Ethiopia · Tribal Experiences

7-Day Omo Valley Cultural Tour from Addis Ababa with Tribal Markets

7 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore archaeological sites including Tiya, Adidi Maryam, and Melka Kunture
02 Discover the wildlife of Nechisar National Park
03 Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo for crocodile and hippo sightings
04 Travel through vibrant tribal markets and villages such as Konso, Weyto, Key Afar, and Dimeka
05 Witness the traditional Hamer night dancing known as evangadi
06 Drive through Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe
07 Visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center and a local Ari village

Embark on a 7-day journey from Addis Ababa through the Omo Valley, combining archaeology, wildlife, and cultural encounters. Explore important sites such as Tiya, Adidi Maryam, and Melka Kunture, cruise Lake Chamo for crocodile and hippo sightings, and travel through vibrant tribal markets and villages around Turmi, Jinka, and Konso. Meet communities including the Hamer, Mursi, Ari, Benna, Tsemai, and Karo, and visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center for deeper insight into the region's cultures. The experience ends with a scenic return to Addis Ababa.

Explore Lake Chamo, renowned for its large crocodile population.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Addis Ababa to Arba Minch via Archaeological Sites

In the morning, depart from Addis Ababa for Arba Minch.
Upon arrival, visit the following archaeological sites:

Tiya
Adidi Maryam
Melka Kunture

Overnight at a hotel of your choice.

Day 02

Nechisar National Park, Lake Chamo, and Turmi

Visit Nechisar National Park.
Explore Lake Chamo, renowned for its large crocodile population. Visit the "Crocodile Market," a popular area known for impressive crocodile sightings.
Keep an eye out for hippos, which also inhabit the lake.
Depart from Arba Minch for Turmi.
Stop by the village of Konso, known for its unique culture. (Market days: Monday & Thursday)
Visit the Tsemai tribe's village in Weyto. (Market day: Saturday)
See the Benna tribe in Key Afar. (Market day: Thursday)
Explore Dimeka, where the Hamer and Karo tribes hold markets. (Market days: Tuesday & Saturday)
Continue your journey to Turmi, the home of the Hamer tribe.
At night, witness the traditional Hamer night dancing, known as evangadi.
Stay overnight at your choice of hotel in Turmi.

Day 03

Turmi to Jinka via Dimeka and Key Afar

Travel from Turmi to Jinka, passing through the vibrant Dimeka and Key Afar markets.
If it is a Tuesday or Saturday, visit Dimeka's colourful market, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse tribal presence, including the Hamer, Benna, and Karo tribes.
If it is a Thursday, stop at Key Afar to experience the bustling market where the Benna and Tsemai tribes trade goods.
Continue to Jinka for an overnight stay at the hotel you choose.

Day 04

Mago National Park, Mursi Village, and Jinka

In the morning, drive through Mago National Park to a local village of the Mursi tribe. The Mursi women are well known for their lower lip and earlobe plates - the larger the lip plate, the higher the bride price they will get when married.
After returning to Jinka in the afternoon, visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes.
Additionally, hike the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village and learn how the locals carry out different tasks, such as blacksmith work and distilling the local gin, known as raki.
Overnight at the hotel of your choice.

Day 05

Jinka to Arba Minch via Konso

Depart from Jinka and drive to Konso via Key Afar. Thursday is market day in Key Afar, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is one of the most popular markets in the region.
The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, called wakas, erected in honour of dead heroes, and for their innovative agricultural terracing. Today, you can visit a local village and the cultural museum, which displays many waka statues.
Time permitting, you can also visit the "natural New York Village," named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers. Market days in Konso are Monday and Thursday.
Depart from Konso to Arba Minch and overnight at the hotel of your choice.

Day 06

Arba Minch to Addis Ababa

Early in the morning, depart from Arba Minch for a full-day drive back to Addis Ababa.
Time permitting, you may visit any archaeological sites not visited on the first day.