8 Days South Omo Valley Tours

Gallery

Moments on this route

Overview

About this tour

Experience the cultural depth and natural beauty of southern Ethiopia on this 8-day South Omo Valley tour starting and ending in Addis Ababa. Travel through the Rift Valley, visit ancient archaeological sites, discover lakeside towns, and meet some of the most fascinating communities of the Omo Valley. This journey takes you from Addis Ababa to Awassa, Dorze, Arba Minch, Turmi, Omorate, Jinka, Mago National Park, Konso, and back to Addis Ababa. Along the way, you will explore tribal villages, colorful markets, traditional ceremonies, historic sites, and remarkable landscapes. Visit Tiya, Adadi Maryam, and Melka Kunture archaeological sites Explore Lake Awassa and its lively 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 Erbore, Hamer, Dassenech, Mursi, Benna, Tsemai, and Konso communities Experience colorful tribal markets in Dimeka, Key Afar, or Konso depending on the day Visit Mago National Park and the South Omo Museum Return to Addis Ababa through the scenic southern route

Highlights

What makes it special

• Visit Tiya, Adadi Maryam, and Melka Kunture archaeological sites
• Explore Lake Awassa and its lively 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 Erbore, Hamer, Dassenech, Mursi, Benna, Tsemai, and Konso communities
• Experience colorful tribal markets in Dimeka, Key Afar, or Konso depending on the day
• Visit Mago National Park and the South Omo Museum
• Return to Addis Ababa through the scenic southern route

Itinerary

Day by day

1. 1

   Addis Ababa – Butajira – Awassa

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

2. 2

   Awassa – Dorze – Arba Minch

   After breakfast, visit the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa, where local fishermen, birds, and daily lakeside life create a lively morning scene. Then continue driving to Dorze, located in the highlands above Arba Minch. The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses, fine cotton weaving, and unique way of life. Visit the village and learn about their traditions, homes, weaving practices, and daily activities. If the timing matches, you may also visit the Dorze market on Monday or Thursday, or the nearby Chencha market on Tuesday or Saturday.

3. 3

   Arba Minch – Lake Chamo – Erbore – Turmi

   In the morning, travel to Arba Minch for a boat trip on Lake Chamo. Visit the famous “crocodile market,” where large crocodiles are often seen resting along the lake, and look for hippos in the water. After the boat trip, depart from Arba Minch toward Turmi. Along the way, pass through Weyto, home to the Tsemai tribe, and continue through the Weyto Valley to Erbore. Visit a local Erbore village before continuing to Turmi, the home area of the Hamer people. In the evening, you may experience the traditional Hamer night dancing known as evangadi.

4. 4

   Turmi – Omorate – Dassenech Village – Turmi

   Take a day trip from Turmi to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe. Cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a Dassenech village, where you will learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and connection to the river. After the visit, return to Turmi. If it is Monday, you may visit the local Turmi market. Later, visit a Hamer village to experience their culture and daily life. If available, you may also attend the traditional Hamer Bull Jumping Ceremony, an important coming-of-age ritual.

5. 5

   Turmi – Dimeka – Key Afar – Jinka

   Depart for Jinka, traveling through Dimeka and Key Afar. If your journey falls on a Tuesday or Saturday, visit the colorful Dimeka market, one of the most vibrant markets in the region. The market is visited by several communities, including the Hamer, Benna, and Karo people. After exploring the market and local life, continue the journey to Jinka.

6. 6

   Jinka – Mago National Park – Mursi Village – Jinka

   In the morning, drive through Mago National Park to visit a local Mursi village. The Mursi are one of the most iconic communities of the Omo Valley, known for the lower lip and earlobe plates traditionally worn by women. After returning to Jinka in the afternoon, visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the cultures of the region. Alternatively, you may take a short hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.

7. 7

   Jinka – Key Afar – Konso – Arba Minch

   After breakfast, depart from Jinka toward Arba Minch via Key Afar and Konso. If it is Thursday, visit Key Afar market, where the Benna and Tsemai tribes gather to trade goods and socialize. Continue to Konso, known for its wooden statues called wakas, created in honor of respected heroes, and for its remarkable agricultural terracing. Visit a local Konso village and the cultural museum displaying waka statues before continuing to Arba Minch.

8. 8

   Arba Minch – Addis Ababa

   Early in the morning, depart from Arba Minch for a full-day drive back to Addis Ababa. Depending on time, you may visit one of the archaeological sites along the way, such as Tiya, Adadi Maryam, or Melka Kunture. Arrive in Addis Ababa, marking the end of the tour. Highlights: Arba Minch, scenic drive, Tiya, Adadi Maryam, Melka Kunture, Addis Ababa