Ethiopia’s Omo Valley is one of the most culturally diverse regions in all of Africa, a land where tribal traditions still take precedent over anything else and where modernity is still kept largely at bay. On this trip we head into the villages of the various tribes that make up this kaleidoscope of ethnicity, including the Mursi, Karo, Hamer and Konso, learning about their complex customs and experiencing a way of life very far removed from the rest of Ethiopia. Where possible we try to visit local markets, one of the best ways to experience life in the Omo Valley. This is a cultural discovery that can rarely be equalled, visiting some of the most remote people in the world, and to spend time among them is an amazing privilege.
Day 1 – Arrive Addis Ababa] Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel. This afternoon visit some of the capital’s key sights including the Entoto Mountains, with great views over the city, the National Museum, St George’s Cathedral and the Merkato, reputedly the biggest open air market in Africa. Overnight Jupiter Hotel or similar.
Day 2 – Rift Valley Lakes] Drive to the Rift Valley lakes of Shala, Abyata and Langano, admiring wonderful views and many birds, including pelicans, flamingoes and more. Then relax at the Sabanna Beach Resort, secluded in a natural paradise on the shore of Lake Langano and near to Munessa Forest. Possibility of trekking, bird-watching, horse-riding, boat excursions, cycling and more. Overnight Sabanna Beach Resort or similar. (BLD)
Day 3 – Villages of the Rift Valley] Continue our journey south meeting the Wolayta people as we go, passing through little visited villages and admiring spectacular green hills, to Arba Minch. In the afternoon we drive to Chencha, to see the Dorze people, with their unique culture, houses and traditions. Overnight Swaynes Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 4 – Lake Chamo and Nechisar National Park This morning we take a boat trip to view the crocodiles on Lake Chamo and then cross into Nechisar National Park, a beautiful reserve rich in wildlife such as gazelle, zebra and even lion, as well as great birdlife. Overnight Swaynes Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 5 – Jinka Continue to Jinka, through the lands of the Derase, Tsemay, Ari and Benna people. We stop along the way to meet local people and learn about their customs. Overnight Jinka Resort or similar. (BLD)
Day 6 – Mago National Park] Travel to Mago National park and visit the Mursi people, renowned for their practice of extending their lips with plates. Overnight Jinka Resort or similar. (BLD)
Day 7-8 – Turmi Drive to Turmi, through the lands of the very colourful Hamer, Karo and Dassanech people, with a stop at Dimeka village, where there is an interesting market. Overnight Buska Lodge or similar. (BLD)
Day 9 – Konso Drive to Konso, visiting the villages of the Erbore and Konso people. Overnight Kanta Lodge or similar. (BLD)
Day 10 – Yabello Continue on to Yabello, through the terraced lands of the Konso. Later we will stop to meet the Borena, a pastoralist group. Overnight Yabello Motel or similar. (BLD)
Day 11 – Yabello Drive to the small village of El Sod where you will see the saline crater lake where for the past hundred years, the Borena people have been extracting salt for their cattle and home use. You may also trek to the bottom of the crater to see the men digging up salt from the bottom of the lake. Overnight Yabello Motel or similar. (BLD)
Day 12 – Awassa Head to Awassa through lush countryside and coffee plantations. On the way visit the Tutu Fella stelae field containing ancient gravestones. Upon arrival at Awassa take a walk along the lake to look for birds and admire the sunset. Overnight Pina Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 13 – Wondo Genet Visit the local fish market in Awassa before continuing on to Wondo Genet, known for its hot springs. Overnight Wabi Shebelle Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 14 – Addis Ababa Visit the hot springs before finally returning to Addis Ababa. Time for some last minute exploration before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. (BL)
Price Includes All accommodation based on twin/double share All transport (4WD vehicles throughout) and transfers Meals as listed above Park entrance fees An English speaking guide
Price does not include International flights Travel insurance Drinks Visa Single Supplement
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Our trip was wonderful- The staff in Angola met all of our expectations and went above and beyond- a special thanks to Ray who met us at airport, got us started on our trip, entertained us at the Flamigo Lodge and met us again on our return to Lumabgo and took us to airport for our departure to Namibia
