Spend six days exploring arguably the most isolated and culturally rich regions in all of Africa. The Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia is home to a variety of diverse ethnic groups and tribes, many of whom still cling to their unique customs and live in relative isolation with the outside world. This short six-day Ethiopia tour offers a quick glimpse into their daily life. Visit villages of the Konso, Chencha, Tsemai, and Mursi people. Spend time wandering the stalls of the colorful Key Afar market where you can observe the Ari and Benna people buying and selling. This 6-day Omo Valley tour is for the traveler who is short on time, but wants to include a glimpse into the fascinating cultures on their Ethiopia trip.
Highlights
Visit Konso, Chencha, and Tsemai villages in the Omo Valley
Wander the Key Afar market and observe the Ari and Benna people at work
Travel to Mago National Park and visit the Mursi people
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After a restful night in Addis, check out of the hotel and take a flight to Arba Minch, the largest town in southern Ethiopia, nestled among lush green hills near Lakes Abaya and Chamo. Arba Minch is named for the numerous local springs that produce a groundwater forest. Arbaminch, which means "forty springs" in Amharic, is divided into two separate communities. Shecha (on higher ground) and downtown Sikela are connected by buses and taxis. Shecha is the administrative center of uptown. Sikela, which has the city's business, industrial, and residential districts, is only 2.5 miles away. The entrance to Nechisar National Park, which covers the isthmus between Lake Abaya to the north and Lake Chamo to the south, is located on the eastern side of Sikela.
Upon arrival, drive to Chencha Village, which is home to the Dorze people. Renowned for their cotton weaving, the Shammas are known for their distinctive house-towering, beehive-shaped structures made from woven thatch.
Day 3: Boat ride on Lake Chamo | Drive to Konso (90 km & 2 hrs.)
Enjoy a one-hour boat ride on the lake to Azo Gebeya this morning, the so-called "crocodile market," which is more of a gathering area for pelicans and crocodiles than a market. The boat trip's main attraction includes viewing hippos and crocodiles up close.
Later, drive to Konso. The Konso region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 for its vibrant culture. Low-terraced hills are the home of the Konso tribe. They are reputed to be one of the hard-working groups in the country. They grow some of the greatest coffee in the nation on a mountain with intricate terraces. They have a well-established custom of placing unusual totems on the graves of the departed.
Day 4: Drive to Jinka, en route visiting different Tribes
This morning, you take a day excursion to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi village. They are one of the most original ethnic groups. They live in very low huts made of straw leaves. The women like to wear terra cotta on their enormously stretched lower lips and earlobes, while the men are famous for their hairstyles. The tribe is renowned for its fierce warrior disposition and wildly decorative appearance, with large circular clay labrets that the women wear on the lower lip. The value of a woman in marriage increases with her lip plate size. She takes her dish off to eat and to sleep. Some ladies, particularly older women, might be without their lip plates. They can be identified by the way their long, distended lips hang down from their mouths.
Day 6: Fly back to Addis and Departure
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
You are transferred to the airport for your flight back to Addis. After refreshments at your hotel, you are transferred to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for May 15, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for May 15, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,384
Notes
$474 Single Supplement Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payments by credit card may be subject to surcharge and $20,000 maximum charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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