets in the hope of meeting several of them. The most famous are the Mursi, renowned for their clay lip plates, but there are many other vivid encounters with some fascinating tribes. Whilst the emphasis of the trip is on the people, we also visit the Rift Valley lakes with their beautiful scenery and fertile surroundings, and we are likely to see a wide range of mammals in Nechisar and Mago Parks.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Addis Ababa; afternoon tour including the Church of the Holy Trinity and Ethnographical Museum. 2 Drive into Rift Valley, home of the Oromo people. To Lake Langano; visit Lake Abiata-Shala N.P., home to many water birds and antelope.. 3 Drive to Arba Minch; visit Chencha village, home of the Dorze people who live in beehive shaped houses. 4 Visit Nechisar N.P; boat trip on Lake Chamo. 5 Drive to Key Afer for colourful market of Ari, Bena, Hamer and Tsemai people; continue to Jinka. 6 To Mago N.P. Continue to Mursi village; visit Mursi tribe. 7 Long drive to Turmi via Korcho village, meet Karo people, known for their elaborate body painting. 8 Continue south to Omorate to visit the Desanech (also known as Geleb) village. 9 Full day to explore the Monday Market of the Hamer people and other villages in the region. 10 To Konso via an Arbore village where we may see the Erborie people and their neighbours the Tsemai. 11 To Yirga Chefe through the valleys of the Konso Hills. Visit weekly market of Hagere Mariam. 12 Visit ancient anthropomorphic and phallic stelae fields of Tuta Fela or Tututi; continue through beautiful landscapes to Wondogenet with its lush tropical forest and hot springs. 13 Drive to Lake Awassa with its lakeside fish market. Return to Addis Ababa. 14 End Addis Ababa.

Mode of travel: Travel is by 4WD vehicles. This is a demanding trip in an area with little infrastructure and rough roads.
Group size: Min. 6, max. 18, plus leader and local staff.
Accommodation: 9 nights hotels (2 of these nights are in simple hotels), 4 nights basic camping.
Food: All meals included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $212.63
Trip Reference: AYO
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.