Southern
Ethiopia
Experience beauty & culture
beyond your imagination
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa (Bole International Airport) and you going to greet and welcome by the driver or tourist guide!!Depending on your arrival time, explore the capital city: sightseeing at National Museum of Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral and Mount Entoto. Overnight: Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Addis Ababa to Arba Minch
Take a domestic flight or a 7-9 hour scenic drive (around 500 km) to Arba Minch, located in the southern part of the country. Sightseeing of Nechisar National Park: A beautiful park with a variety of wildlife, including zebras, gazelles, and hippos. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos up close; and Dorze Village known for their unique beehive-shaped houses; and traditional weaving. Overnight: Arba Minch.
Day 3: Arba Minch to Jinka (Mago National Park)
Drive about 4-5 hour to Jinka, the capital of the South Omo Zone. Sightseeing at Mago National Park is known for its wildlife and beautiful landscapes, and it is home to the famous Mursi tripe and village, known for the women who wear lip plates. Overnight: Jinka.
Day 4: Jinka to Turmi (Hamar Tribe)
Drive to Turmi about 3-hour and it is the heart of the Hamar tribe. Visit the Hamar people, known for their customs, especially the bull-jumping ceremony that marks a young man’s transition to adulthood. Witness the traditional rituals and dress of the Hamar people. Overnight: Turmi.
Day 5: Turmi to Dimeka (Market Day)
Visit the Dimeka Market: If visiting on a Saturday, you can explore one of the most vibrant and colorful markets in the region, where different tribes, including the Hamar, Dassanech, and Karo, come together to sell goods and livestock. You’ll have the chance to observe various tribal costumes and customs and perhaps interact with locals. Overnight: Turmi.
Day 6: Turmi to Konso
Drive to Konso about 3-hour drive from Turmi to Konso, known for its unique terracing and ancient customs. Visit the Konso Villag which is a UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape, famous for its stone-walled terraces and traditional villages. Overnight: Konso.
Day 7: Konso to Addis Ababa
It’s a 7-8 hour drive back to Addis Ababa. Depending on time, you could stop at the Bale Mountains National Park or take a shorter detour to see the Rift Valley lakes, such as Lake Ziway, en route. Overnight: Addis Ababa or fly out in the evening if your flight schedule allows.
Optional Extensions
Omo Valley Tour Extension: If you want to explore more, consider adding days to visit other tribes like the Dassanech (known for their hear style and unique beadwork) or the Karo (who are known for their striking body art and tattoos).
Bale Mountains National Park: A visit to Bale Mountains National Park, located in southeastern Ethiopia, is a great extension for nature lovers and trekkers. The park offers beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and the chance to see the rare Ethiopian wolf. It is listed as natural UNESCO world heritage site in 2023.
Chebera Churchura National Park: Look out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. If you're lucky, you might even spot the elusive leopard or cheetah. It is a bird watching site as well.
Travel Tips
Accommodation: While major towns like Addis Ababa, Arba Minch, and Jinka offer comfortable hotels, more remote areas may have basic lodges or eco-camps.
Local Customs: The tribes in Southern Ethiopia can be very welcoming, but it's important to ask for permission before taking photos of people, as some tribes prefer not to be photographed.
Transportation: Roads in Southern Ethiopia can be rough, especially when traveling to remote tribal areas, so be prepared for bumpy rides.