Day 01 – Arrival in Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, a representative from New Gate Ethiopia will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Take time to rest after your journey.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 02 – Discover Addis Ababa
Enjoy a guided tour of Ethiopia’s bustling capital city. You will visit the National Museum, home of “Lucy,” the 3.2-million-year-old hominid fossil. You will also explore Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, full of vibrant colors, spices, textiles, and crafts.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 03 – Journey to Awassa (via Butajira)
Begin your journey south with cultural and historical stops along the way. You will visit Adadi Mariam Church, a 12th-century rock-hewn church linked to King Lalibela, and Tiya Stelae Field, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with mysterious, monolithic gravestones believed to mark warrior graves.
Overnight: Resort in Hawassa
Day 04 – Dorze Village & Arba Minch
Visit the Dorze people, known for their intricate weaving and distinctive bamboo beehive-shaped huts. Located on the lush highlands above Arba Minch, their villages offer spectacular views. On market days (Dorze: Monday/Thursday, Chencha: Tuesday/Saturday), the visit becomes even more vibrant with a lively, authentic trading scene.
Accommodation Options:
Option 1: Overnight in a traditional Dorze hut (basic facilities, shared toilet).
Option 2: Transfer to Arba Minch for hotel comfort.
Overnight: Lodge or Traditional Dorze Hut
Day 05 – Lake Chamo Boat Safari
Enjoy a scenic boat trip on Lake Chamo, part of the Great Rift Valley system. Witness the famous “Crocodile Market,” where giant Nile crocodiles bask on the shores. You will also see hippos, African fish eagles, pelicans, and other exotic birds.
Overnight: Lodge
Day 06 – Arba Minch to Jinka (275 km)
Travel deeper into the Omo Valley, passing through the Konso region, known for its terraced agriculture and vibrant cultural dress. Arrive in Jinka, the hub of the South Omo zone.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 07 – Mursi Tribe & Mago National Park
Take a rugged journey into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, known for their women’s large clay lip plates and the men’s roles as cattle herders and warriors. You will also visit the Jinka Museum, which offers rich ethnographic insight into the diverse cultures of the region.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 08 – Jinka to Key Afer (Banna Tribe)
Drive to the Key Afer area to meet the Banna tribe, known for their elaborate body painting, beaded jewelry, and close cultural ties with the Hamer and Ari peoples.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 09 – Key Afer to Turmi (Hamer People)
Continue to Turmi, the homeland of the Hamer people, famous for their ochre-colored braided hair and traditional leather garments. If your timing is right, you can stop at Dimeka Market (Saturday or Tuesday), a colorful and bustling tribal gathering.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 10 – Karo Tribe Excursion (Omo River)
Cross the Omo River to visit the Karo tribe, celebrated for their elaborate body painting, ritual scarification practices, and stunning riverside villages with scenic views. If possible, you can attend the market day in Dimeka (Saturday) or Turmi (Monday).
Overnight: Hotel in Turmi
Day 11 – Nyangatom Tribe Excursion
Take an off-road trip to meet the Nyangatom tribe, one of the least visited communities in the region. You will experience their traditional pastoral lifestyle and remote village setting before returning to Turmi.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 12 – Filming with the Hamer Tribe
Spend a full day engaging with or documenting the Hamer people, known for their expressiveness and unique traditions. If you’re fortunate, you might witness a bull-jumping ceremony, a coming-of-age ritual for Hamer boys.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 13 – Omorate Exploration
Travel further south to Omorate, near the Kenyan border. You will explore tribal villages and possibly visit the Dassanech people, known for their dome-shaped huts and flood-retreat farming techniques.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 14 – End of Tour
Return to either Jinka or Arba Minch for your onward transfer to Addis Ababa. Depending on your flight time, you can enjoy a farewell cultural dinner featuring live traditional music, dancing, and Ethiopian buffet specialties. After dinner, transfer to the airport for your international departure.
