Omo Valley Tribes Tour from Arbaminch with Northern Ethiopia – 10 Days
Discover Ethiopia, a country rich in nature, culture, and history. It is home to diverse peoples with unique religions and tribal groups. Ethiopia also boasts an ancient empire that once extended to North Africa and the Middle East. This tour offers an authentic experience of tribal life, breathtaking landscapes, and historical sites.
This combined Omo Valley and Northern Ethiopia tour begins with the tribes of the south and ends with the historical wonders of the north. It is considered one of the most popular tours in Ethiopia. In 10 days, you will visit numerous locations where you can meet some of the last indigenous tribes on Earth, who have preserved their traditional lifestyles for centuries.
The journey from Arbaminch to Jinka is spectacular, passing through traditional villages such as Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the village of the Mursi tribe, women wear clay lip plates as a symbol of beauty—the larger the plate, the more beautiful the woman is considered. You will also visit tribes that decorate their bodies and faces with vibrant colors, resembling birds. Along the way, you will explore local tribal markets. During this expedition, you will meet the Hamer, Dassanech, Dorze, and other ethnic groups. By visiting their villages, you will enter their homes and gain a deeper understanding of their culture.
In Northern Ethiopia, you will visit the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the monasteries of Lake Tana with their centuries-old preserved frescoes, and the Royal Enclosure of Gondar (Gondar Castles), often referred to as the “Camelot of Africa.”
Day 1: Arrival in Arbaminch – Dorze Village
Fly to Arbaminch in the morning, then transfer to Dorze village. The Dorze people are known for their weaving skills, music, dance, and distinctive elephant-shaped houses. They live in one of the most densely populated areas of the country, maintaining a sustainable lifestyle through mixed farming, craftsmanship, and weaving.
Return to Arbaminch.
Overnight in Arbaminch
Day 2: Arbaminch – Turmi
Drive to Turmi via Konso village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional terraced landscapes. Discover walled villages, community squares, stone monuments, and carved statues.
Continue crossing the Weito River, through the lands of the Tsemay and Bena tribes, to Turmi.
Overnight in a lodge, Turmi
Day 3: Turmi – Omorate
After breakfast, depart for Omorate, home of the Dassanech tribe, near the Kenyan border along the Omo River. Cross the river to visit their mobile village.
Return to Turmi for lunch. Option to attend the bull-jumping ceremony (Hamer rite of passage), visit a Hamer village, or explore a tribal market.
Overnight in a lodge, Turmi
Day 4: Turmi – Karo Excursion
After breakfast, drive to Korcho village, home of the Karo (Karato) people, famous for their intricate body painting.
Return to Turmi for lunch. In the afternoon, visit a Hamer market, attend a bull-jumping ceremony, or explore a Hamer village.
Overnight in a lodge, Turmi
Day 5: Turmi – Jinka
Depart for Jinka, home of the Ari people, the largest ethnic group in the Omo Valley.
Along the way, if it is a market day, stop at Dimeka, Key Afer, or other local markets. Meet the Bena, Hamer, and Tsemay tribes.
Overnight in a lodge or hotel, Jinka
Day 6: Jinka – Mursi – Flight to Addis Ababa
Early morning drive to the Mursi village through Mago National Park. The Mursi are famous for their large lip plates, an iconic symbol of the Omo Valley.
Return to Jinka for lunch, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
Overnight in a hotel, Addis Ababa
Day 7: Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar
Fly to Bahir Dar and transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, rich in wildlife and birdlife. Visit the Zegie Peninsula and the monastery of Ura Kidane Mihret, renowned for its religious frescoes.
In the afternoon, visit the Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat) during the rainy season.
Return to Bahir Dar.
Overnight in a hotel
Day 8: Bahir Dar – Gondar
After breakfast, drive to Gondar.
Visit the historic city, including the Royal Enclosure, imperial castles, Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its angel-covered ceiling, and the Bath of Fasilides.
Overnight in a hotel, Gondar
Day 9: Gondar – Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela and transfer to your hotel.
Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, built in the 13th century. The most famous is the Church of St. George, known for its cross-shaped design. Lalibela is often called the “New Jerusalem.”
Overnight in a hotel, Lalibela
Day 10: Lalibela – Addis Ababa
Fly from Lalibela to Addis Ababa.
Return home.
End of the tour