Ethiopia · Tribal Experiences

6-Day Omo Valley Tribal Expedition with Lake Chamo and Addis Ababa

6 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Addis Ababa's rich history, including Lucy's ancient hominid fossil
02 Immerse yourself in Omo Valley's vibrant tribes, from the Dorze to the Mursi
03 Visit Karo, Dassanech, and Hamer communities around Turmi
04 Witness the Hamer people's Bull Jumping ceremony in Turmi if available
05 Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Chamo to spot hippos and crocodiles

Embark on a 6-day expedition to Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia. Explore Addis Ababa's history and culture before travelling through Arbaminch, Turmi, and Jinka to encounter the Dorze, Karo, Dassanech, Mursi, Hamer, Bena, Tsemay, Konso, Ari, and other ethnic groups. Experience tribal ways of life and traditions, with the chance to witness the Hamer people's Bull Jumping ceremony if available. Your journey concludes back in Addis Ababa with a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can enjoy local dishes and folkloric dances.

Check out of the hotel and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Chamo to see hippos and crocodiles, then drive to Turmi village with a stop in Konso for lunch.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Addis Ababa City Tour

Arrival in Addis Ababa, followed by a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day will be spent on a city tour, visiting the National Museum, where the oldest hominid fossil known as Lucy is located, Mount Entoto, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Merkato. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02

Flight to Arbaminch and Visit to Chencha Village

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Arbaminch. The rest of the day will be spent driving to Chencha village to visit the Dorze people and their beautiful surroundings, noted for their abundant false banana farmlands. Overnight at the hotel or lodge.

Day 03

Lake Chamo Boat Ride and Drive to Turmi

Check out of the hotel and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Chamo to see hippos and crocodiles, then drive to Turmi village with a stop in Konso for lunch. After lunch, proceed to Keyafer Market (Thursday). Overnight at the hotel or lodge.

Day 04

Karo, Dassanech, and Hamer Villages from Turmi

Spend a full day in Turmi with a day trip to Karo village to meet the Karo people. In the afternoon, drive to Omorate village to visit the Dassanech people, then return to Turmi and explore the Hamer village. Optionally, attend a Bull Jumping ceremony if available. Overnight at the hotel or lodge.

Day 05

Drive to Jinka and Visit Mago National Park

Today, drive to Jinka town, a springboard for visiting the Mursi tribes living in Mago National Park. Along the way, stop at any available marketplaces. Overnight at Nasa Hotel or a similar basic hotel.

Day 06

Mursi Village Visit and Return to Addis Ababa

After an early breakfast, drive to the Mursi village, then return to Jinka and head to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. In the capital, continue sightseeing before a farewell dinner at one of the traditional restaurants. Finally, you will be dropped off at your hotel or at the airport for departure. End of the tour.