Venture into one of Ethiopia’s greenest and most fertile regions—home to lush landscapes, rich agricultural traditions, and some of the country’s most visually striking cultures.
This immersive tour takes you through the heart of Western Ethiopia, where you’ll wander through coffee plantations, observe the rhythms of rural life among cattle herders and farmers, and experience the untouched beauty of Omo National Park, home to diverse wildlife.
Along the way, you’ll meet remarkable communities including the Surma, Nyangatom, Hamer, and Mursi tribes—each known for their vibrant body decorations, traditional attire, and time-honored customs. These are the faces and stories that have graced the pages of National Geographic.
If you’re seeking bold cultural encounters, raw nature, and the human richness of Ethiopia’s remote west—this is your journey.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ROUTE
- Ethiopian coffee plantations
- The unknown Surma and Nyangatom tribes
- Camping by the Koka River
- Wilderness and beauty of the Omo National Park
Day 1 – Addis Ababa to Jimma
Depart for Jimma via Wolkite, with stops to meet the Gurage ethnic group and view the impressive Gilgel Gibe Dam along the way.
Overnight: Jimma (Hotel)
Day 2 – Coffee Lands of Mizan Teferi
Drive to Mizan Teferi, passing through dense forests and coffee plantations. En route, encounter the Bench people, known for their rich traditions and forest-based lifestyle.
Overnight: Mizan Teferi (Hotel)
Day 3 – Into the Highlands: Tulgit
Journey through sprawling coffee and tea plantations, passing Dima village, before reaching the remote area of Tulgit.
Overnight: Tulgit (Camping)
Day 4 – Meeting the Surma Tribes
Drive to Kibish and spend time with the Surma people, famed for their bold body painting and lip plates worn by women. Explore their village and daily life.
Overnight: Kibish (Camping)
Day 5 – Walking Among Surma Villages
Enjoy a full day walking through subtropical forests, visiting various Surma villages and experiencing their deeply rooted customs.
Overnight: Kibish (Camping)
Day 6 – Omo National Park Trek
Leave Surma territory and enter the wide savannah of Omo National Park. In the afternoon, trek the area to spot native wildlife.
Overnight: Omo NP HQ (Camping)
Day 7 – Crossing into Nyangatom Territory
Drive toward the Omo River, crossing the bridge at Kangate, capital of the Nyangatom tribe. Continue to Murulle.
Overnight: Murulle (Lodge)
Day 8 – Karo & Hamer Tribes
Visit the Karo tribe, known for their striking riverbank settlements and ritual body painting. Then continue to Turmi, home of the Hamer people.
Overnight: Turmi (Lodge)
Day 9 – Omorate & Dassenech Tribe
Take an excursion to Omorate to meet the Geleb and Dassenech tribes, whose lives are tied to the lower Omo River.
Overnight: Turmi (Lodge)
Day 10 – Ari Tribe & Cultural Museum in Jinka
Drive to Jinka, surrounded by tropical green hills. Visit the Ari tribe, known for their crafts and traditional pottery. Explore the South Omo Ethnographic Museum to gain insight into regional cultures.
Overnight: Jinka (Hotel)
Day 11 – Mursi Tribe & Mago National Park
Travel to Mago National Park and visit the iconic Mursi tribe, where women wear traditional clay lip plates.
Overnight: Jinka (Hotel)
Day 12 – Konso Culture & Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch, stopping in Erbore and Tsemay tribal villages along the way. In Konso, visit the UNESCO-listed stone terraces and fortified villages.
Overnight: Arba Minch (Hotel)
Day 13 – Lake Chamo & Nechisar National Park
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo in Nechisar National Park, known for its crocodiles, hippos, and rich birdlife.
Overnight: Arba Minch (Hotel)
Day 14 – Dorze Village & Drive to Hawassa
Drive up to the Dorze village, famous for their weaving skills and beehive-shaped homes. Continue to the lakeside city of Hawassa.
Overnight: Hawassa (Hotel)
Day 15 – Fish Market & Return to Addis Ababa
Visit the Hawassa fish market, then drive back to Addis Ababa via the Rift Valley Lakes. Stop at Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park before arriving in the capital. In the evening, enjoy a farewell cultural dinner hosted by Spectrum Ethiopia Tours, featuring traditional food, music, and dance.
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)
