12 Days South Omo Valley Tours

Gallery

Moments on this route

Overview

About this tour

Discover the cultural richness of Ethiopia’s South Omo Valley on this 12-day journey starting and ending in Addis Ababa. Travel through the Rift Valley, visit ancient archaeological sites, explore lakeside towns, and meet some of the most fascinating communities of southern Ethiopia. This extended itinerary gives travelers a deeper experience of the Omo Valley and beyond, including Awassa, Dorze, Arba Minch, Turmi, Omorate, Kangatan, Korcho, Jinka, Mago National Park, Konso, Yabello, El Sod, Yirgalem, and the Abiatta-Shala Lakes region. Visit Tiya, Adadi Maryam, and Melka Kunture archaeological sites Explore Lake Awassa and the local fish market Discover Dorze village, known for beehive-like houses and weaving Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos Visit the Hamer, Dassenech, Nyangatom, Karo, Mursi, Benna, Tsemai, Konso, and Borena communities Experience colorful tribal markets in Dimeka, Key Afar, Dorze, Chencha, or Konso depending on the day Visit Mago National Park and the South Omo Museum Explore Konso culture, waka statues, and the natural New York Village Visit El Sod crater lake and experience the Borena region End the journey through Yirgalem and the Abiatta-Shala National Park area

Highlights

What makes it special

• Visit Tiya, Adadi Maryam, and Melka Kunture archaeological sites
• Explore Lake Awassa and the local fish market
• Discover Dorze village, known for beehive-like houses and weaving
• Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos
• Visit the Hamer, Dassenech, Nyangatom, Karo, Mursi, Benna, Tsemai, Konso, and Borena communities
• Experience colorful tribal markets in Dimeka, Key Afar, Dorze, Chencha, or Konso depending on the day
• Visit Mago National Park and the South Omo Museum
• Explore Konso culture, waka statues, and the natural New York Village
• Visit El Sod crater lake and experience the Borena region
• End the journey through Yirgalem and the Abiatta-Shala National Park area

Itinerary

Day by day

1. 1

   Addis Ababa – Butajira – Awassa

   Depart from Addis Ababa and travel south through Butajira, visiting some of Ethiopia’s most important archaeological sites along the way. Explore Tiya, an ancient stelae field and UNESCO World Heritage Site; Adadi Maryam, a rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela; and Melka Kunture, a prehistoric tool-making site. Continue to Awassa for the evening.

2. 2

   Awassa – Dorze – Arba Minch

   In the morning, visit the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa and experience the lively lakeside atmosphere. Afterward, drive to Dorze, a village known for its tall beehive-like houses, fine cotton weaving, and rich cultural traditions. Spend time learning about the daily lives of the Dorze people before continuing to Arba Minch for the night.

3. 3

   Dorze / Chencha Market – Lake Chamo – Arba Minch

   Start the day with a visit to the local market in Dorze if it is Monday or Thursday, or Chencha if it is Tuesday or Saturday. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and experience local trade and culture. Afterward, continue to Arba Minch and take an afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the famous “crocodile market” and see local hippos.

4. 4

   Arba Minch – Weyto – Erbore – Turmi

   Travel through Weyto, home to the Tsemai tribe, and continue through the Weyto Valley toward Erbore. Visit a local Erbore village and learn about the community’s way of life. Later, continue to Turmi, the cultural center of the Hamer people. In the evening, experience the traditional Hamer night dancing if available.

5. 5

   Turmi – Omorate – Dassenech Village – Turmi

   Take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe. Cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a Dassenech village to learn about their traditions, daily life, and relationship with the river. Return to Turmi, where Monday is market day. Visit a local Hamer village and, if available, witness the traditional Jumping of the Bulls ceremony.

6. 6

   Turmi – Kangatan – Nyangatom Village – Korcho – Turmi

   Depart from Turmi and head toward Kangatan. Cross the Omo River and take a short walk through local fields to visit a village of the Nyangatom tribe. After the visit, return across the river and continue to Korcho, a Karo village beautifully located above the Omo River. Learn about the Karo people, one of the smallest tribes in the Omo Valley, known for their rich culture and striking body decoration.

7. 7

   Turmi – Dimeka – Key Afar – Jinka

   Depart for Jinka via Dimeka and Key Afar. If it is Tuesday or Saturday, visit the colorful Dimeka market, one of the most vibrant markets in the region, visited by the Hamer, Benna, Karo, and other communities. After the market visit, continue to Jinka for the evening.

8. 8

   Jinka – Mago National Park – Mursi Village – Jinka

   Drive through Mago National Park to visit a local Mursi village. The Mursi are known for the lower lip and earlobe plates traditionally worn by women, as well as their cattle-based way of life and strong cultural identity. In the afternoon, after returning to Jinka, visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes. Alternatively, take a short hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.

9. 9

   Jinka – Key Afar – Konso

   After breakfast, depart from Jinka to Konso via Key Afar. If it is Thursday, visit Key Afar market, where the Benna and Tsemai tribes gather to trade goods and socialize. After the market visit, continue to Konso, known for its terraced landscapes and distinctive cultural traditions.

10. 10

    Konso – Natural New York Village – Yabello

    Explore Konso culture with a visit to a local village and the cultural museum displaying traditional waka statues, which are carved wooden memorial figures honoring respected heroes. The Konso people are also known for their innovative agricultural terracing. If time allows, visit the “natural New York Village,” named for its tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers. Afterward, continue to Yabello. If there is time, visit Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to see zebras.

11. 11

    Yabello – El Sod – Yirgalem

    Early in the morning, take an excursion south to El Sod, a village known for its crater lake and large salt deposit called the House of Salt, or chow bet. This area is part of the Borena homeland, a large nomadic ethnic group extending into Kenya. After the visit, drive to Yirgalem. In the evening, enjoy a coffee ceremony while watching hyenas in the surrounding forest.

12. 12

    Yirgalem – Abiatta-Shala National Park – Addis Ababa

    After breakfast, depart north toward Addis Ababa. On the way, you may visit Abiatta-Shala National Park. Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters, is the deepest lake in Ethiopia, while Lake Abiatta is a soda lake where thousands of flamingos can sometimes be seen. Continue to Addis Ababa, marking the end of the tour. Highlights: Yirgalem, Abiatta-Shala National Park, Lake Shala, Lake Abiatta, flamingos, Addis Ababa