Itinerary

1. Day 1: Addis Ababa - Arba Minch

   • In the morning, depart from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch.
   • Upon arrival, visit the following archaeological sites:
     • Tiya
     • Adidi Maryam
     • Melka Kunture
   • Overnight at a hotel of your choice.

2. Day 2: Nechisar National Park - Arba Minch - Turmi

   • Visit the 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.
   • Departure from Arba Mirch to 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.

3. Days 3 and 4: Omorate - Turmi - Jinka

   • Travel from Turmi to Jinka, passing through the vibrant Dimeka and Key Afar markets.
   • If it’s 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’s a Thursday, stop at Key Afar to experience the bustling market where the Benna and Tsemai tribes trade goods.
   • Continue your overnight journey to Jinka at the hotel you choose.

4. Day 5: Mago National Park - Jinka

   • In the morning, drive through the 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 do different tasks, such as blacksmith work and distilling the local gin, known as raki.
   • Overnight at the hotel of your choice.

5. Day 6: Jinka - Konso - Arba Minch

   • Depart from Jinka, driving 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, known as wakas, erected in honour of dead heroes and 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.

6. Day 7: Arba Minch - 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.