The Omo Valley, in the south of Ethiopia, is home to a fascinating range of distinct tribal groups, isolated from the rest of the world for centuries and still very much following their own cultures and customs. On this trip we set off using 4WD transport to explore this intriguing region, stopping at local markets and visiting villages, driving past the lakes of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and looking for the wealth of wildlife that this little-explored region contains. Travel here is not for the faint-hearted - but one of the most exciting experiences that the continent offers. ‘Off the beaten track’ doesn’t even come close!
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Sat) Arrive Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 |
Start travelling to the south of Ethiopia in 4WDs through high mountain plateau to Arba Minch. |
| Day 3 |
Visit Nechisar National Park, which has been described as one of the most beautiful of Africa’s game parks. |
| Days 4-5 |
We meet several different tribes on our way to Jinka, including the Dorze, Konso, and Mursi people. |
| Day 6 |
Travel through open savannah. Visit Karo tribe and the Hamer people. |
| Day 7 |
Visit the colourful market of Dimeka and mingle with different tribes like the Karo, Dus, Korcho, Hamer and Geleb. |
| Day 8 |
Today we visit the Geleb tribes, and cross the Omo River by boat. |
| Day 9 |
Pass through the terraced hills of Konso, possibly viewing beisa oryx, dik-dik, and lesser kudu. |
| Day 10 |
Take a scenic drive to El Sod village and enjoy a short hike to visit 'the house of salt', on the edge of a deep crater lake. |
| Day 11 |
Depart for Wenago to visit the Tutu Fella stelae field – an unusual collection of carved stones. On arrival, we visit the Lake Awasa fish market. |
| Day 12 |
Short drive to Wondo Genet, the site of an inactive crater and an area of hot springs, then continue to Langano. |
| Day 13 |
Return to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day is free to explore or perhaps indulge in a bit of last minute shopping. |
| Day 14 |
Tour ends after breakfast (Fri). |