Cultural South

Omo Valley with Surma and Lalibela 15 Days Home Overview This itinerary offers a captivating blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and breathtaking landscapes, taking you deep into the heart of Ethiopia’s diverse traditions. From vibrant city tours and ancient relics to encounters with indigenous tribes known for their striking body art, elaborate ceremonies, and unique customs, each day unfolds with new discoveries. Travel by 4×4 through lush valleys and rugged terrain, witness traditional markets buzzing with life, and experience the warmth of local hospitality under starlit skies. The journey culminates with a celebratory farewell, savoring Ethiopia’s rich flavors and vibrant music—a perfect end to an unforgettable adventure. Highlights Itinerary Price included Price not included Reviews Highlights Explore Ethiopia’s capital – museums, historic sites & mountain views. Meet indigenous tribes – witness body art, rituals & traditional ceremonies. Visit remote villages, explore pastoral communities. Discover unique traditions – lip plates, beadwork & cultural festivals. Encounter the diverse tribes of the Omo Valley. Experience the daily life of the Hamer, Mursi, Karo, and other indigenous communities. Learn about their fascinating cultures. Witness the vibrant and colorful weekly markets. Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Itinerary Day 1: Addis Ababa Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your reserved hotel in Addis Ababa. Settle in and relax after your journey, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Ethiopia’s bustling capital. Overnight: Addis Ababa. Day 2: Addis Ababa After breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour, exploring the rich cultural and historical highlights of Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum, home to ancient artifacts, including the famous fossil “Lucy.” Continue to the majestic Trinity Cathedral, a symbol of Ethiopia’s religious heritage, before delving into the fascinating exhibits at the Ethnographic Museum. In the afternoon, ascend Mount Entoto for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and explore the historic church, palace, and museum at its summit. Overnight: Addis Ababa. Day 3: Addis Ababa – Jimma (Flight) – Mizan Take an early morning flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma, where a rugged 4×4 vehicle will be waiting to continue the journey overland to Mizan. The scenic drive offers glimpses of Ethiopia’s lush southwestern landscapes as you make your way deeper into the region. Overnight: Mizan. Day 4: Mizan – Kibish Depart early in the morning, driving along a paved road toward Kibish, the homeland of the Surma tribes. Known for their striking body art and traditional stick-fighting ceremonies, the Surma people offer a captivating glimpse into Ethiopia’s indigenous cultures. Overnight: Kibish. Day 5: Kibish Spend the entire day immersed in the customs and daily life of the Surma people. Witness their elaborate body painting, intricate scarification, and perhaps even a ceremonial Donga (stick-fighting) event, a significant cultural practice among the Surma. Overnight: Kibish. Day 6: Kibish – Nyangatom Continue the journey to Nyangatom, another remarkable tribe in the Lower Omo Valley. The Nyangatom, known for their distinctive adornments and pastoral lifestyle, provide another fascinating cultural encounter. Overnight: Nyangatom. Day 7: Nyangatom – Karo – Turmi Travel to the Karo people, renowned for their intricate body painting and riverside villages. After spending time with the Karo, proceed to Turmi, the heart of Hamar territory, where vibrant traditions and lively ceremonies await. Overnight: Turmi. Day 8: Turmi – Omorate – Turmi Venture to Omorate to meet the Dassanech people, who inhabit the banks of the Omo River. Cross the river by boat to visit their remote villages before returning to Turmi for another evening among the Hamar. Overnight: Turmi. Day 9: Turmi – Arbore – Turmi Explore the Arbore tribe, known for their colorful beadwork and unique spiritual beliefs. Learn about their role as intermediaries between neighboring tribes before heading back to Turmi. Overnight: Turmi. Day 10: Turmi – Jinka Depart Turmi and drive to Jinka, the gateway to Mago National Park. En route, enjoy the shifting landscapes and prepare for the next day’s encounter with the Mursi people. Overnight: Jinka. Day 11: Jinka – Bodi/Mursi – Jinka Venture into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi, famous for their lip plates and striking adornments. Alternatively, meet the Bodi people, known for their unique Ka’el ceremony. Return to Jinka in the evening. Overnight: Jinka. Day 12: Jinka – Addis Ababa (Flight) Take a morning flight back to Addis Ababa, where you can enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your departure. Extension to Lalibela Day 13: Addis Ababa – Lalibela (Flight) After breakfast, take a short flight to Lalibela. After checking in at the hotel, visit the rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela. Lalibela is the jewel in the crown of Ethiopia, home to the most famous churches and the scene of many major religious ceremonies. Also known as “Africa’s Petra”, Lalibela and its rock-hewn churches are among Ethiopia’s top attractions. Visit the churches: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Maskal, Bete Danaghel, Bete Golgotha & Bete Mikael, and Bete Giorgis. In the afternoon, visit the remaining churches: Bete Amanuel, Bete Markorios, Bete Aba Libanos, and Bete Gebriel-Rufael. Overnight: Lalibela. Day 14: Lalibela After breakfast, visit the rest of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and take an excursion to visit some of the churches outside Lalibela town. Overnight: Lalibela. Day 15: Lalibela – Addis Ababa (Flight) Take a morning flight back to Addis Ababa, where you can enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your departure. End of Tour. Departure! Price included Meal (BLD) Car with fuel Driver allowance Accommodation for sharing (twin bed) Mini Van or 4*4 Land Cruiser Boat Local guide fee all destinations Entrance fee in the parks Sightseeing entrance Scout fee Bottle of water everyday Service fee Price not included Domestic flight Tip Alcoholic Beverages Any service not mentioned in the “Price included” section Reviews Book This Tour More Itineraries Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Book This Tour

Omo Valley with Lalibela 12 Days Home Overview Ethiopia’s is rich diverse ethnographic attractions attributed to its nations, nationalities, and peoples of more than 83 languages and 200 dialects. One of the most important locations for these ethnographic tourism attractions is the lower Omo Valley of Southern Ethiopia which is home to an astonishing mix of small, contrasting ethnic groups such as Gnangatom, Karo, Dassench, Bodi, Mursi, Surma, Arbore, and Hamer – some of the most fascinating people and cultures. A trip through Ethiopia that focuses on the South of the country, inhabited by some of the most attractions of the country: the Dorze with their spectacular huts, the Konso, the Mursi warriors whose women wear the lip plate, the Karos with their body paints and the Hamers with their peculiar clothing and beautiful women who cover their bodies and hair with grease and reddish mud. An ethnic journey, designed to be able to contact the great human wealth that this part of Ethiopia. Highlights Itinerary Price included Price not included Reviews Highlights Encounter the diverse tribes of the Omo Valley. Experience the daily life of the Hamer, Mursi, Karo, and other indigenous communities. Learn about their fascinating cultures. Witness the vibrant and colorful weekly markets Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Itinerary Day 1: Addis Ababa The group members will be arriving at different times throughout the day from various international destinations. Since their flights are not synchronized, we will coordinate their arrivals accordingly. If, however, everyone arrives in Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport) around the same time or from the same origin, we can organize a short city tour or sightseeing activity while waiting for the rest of the group. For those arriving much earlier or later, we will arrange airport transfers and accommodations as planned. Please share your flight details in advance so we can optimize the schedule. Overnight Addis Ababa. Day 2: Addis Ababa Begin your Addis Ababa sightseeing with a scenic drive north to Mount Entoto, offering breathtaking views from its 3200m peak. Descending, you’ll visit the Ethnographic Museum, showcasing a comprehensive array of Ethiopian crafts and historically significant items. The National Museum awaits with its remarkable archaeological finds, including the iconic 3.4-million-year-old ‘Lucy’ fossil. After lunch, explore the grandeur of Trinity Cathedral, the largest and most revered church in Addis Ababa, built in 1941 and notable for its art and architecture. Your tour culminates with a drive through Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, a bustling hub of trade and local life. Overnight Addis Ababa. Day 3: Addis Ababa – Arbaminch (flight) Begin your day with an early breakfast before transferring to the airport to catch your morning flight to Arba Minch. Upon arrival, our drivers will take you to your accommodation. In the afternoon, visit the Dorze Village, renowned for its unique cultural traditions. The Dorze people are celebrated for their exceptional weaving craftsmanship, a skill passed down through generations. Other distinctive practices include producing local liquors, playing traditional music, and crafting food from the false banana plant (kocho). The Dorze community, who reside on lush hillsides, are also famous for their towering beehive-shaped huts—a remarkable architectural feat that reflects their ingenuity. Overnight Arbaminch. Day 4: Arbaminch – Turmi This morning, after having early breakfast we take a boat cruise across the waters of Lake Chamo. Our destination is the renowned “Azo Gebeya,” or ‘crocodile market,’ a truly spectacular sight where an impressive number of large crocodiles gather. Keep your cameras ready for glimpses of wallowing hippos and the diverse and colorful birdlife that thrives in this ecosystem. Later, our overland journey southwards leads us towards Turmi. Our exploration includes a visit to a traditional Konso village, nestled within a striking landscape of gently sloping, terraced hills, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Konso people are widely respected for their diligent nature, evident in the meticulously crafted terraces that carpet their hillsides, surprisingly producing some of the country’s most exceptional coffee. Their ancient artistic heritage is manifested in the distinctive totems that mark the final resting places of their ancestors. As we travel, we look forward to fascinating cultural exchanges, encountering the unique customs and traditions of the various tribes that inhabit this captivating region. Overnight Turmi. Day 5: Turmi – Omorate – Turmi On this day after breakfast, our day unfolds with an excursion to Omorate, where we’ll have the privilege of meeting the Dassanech people – often called the ‘people of the Delta’ – who make their home along the northern shores of the vast Lake Turkana. After our visit, we’ll journey back to Turmi. The afternoon brings an encounter with the captivating Hammer people in their village. Renowned as one of the most striking and proud communities in the Omo Valley, the Hammer truly embody a sense of beauty and grace. Their women are particularly eye-catching, adorned in elegant leather skirts embellished with delicate, tiny pearls. Intricate and elaborate hairstyles serve as another significant form of their personal expression and beauty. Overnight Turmi. Day 6: Turmi – Nyangaton/Karo – Turmi Begin your day with an early departure from Turmi, heading toward the remote village of Kangatan. From there, take a guided walk through lush fields, where locals tend to their crops, before arriving at a traditional Nyangatom tribal village. Immerse yourself in their vibrant culture, learning about their unique customs, intricate beadwork, and pastoral way of life. After the visit, journey back across the river and continue to the spectacular Karo village of Korcho, perched dramatically on a Cliffside with breathtaking views over the Omo River. The Karo people, though the smallest tribe in the Omo Valley, are renowned for their stunning body paintings and elaborate scarification, making them some of the most visually striking communities in the region. Spend time interacting with the villagers, capturing their artistry, and admiring their striking traditional adornments. Afterwards, we will enjoy a scenic drive back to Turmi, reflecting on the unforgettable cultural encounters of the day. Overnight Turmi.

Omo Valley 8 Days Home Overview Ethiopia’s is rich diverse ethnographic attractions attributed to its nations, nationalities, and peoples of more than 83 languages and 200 dialects. One of the most important locations for these ethnographic tourism attractions is the lower Omo Valley of Southern Ethiopia which is home to an astonishing mix of small, contrasting ethnic groups such as Gnangatom, Karo, Dassench, Bodi, Mursi, Surma, Arbore, and Hamer – some of the most fascinating people and cultures. A trip through Ethiopia that focuses on the South of the country, inhabited by some of the most attractions of the country: the Dorze with their spectacular huts, the Konso, the Mursi warriors whose women wear the lip plate, the Karos with their body paints and the Hamers with their peculiar clothing and beautiful women who cover their bodies and hair with grease and reddish mud. An ethnic journey, designed to be able to contact the great human wealth that this part of Ethiopia. Highlights Itinerary Price included Price not included Reviews Highlights Encounter the diverse tribes of the Omo Valley. Experience the daily life of the Hamer, Mursi, Karo, and other indigenous communities. Learn about their fascinating cultures. Witness the vibrant and colorful weekly markets Itinerary Day 1: ADDIS ABABA Arrival Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After breakfast you will start your city tour of Addis Ababa with the National Museum of Ethiopia. This is one of the best museums in quality and diversity of the exhibits. Archeological exhibits include the 3.2 million-year-old fossil of Lucy (or Dinkinesh – ‘thou art wonderful’- in the native language), a hominoid woman of the specious of Australopithecus Afarensis. The discovery of Lucy’s fossil in 1974 forced a complete rethink of human genealogy, providing that our ancestors were walking 2.5 million years earlier than had been supposed. Overnight: Addis Ababa. Day 2: Addis Ababa – Arbaminch (flight) Morning at 8am arrive bole International Airport. After breakfast and after a few hours rest we will take the afternoon flight to fly Arbaminch. After we arrive Arbaminch meet the driver and drive along a very scenic route to the mountain village of Chencha, home of the Dorze people. Renowned for their cotton weaving, called Shammas. And their distinctive house- towering beehive shaped structures made from woven thatch. Visit and proceed to Arba Minch. Overnight: Arbaminch. Day 3: Arbaminch – Jinka Leaving Arba Minch, we drive southwards to Jinka. You visit the Konso village who live in a land of low terraced hills. They are reputed to be the hardest workers in the country. Their elaborately terraced hillside grows some of the county’s best coffee. They have an article tradition and erect peculiar totems on the grave of their deceased. We experience interesting cultural encounters meeting with different tribes along the way. These tribes include the Ari, Benna and Tsemay. Overnight Jinka. Day 4: Jinka – Mago – Turmi After breakfast, take a day excursion to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi village. The Mursi are one of the most original ethnic groups. They live in very low huts made of straw leaves. The women like to wear terra cotta on their enormously stretched lower lips and ear lobes. The men are famous for their hairstyle. Back to Jinka and stop for lunch. After lunch we proceed drive to Turmi. Overnight: Turmi Day 5: Turmi – Omorate – Karo – Turmi This day you will take an excursion to Omorate where you will have cultural experience with the Geleb/ Dassenech people inhabitants of lower Omo River Valley. Visit and drive back to Turmi. In the afternoon we drive to karo village. Overnight: Turmi Day 6: Turmi – Arbaminch On this day after breakfast e drive back to Arbaminch. On the way visit the Erbore tribe. Overnight: Arbaminch Day 7: Arbaminch – Hawassa After early breakfast we take a boat cruise on Lake Chamo. At the spot called “Azo Gebeya” or ‘crocodile market’, huge concentration of crocodiles, herds of hippo as well as many species of birds can be observed. After visit the crocodile market we drive to Hawassa. Overnight: Hawassa Day 8: Hawassa – Addis Ababa After breakfast we drive back to Addis Ababa. On the way visit the Abjatta Shalla national park to see some birds and mammals. In the evening a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurant in Addis to see different types of cultural music and dance with a traditional Ethiopian foods. Overnight: Addis Ababa, Hotel or Departure. Price included Meal (BLD) Car with fuel Driver allowance Accommodation for sharing (twin bed) Mini Van or 4*4 Land Cruiser Boat Local guide fee all destinations Entrance fee in the parks Sightseeing entrance Scout fee Bottle of water everyday Service fee Price not included Domestic flight Tip Alcoholic Beverages Photo and Videography fee in the villages Personal expenses like laundry Any expenses which is not stated in the including lists Reviews Book This Tour More Itineraries Ready to Travel With Real Adventure Book This Tour