Home to more than 80 diverse ethnic groups, Ethiopia offers a cultural richness unlike anywhere else—and the Omo Valley is where this diversity truly comes to life. This remarkable region, part of the Great Rift Valley, remains one of the few places on earth where ancient customs and ways of life have endured for generations.
Your journey begins in Arba Minch with a scenic boat ride on Lake Chamo, where you’ll spot hippos and crocodiles basking in the natural beauty of the region. From there, you’ll travel through a mosaic of cultures:
Meet the Dorze people, renowned for their intricate cotton weaving and iconic beehive-shaped huts
Encounter the Mursi tribe, where women are known for their distinctive lip plates—a strong symbol of identity and tradition
Visit the Hamer tribe, celebrated for their vibrant goatskin attire and the fascinating bull-jumping ceremony—a rite of passage into adulthood
The Omo Valley is not just a destination—it’s an experience that will leave you deeply moved and forever changed by the resilience, beauty, and pride of its people.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ROUTE
- Great Rift Valley landscapes
- Boat trip in Lake Chamo
- The unique huts of the Dorze tribe
- Colourful markets
- The Mursi, Hamer, Dassenech and Karo tribes
- Konso’s settlements
Day 1 – Drive to Arba Minch
Begin your journey along the scenic Great Rift Valley, passing by a chain of lakes and traditional villages en route to Arba Minch.
Overnight: Arba Minch (Hotel or Lodge)
Day 2 – Lake Chamo & Dorze Village
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo inside Nechisar National Park to view hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. In the afternoon, drive to the Dorze village—famous for its weaving traditions and beehive-shaped homes.
Overnight: Arba Minch (Hotel or Lodge)
Day 3 – Konso Culture & Gheseryo Landscape
Travel to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stone terraces and fortified villages. Later, explore Gheseryo, a rare geological site shaped by erosion.
Overnight: Konso (Eco Bungalows)
Day 4 – Erboré & Hamer Tribes
Descend into the Omo Valley and meet the Erboré tribe, located near Lake Chew Bahir. Continue to Turmi, home of the Hamer people, where you’ll experience their unique traditions and daily life.
Overnight: Turmi (Hotel, Lodge, or Camping)
Day 5 – Dassenech & Karo Tribes
Cross the Omo River by local barge to visit the Dassenech tribe, whose lives are deeply tied to the river. Continue to Murule to meet the Karo tribe, renowned for their artful body painting using natural pigments.
Overnight: Turmi (Hotel, Lodge, or Camping)
Day 6 – Ari Tribe & Jinka Museum
Drive to Jinka, surrounded by lush tropical hills. Visit the Ari tribe and explore their local crafts and pottery. Later, visit the South Omo Research Center and Ethnographic Museum to better understand the valley’s diverse cultures.
Overnight: Jinka (Hotel)
Day 7 – Mago National Park & Mursi Tribe
Explore Mago National Park and meet the Mursi people, known for the decorative lip plates worn by women—a powerful symbol of identity and tradition.
Overnight: Jinka (Hotel)
Day 8 – Return to Addis Ababa & Farewell Dinner
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. In the evening, Spectrum Ethiopia Tours invites you to a farewell traditional dinner, featuring local dishes, music, and cultural dance performances celebrating Ethiopia’s diverse heritage.
End of Tour
MAP OF THE ROUTE
Included
- Accommodation in 3/4* hotels (double/twin room basis) with breakfast
- Fuel expenses and daily allowance of drivers
- Local English-speaking guides
- Permits and scout required for the National Parks
- Service charge
- Ground transportation using 4x4, minibus or Coaster bus (depending on number of travelers)
- Domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines in economic class
- Entrance fees to all sites
- Boat trip in Lake Tana
- Government taxes
Not Included
- Visa fee
- International flights
- Meals (lunch and dinner) and beverages
- Any other personal expenses during the trip
- Travel insurance
- Photo or video fees
- Tips to drivers and/or guides (at your discretion)
