Southern Ethiopia Cultural Experience 8D/7N

Addis Ababa Airport Pick-Up and City Tour

Today you will be picked up at the Bole International airport in Addis Ababa by 9am and have a private transfer to your accommodation for check-in. After you get settled in, you will take a tour around the city and make your way to Mount Entoto, which offers the highest panoramic vantage point of Addis Ababa. The day will conclude with a visit to Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa, where you can find locally-grown produce, including coffee. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

*Please note your flight must arrive in Addis Ababa before 9:00 am in order to participate in the day's first activity.

Lake Ziway Wildlife Viewing and Abijatta National Park (B)

Today you will be taken to Lake Ziway, the largest lake in Ethiopia’s Central Rift Valley. Viewing the five volcanic islands on the lake from afar may not be the only natural wonders you’ll see, since the lake also is known for its large population of birds, hippopotamuses, and fish. Then, you will head to Abijatta-Shalla National Park. After passing the tame ostriches at the gate, head first toward Shalla Lake, the deepest of the Rift Valley Lakes with a maximum depth of 300 meters. Enjoy the view at a lookout point over the two lakes, whose shores will be pink from the thousands of both lesser and greater flamingos in the waters. After your lake visit, you’ll be taken to your accommodation in Lake Awasa. Overnight in Lake Awasa.

Lake Awasa and Visit the Dorze Tribe (B)

This morning will be all about visiting the fish market on Lake Awasa, where you’ll see firsthand how locals trade and prepare their catches, some of which are for sale on site. After, you’ll be transported to Arba Minch, stopping first in a village inhabited by the Dorze tribe. Here, in the Gughe Mountains, you can see the unique beehive-esque huts of the Dorze people and observe their exceptional cotton-weaving skills. You also may visit the local Dorze market if you’re there on a Monday or Thursday, or the Chencha market on Tuesdays or Saturdays, before heading to Arba Minch. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Cruise Lake Chamo and Transfer to Jinka (B)

Today you will take a boat cruise to Lake Chamo. There you’ll visit the famous Crocodile Market, which is not a market at all but instead a boat ride to see the crocs – and hippos – in their natural habitats. After, you will head to Jinka – the biggest town in the Omo region – and visit the Ari tribe, a group of people indigenous to the area. Overnight in Jinka.

Mursi and Turmi Tribe Visits (B)

Today you will visit two more indigenous groups in the area, starting with a trip to Mago. There you’ll visit the Mursi people, who are widely known for wearing decorated discs, pottery, or plates in their lower lips and earlobes. Finally, you will head to Turmi, home to the Hamar people. Depending on the season, you could see their custom of “bull jumping,” a coming of age ritual for young boys, or a traditional Hamar dance. Overnight in Turmi.

Visit the Daasanach tribe (B)

Today you will cross the Omo River to Omorate to visit the Daasanach tribe. There you can observe their agro pastoral society and the colourful jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets worn by the Daasanach women. Later, you’ll return to Turmi to pass the time as you please or visit the local market, if it’s a Monday. Overnight in Turmi.

*Please note: Today you MAY have the option to see the traditional Jumping of the Bulls ceremony in Turmi, ONLY if it is the correct season for it.

Visit the Konso tribe (B)

Today you’ll leave Turmi and head to Konso to visit the Konso tribe, who are known for their agricultural terracing methods and for their totems that honour the dead. You’ll then head to Arba Minch for the night. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Addis Ababa airport drop-off (B)

Today you will visit the archaeological site of Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage site with large stone pillars, some of which are decorated or engraved. Your tour will conclude with a ride back to the airport in Addis Ababa. We wish you the best on your onward travels!