Ethiopia, Kenya · Tribal Experiences

4-Day Omo Valley Cultural Tour with Tribal Villages and Omo River

4 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Mursi Village in Mago National Park and learn about the community's distinctive lip plates
02 Experience the colourful weekly market of the Hamer tribe in Turmi
03 Cross the Omo River by boat to explore a Desanech tribal village near Lake Turkana
04 Enjoy a farewell dinner in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian meals and folkloric dancers

Embark on a 4-day cultural expedition through Ethiopia's Omo Valley, exploring the vibrant traditions of its indigenous tribes. Visit the Mursi, Karo, Hamer, and Desanech communities, known for their striking adornments, colourful markets, and rich pastoral heritage. Journey through wonderful African landscapes, cross the Omo River by boat, and immerse yourself in local customs before a farewell dinner with Ethiopian meals and folkloric dancers in Addis Ababa.

Journey through wonderful African landscapes, cross the Omo River by boat, and immerse yourself in local customs before a farewell dinner with Ethiopian meals and folkloric dancers in Addis Ababa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Jinka, Turmi, Lake Turkana, Mago National Park, Omorate

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Jinka and Mursi Village Visit

On your arrival at Jinka Airport, meet your guide and drive to Mago National Park to visit a Mursi village.
The Mursi are a distinctive group of pastoralists, best known for their unique item of decoration - lip plates.
Women of the Mursi wear circular clay plates on their lower lip. The bigger a woman can wear, the greater her value when she gets married.
Enjoy your stay at the Jinka Resort.

Day 02

Karo Village of Korcho and Hamer Market

After an early breakfast, drive to Turmi, visiting the Karo village of Korcho on the way, with a stunning location overlooking the Omo River.
The Karo people, the smallest tribe in number in the Omo Valley, are known to be the most decorated.
In the afternoon, visit the colourful weekly market of the Hamer tribe.

Day 03

Omorate, Desanech Village and Hamer Community

In the cool morning, drive to Omorate to visit the Desanech (Geleb) tribal village after crossing the Omo River by boat.
The Desanech are nomadic pastoralists found across the western bank of the Omo River, south of Lake Turkana and very close to the Kenyan border.
In the afternoon, drive to a Hamer village.
The Hamer display an elaborate and diverse selection of body decorations. They are also identifiable by their high cheekbones and elaborate custom of beads, cowries, leather, and thick copper necklaces.

Day 04

Return to Jinka and Farewell Dinner in Addis Ababa

Early in the morning, drive past the wonderful African landscapes, seeing the daily life of these unique communities as you make your way back to Jinka Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
In the evening before departure, be invited to a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis, where you will taste a variety of Ethiopian meals and watch folkloric dancers representing the Ethiopian people.
Then transfer to Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, for your flight back home.