Omo Valley Tribes Tour from Arbaminch – 6 Days
Explore the Omo Valley in Ethiopia on this immersive 6-day tour, and get the chance to experience the daily tribal life, culture, and meet colorful people in one of the most remote regions of Africa. This organized tour offers a deep cultural experience in a truly unique destination.
In this Omo Valley tour, you will be guided through one of the most remote and culturally fascinating places on Earth, gaining insight into the past and present of human life.
We will lead you on an informative and enthusiastic tour to discover the best tribes in a unique and authentic atmosphere typical of the Omo Valley. We walk alongside tribal communities and attend once-in-a-lifetime events and important rituals such as the “Ukuli Bula” (bull-jumping ceremony). During this rite of passage, a Hamer boy must jump over a row of bulls to transition from childhood to manhood. Afterward, he is allowed to marry or have a girlfriend.
On this Omo Valley travel experience, you will visit the Hamer people, known for their welcoming nature and colorful styles; the Mursi tribe, famous for their women’s lip plates; and the Karo tribe, masters of intricate body painting. We also visit the Dassanech tribe, known for their nomadic lifestyle as they move in search of better pasture for their animals. Along the way, you will also see the Dorze Village, Konso Village, and many more tribal villages on your way through the Omo Valley.
Itinerary of 6 Days Omo Valley Tours from Arbaminch
Day 1: Arbaminch Arrival – Dorze Village
Fly to Arbaminch in the morning. Drive to Dorze Village, where the community makes a living through weaving traditional clothes and subsistence agriculture. They produce some of the finest handmade textiles in Ethiopia. The Dorze people are also skilled musicians who can easily get visitors dancing. Their weaving skills are also reflected in their unique elephant-shaped houses.
After a nice visit to Dorze, drive back to Arbaminch.
Overnight in hotel or lodge, Arbaminch
Day 2: Arbaminch – Turmi
Drive to Turmi via Konso Village. Konso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional terraced landscape system, walled villages, community squares, stone monuments, generation poles, and carved statues. Konso has a rich historical heritage and a strong traditional village atmosphere.
Continue driving, crossing the Weito River, passing through areas inhabited by the Tsemay and Bena tribes, before arriving in Turmi.
Overnight in lodge, Turmi
Day 3: Turmi – Excursion to Omorate
After breakfast, drive to Omorate, home to the Dassanech tribe, located near the border with Kenya along the Omo River, north of Lake Turkana. Cross the Omo River and visit their mobile village.
Afterward, drive back to Turmi for lunch. In the afternoon, you may have the chance to attend a bull-jumping ceremony, visit a Hamer village, or explore a tribal market in Turmi (depending on market day).
Overnight in lodge, Turmi
Day 4: Turmi – Excursion to Karo
In the morning after breakfast, drive to Korcho, one of the villages of the Karo people. The Karo (Karato) are known as “fish eaters” and are famous for their artistic body painting.
After visiting the Karo village, return to Turmi for lunch. In the afternoon, visit a Hamer market, attend a cultural ceremony, or explore a Hamer village.
Overnight in lodge, Turmi
Day 5: Turmi – Jinka
In the morning, drive to Jinka, where you will stay overnight. Jinka is home to the Ari people. Although the Ari are more modern, they are the largest group in the Omo Valley and still maintain aspects of traditional village life.
On the way, if it is a market day, you may stop at Dimeka, Key Afer, or other small tribal markets, where you can see the Bena, Hamer, and Tsemay tribes.
Overnight in lodge or hotel, Jinka
Day 6: Jinka – Excursion to Mursi – Fly to Addis Ababa
After an early morning breakfast, drive to a Mursi village, crossing Mago National Park. The Mursi tribe is one of the most well-known in Ethiopia, famous for the large lip plates worn by women, which have become one of the most iconic images of the Omo Valley.
After spending time with the Mursi people, drive back to Jinka for lunch and transfer to the airport. Fly to Addis Ababa.
End of Tour