The Full Journey

Itinerary

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Day 1 — Addis Ababa → Arbaminch

Pickup from your hotel or the airport in Addis Ababa and drive south toward Arbaminch. Along the way, stop at the Tiya Stelae Field – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with mysterious carved standing stones – and pass through Gurage villages for your first taste of rural Ethiopian life.

Arrive in Arbaminch late afternoon and catch the sunset over Lake Chamo.

Drive: 7–8 hours Meals: Lunch & Dinner Overnight: Arbaminch

Day 2 — Arbaminch → Dorze Village → Konso

Morning visit to the Dorze people, who live high in the Guge Mountains. Their towering bamboo huts – shaped like beehives – can last up to 60 years. Watch cotton weaving demonstrations and enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony.

Continue south to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore their famous terraced farmlands, meet a clan chief, and see the carved wooden waga memorial statues that honour the dead.

Overnight: Konso

Day 3 — Konso → Turmi (Hamar Tribe)

Drive deeper into the Omo Valley, stopping in Weyto to visit the Tsemai people – one of the region's lesser-known tribes.

Arrive in Turmi, homeland of the Hamar. Visit a village and learn about their distinctive butter-braided hair, body painting, and pastoral lifestyle. If timing aligns, you may witness a bull-jumping ceremony – one of Africa's most powerful rites of passage.

Drive: 4–5 hours Overnight: Turmi

Day 4 — Turmi: Hamar & Dassanech Tribes

A full day of tribal encounters. Morning boat crossing over the Omo River to visit the Dassanech – semi-nomadic people living in one of the hottest, driest corners of the valley.

Return to Turmi for more time with the Hamar, including traditional Evangadi dancing. Optional sunset hike to the ridge overlooking the valley.

Overnight: Turmi

Day 5 — Turmi → Karo Tribe → Jinka

Visit the Karo people at Korcho village, perched dramatically above the Omo River. The Karo are masters of body painting, using white chalk to create intricate designs. The views here are stunning – perfect for photography.

Continue toward Jinka, stopping at a local market if the timing works (Key Afer on Thursday, Dimeka on Saturday).

Drive: 5–6 hours Overnight: Jinka

Day 6 — Mago National Park → Mursi Tribe → Arbaminch

Early departure into Mago National Park to visit the Mursi – perhaps the most famous tribe in the Omo Valley. The women wear large clay lip plates, and both men and women practice scarification. Spend time in the village learning about their traditions.

Return to Jinka for lunch, then drive back to Arbaminch.

Drive: Approx. 6 hours Overnight: Arbaminch

Day 7 — Lake Chamo Boat Trip → Hawassa

Morning boat ride on Lake Chamo. Watch for giant Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, hippos surfacing in the shallows, and pelicans fishing in flocks.

After the boat trip, drive to Hawassa. Evening stroll along the lakeside and visit the famous fish market where fishermen sell their catch straight from the boats.

Drive: 4–5 hours Overnight: Hawassa

Day 8 — Hawassa → Addis Ababa

Morning visit to Hawassa's lively fish market. Drive north toward Addis Ababa, with an optional stop at Shashamane to learn about the Rastafarian community who settled here from the Caribbean.

Arrive in Addis late afternoon. Optional evening at a traditional folklore restaurant with music, dancing, and Ethiopian cuisine.

Drive: 4–5 hours Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 9 — Addis Ababa City Tour & Departure

Final day exploring Ethiopia's capital. Visit the National Museum (home to the famous Lucy fossil), drive up Entoto Mountain for panoramic views, experience a traditional coffee ceremony, and browse Merkato – the largest open-air market in Africa.

Airport transfer in the evening for your departure.

End of tour