6-Day Omo Valley Tribes Tour from Arbaminch

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

   Arbaminch Arrival – Dorze Village

   Fly to Arbaminch in the morning and begin your journey with a drive to Dorze Village. The Dorze people are known for weaving traditional clothes, practicing subsistence agriculture, and producing some of the finest handmade textiles in Ethiopia. Visit their iconic elephant-shaped houses and learn about their architectural skills, music, daily life, and rich cultural traditions. After the visit, drive back to Arbaminch.

2. 2

   Arbaminch – Konso Village – Turmi

   Drive from Arbaminch to Turmi via Konso Village. Konso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its terraced landscapes, walled villages, community squares, stone monuments, generation poles, and carved statues. Continue the journey by crossing the Weito River and passing through the homeland of the Tsemay and Bena tribes before arriving in Turmi, the cultural center of the Hamer people.

3. 3

   Turmi – Omorate – Dassanech Village – Turmi

   After breakfast, drive to Omorate, home of the Dassanech tribe near the Kenyan border along the Omo River. Cross the river by local boat and visit their mobile village to learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and connection to the river. Return to Turmi for lunch. Depending on the day and local availability, you may attend a Hamer bull-jumping ceremony, visit a Hamer village, or explore the Turmi tribal market.

4. 4

   Turmi – Korcho – Karo Tribe – Turmi

   After breakfast, drive to Korcho, a village of the Karo people. The Karo, who refer to themselves as Karato, meaning “fish eaters,” are well known for their artistic and symbolic body painting using natural pigments. After visiting the Karo village and enjoying views over the Omo River, return to Turmi for lunch. In the afternoon, you may explore the Hamer market, witness a bull-jumping ceremony, or visit another Hamer village if available.

5. 5

   Turmi – Jinka

   In the morning, drive to Jinka, home of the Ari people. The Ari are the largest ethnic group in the Omo Valley and still maintain traditional village life, even though they are more modernized than some neighboring communities. If the timing aligns, visit local tribal markets at Dimeka, Key Afer, or other small market towns, where you may encounter the Benna, Hamer, and Tsemay communities.

6. 6

   Jinka – Mago National Park – Mursi Village – Addis Ababa

   After an early breakfast, drive through Mago National Park to visit a Mursi village. The Mursi are one of the most iconic tribes of the Omo Valley, especially known for the large lip plates traditionally worn by women. Spend time in the village learning about their culture and way of life before returning to Jinka for lunch. Afterward, transfer to Jinka Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. Highlights: Mago National Park, Mursi tribe, lip plates, Jinka, flight to Addis Ababa