8-Day Omo Valley Cultural Discovery

Day 1: Addis Ababa – Tiya – Adadi Maryam – Hawassa
Begin your journey driving south from Addis Ababa via Butajira. Along the way, visit several key archaeological and historical sites: Tiya: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mysterious ancient stelae, Adadi Maryam: A 12th-century rock-hewn church attributed to King Lalibela and Melka Kunture (optional): A significant prehistoric site with archaeological findings dating back thousands of years. Continue the scenic drive to Hawassa for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Haile Resort or similar

Day 2: Hawassa – Dorze Village – Arba Minch
Start the day with a visit to the vibrant fish market at Lake Hawassa, observing fishermen and birdlife along the lake shore. Then drive to the highlands of Dorze, home to the Dorze people, renowned for their: Distinctive beehive-shaped bamboo huts, Traditional weaving culture and Warm hospitality

If your visit coincides with market day, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a colorful local market. Afterward, continue to Arba Minch, or optionally stay in Dorze.
Overnight: Dorze Hut or Arba Minch Lodge

Day 3: Arba Minch – Lake Chamo – Turmi
Enjoy a morning boat trip on Lake Chamo, famous for its large Nile crocodiles, hippos, and numerous bird species.
Afterward, drive through the village of Weyto, inhabited by the Tsemai tribe, and visit Erbore village, en route to Turmi, the cultural heartland of the Hamer people. In the evening, experience traditional Hamer dancing, a vibrant expression of their culture.
Overnight: Turmi Lodge

Day 4: Turmi – Omorate – Hamer Village
Cross the Omo River by traditional canoe to reach Omorate, where you’ll visit the Dassenech tribe, known for their unique customs and riverine way of life.
Return to Turmi in the afternoon for a Hamer village visit. If you’re fortunate, you may witness the bull-jumping ceremony, a significant rite of passage among Hamer men.
Overnight: Turmi Lodge

Day 5: Turmi – Dimeka – Jinka
Drive to Jinka via Dimeka and Key Afar, stopping at tribal markets where you’ll encounter vibrant communities such as the Hamer, Benna, and Karo. These markets are excellent opportunities for cultural interaction and photography.
Overnight: Jinka Resort or similar

Day 6: Jinka – Mursi Tribe – Ari Village
In the morning, drive into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, known for their distinctive lip plates and elaborate body adornment.
In the afternoon, choose between: A visit to the South Omo Research Center and Museum, offering cultural and anthropological insights and A walk to a nearby Ari village, where you’ll see traditional homes, local crafts, and daily village life
Overnight: Jinka Resort

Day 7: Jinka – Konso – Arba Minch
Begin your return north, passing through Key Afar and arriving in Konso, a UNESCO Cultural Landscape. Explore a Konso village to learn about their: Advanced terracing agriculture and Unique wooden grave markers known as waka. Continue on to Arba Minch for the evening.
Overnight: Haile Resort or Paradise Lodge

Day 8: Arba Minch – Flight to Addis Ababa – Departure
Catch a domestic flight from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa. Spend your final hours enjoying leisure time or last-minute shopping.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell cultural dinner featuring live music, traditional dance performances, and a buffet of Ethiopian specialties. Afterward, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure.