The Tribes of Ethiopia and the Rift Valley
13 days from £3890 per person
Located at the southern reaches of the Rift Valley in Ethiopia, the Omo is an area renowned for the diversity of its peoples and the significant range of different cultures. This itinerary introduces the traveller to the people of this remote region, an ancient crossroads of trade routes which ultimately led to the migration, and subsequent settlement, of various ethnic groups. Starting in the capital Addis Ababa, the tour descends past the lakes of the lush Rift Valley to the Lower Omo Valley to meet the many different tribes.
Route: Addis Ababa – Arba Minch – Jinka – Turmi – Konso – Awassa – Goba – Bale National Park - Lake Langano - Addis Ababa
Itinerary Highlights
In the Ethiopian Highlands bordering on the Rift Valley, Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s bustling capital. The National Museum features prehistoric fossils and arts and crafts.
Arba Minch (meaning Forty Springs) is the largest city in southern Ethiopia. Known for its fruits and fish farms, Arba Minch is the gateway to the tribal lands beyond.
Jinka is a market town in the hills of southern Ethiopia. It is the centre for many indigenous ethnic groups. The large market and modern local services attract local tribal visitors.
Itinerary: The Tribes of Ethiopia and the Rift Valley
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. After lunch, enjoy exploring Addis Ababa with your guide. Some highlights you may choose to see include St. George Cathedral, The Mercato, Africa’s largest open-air market and Mount Entoto which offers fabulous views over the city. The National Museum is also a must-see where you are able to view the accurate plaster cast of the remains of Lucy, a complete hominid skeleton dating back 3.5 million years. These remains were discovered in 1974, near a dried-up lake near Hadar, in the far northeast of Ethiopia. The original remains are preserved in the basement. (N)
Accommodation in Addis Ababa: Wassamar Hotel (or similar)
In the morning leave the city and drive south past the Rift Valley lakes of Abaya and Shalla, known for their prolific birdlife, to Arba Minch. Enjoy a stop at Tiya to explore the UNESCO-listed Stelae Fields which feature some 45 stones up to 2-3m in height. Arriving to Arba Minch in the late afternoon, enjoy the facilities of the hotel. (B)
Accommodation in Arba Minch: Haile Resort (or similar)
After breakfast visit the villages of the Dorze people, famous for their intricately woven bamboo huts and weaving of traditional clothes. Enjoy the fantastic scenery from the Guge Mountains that overlook lush green hills and rolling valleys and be inspired by the panoramic views of Lake Abaya and Chamo. In the afternoon take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Chamo in search for Africa’s biggest crocodiles – measuring up to 6m long, hippos and a large variety of bird life. (B)
Accommodation in Arba Minch: Haile Resort (or similar)
In the morning depart Arba Minch and drive to Konso, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. Visit the village compound and the chief’s compound where you can usually see the family graveyard and house mummies. From Konso continue the journey to the colourful market of Key Afer frequented by several tribes of the Omo Valley. Reach Jinka late afternoon where you can relax and enjoy the facilities at the lodge. (B)
Accommodation in Jinka: Eco-Omo Lodge (or similar)
After breakfast drive through Mago National Park Drive to visit the famous Mursi people, one of the most renowned tribes of the Omo Valley, the Mursi pierce their lower lip to put in circular or square clay shapes to make themselves more beautiful. After a local lunch, continue to Turmi which will serve as the base to explore the southern tribes of the Omo Valley for the next two days. (B)
Accommodation in Turmi: Paradise Lodge (or similar)
Today meet the fascinating Hamer tribe and on some occasions, you will be lucky enough to participate in a Hamer marriage ceremony or even a bull jumping ceremony. In the afternoon visit a nearby Hamer village and encounter the tribe's daily life with the hope of witnessing the fascinating moonshine dance. Enjoy relaxing at the lodge in the evening. (B)
Accommodation in Turmi: Paradise Lodge (or similar)
This morning visit the Dassanech ethnic group who are famous for their nomadic lifestyle and the very interesting decoration and scarification on their bodies. Also enjoy a crossing over the Omo River by dugout canoe where you will experience excellent views of the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon continue to Konso and spend the rest of the day at the well-kept lodge. (B)
Accommodation in Konso: Kanta Lodge (or similar)
After breakfast drive to Hawassa, nicknamed the ‘Town of Endless Love’ which is situated on the eastern edge of Lake Awassa. Here stay in a luxury hotel where you can enjoy the facilities after a long day of travel. Watch the beautiful sunset over the lake before dinner. (B)
Accommodation in Awassa: Haile Resort (or similar)
Today drive to the Bale Mountains National Park headquarters in Dinsho where you will take part in a gentle hike where you will encounter a variety of animals and birds in their natural habitat, particularly a large number of endemic antelopes, the spiral-horned nyala. Continue to Goba where you will stay for the night. (B)
Accommodation in Goba: Wabeshebele Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation in Bale National Park: Bale Mountains Lodge (or similar)
After breakfast depart Bale National Park and drive to Lake Langano in the heart of the Great Rift Valley. Choose to visit Lake Abyata Shalla National Park which encompasses great views over the Rift Valley or maybe relax at the lake-side beach at the resort. (B)
Accommodation in Lake Langano: Sabana Lodge (or similar)
Return to Addis Ababa through Debre Zeyt and arrive back to the capital in the late afternoon. Depending on the time of your flight home, enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner and dance show before heading to the airport to check in to your international flight back to the UK. (B)
**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
What's included
- International flights from the UK
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's not included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
Guide to Price
The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.
