Ethiopia · Tribal Experiences

5-Day Omo Valley Cultural Tour from Arba Minch with Lake Chamo

5 Days Round trip from Arba Minch Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit villages of the Karo, Hamer, Mursi, and Dorze people in Ethiopia's Omo Valley
02 Observe the Karo people's traditional body painting in Kolcho village on the Omo River
03 Learn about tribal customs at Jinka's small museum
04 See Dorze weaving traditions and the many uses of the "false" banana
05 Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo in search of enormous crocodiles and Hippopotamus

Explore one of Africa's most isolated and culturally rich regions with a private tour guide on this 5-day journey through Ethiopia's Omo Valley. Visit villages of the Konso, Karo, Hamer, Mursi, and Dorze people to learn about the history of the region, home to many ethnic groups and tribes who still practise their age-old customs. Along the way, discover tribal traditions, visit Jinka's museum, and enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo in search of enormous crocodiles and Hippopotamus.

Explore one of Africa's most isolated and culturally rich regions with a private tour guide on this 5-day journey through Ethiopia's Omo Valley.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Addis Ababa, Arba Minch, Konso, Jinka, Turmi, Mago National Park, Lake Chamo

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arba Minch and Drive to Konso

Arrive at Arba Minch and begin your drive to Konso.
Check in to the guest house and relax for the rest of the day, followed by a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 02

Kolcho Village and Hamer Community Visit

Travel to Kolcho village on the banks of the Omo River. Meet the Karo people and observe their traditional body painting.
Visit a Hamer village in the evening near the accommodation. The Hamer are fine-looking people who take great pride in their appearance - especially the women, with their red-dyed plaited hair.
Learn how the Hamer homes are constructed entirely of local materials such as mud, wood, and thatch. Each village consists of a single extended family unit of approximately 10-15 huts.

Spend the night in Turmi, Kizo Lodge.

Day 03

Scenic Drive to Jinka and Museum Visit

Begin the day by driving across the dry sandy plains to Key Afar.
Continue into more fertile rolling hills to the small town of Jinka.
Visit a small museum that gives valuable insight into tribal customs. You can also take an optional walk down to the town and meet new people on the way before driving back to the accommodation.

Overnight stay at Jinka Resort.

Day 04

Mago National Park and Mursi Village Visit

Start early and drive across the mountains through some of the most beautiful Ethiopian scenery into the drier Mago National Park area.
Get a chance to see the Dik Dik and the Kudu tribe.
Proceed towards the dry plains and visit a Mursi village. These people are known for their decorated clay plates, which are inserted in the lower lips of women. Starting in adolescence, the plates eventually become larger, with some finally reaching the dimensions of a bread-and-butter plate.

Drive to Konso. Overnight at the Konso Hotel.

Day 05

Dorze Village, Lake Chamo, and Departure

Drive from the fertile soils across the dry plains until you reach Arba Minch.
Visit a Dorze village, noted for its fine weaving in wool and cotton.
Visit their homes and see weaving, along with a demonstration of the many uses of the "false" banana.
After a picnic lunch, drive to Lake Chamo and take a boat trip in search of enormous crocodiles and possibly even Hippopotamus before returning to the airport. Fly from Arba Minch to Addis.