Southern Ethiopia Tours
The below itineraries are good examples of the spectacular sites and attractions that are available for you to visit. We have established a great variety of trips ranging from 4 days to 21 days and for a great range of budgets. Naturally we can further customise these to match your needs. Please contact us for quotes.
source: http://newflowerethiopia.wordpress.com
Surrounding areas of Arba Minch (For visitors coming by flight for a three or four night stay)
Day 1
Wednesday- late afternoon transfer from airport to hotel. Stay overnight in Arba Minch.
Day 2
Thursday – An early morning start, driving to Konso where we’ll stop for breakfast. Afterwards, we’ll visit one of the Konso villages and see a community house called ‘Mora and Konso’. The landscape is famous for its unique terraces developed and made by the Konso tribe themselves. We shall visit their village and see their unique lifestyle, as well as witness the eroded land left behind that resembles the view of New York City. After seeing the demographical landscape in the Konso tribe territory, registered by the World Heritage site UNESCO, we’ll drive back to Arba Minch.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive northwest of Arba Minch to the Dorze village to meet the Dorze tribe. We will visit the market and see the typical traditional bamboo house, which resembles an elephant shape. We shall see the preparation of the false banana plant, the miracle plant of Ethiopia known as ‘Enset’. Enset is the most important plant in the Southern regions of the country, with both the root and stem having multiple purposes. We will get to experience the meals made from it and witness our first experience of the traditional music and dance of the tribe, before staying in the Dorze village.
Day 3
Friday- In the morning after breakfast, we’ll drive back to Arba Minch. On the way, we’ll stop by the highest viewpoint of the Dorze hill where we’ll see beautiful lake views. After reaching Arba Minch, we’ll keep driving to Lake Chamo where we’ll visit the market and see bird life in its natural habitat. In the late afternoon, we will see the Arba Minch forest and the 40 springs it has which we’ll be able to bath in. We’ll stay in the hotel overnight in Arba Minch.
Day 4
Saturday- In the morning after breakfast, we’ll visit the Nechisar National Park where you’ll see zebras, the Greater Kudu, the endangered Swayne's Hartebeest, and the Grant’s gazelle. You’ll also see panoramic views of Lake Chamo and Abaya, before finally driving back to Arba Minch late afternoon where we’ll have lunch and relax. We’ll stay in Arba Minch overnight.
Arba Minch trekking and Dorze (For visitors who come by flight on Sunday, and stay for 5days)
Day 1
Monday – An early morning start where we’ll drive to Lake Chamo, where we’ll visit the crocodile market and see hippos and different kinds of birdlife. We’ll cross the lake by boat and trek through the Nechisar National Park where you’ll see zebras, the Greater Kudu, the endangered Swayne's Hartebeest, and the Grant’s gazelle. The first night will be camping by the hot spring.
Day 2
Tuesday – An early morning trek from the hot spring camping site to the Dagabule Campsite. The campsite is located by the God Bridge Mountain, which overlooks the beautiful lakes. We shall camp at the top of the mountain this night.
Day 3
Wednesday – An early morning start where we’ll trek by the God Bridge near Lake Abaya. We’ll get out of the National park this way. By the Arba Minch forest and Kulfo River, you’ll see warthogs, birds, storks, marabous and vultures. We’ll stay over night by the hotel.
Day 4
Thursday – After breakfast, we’ll drive northwest of Arba Minch to the Dorze village to meet the Dorze tribe. We will visit the market and see the typical traditional bamboo house, which resembles an elephant shape. We shall see the preparation of the false banana plant, the miracle plant of Ethiopia known as ‘Enset’. Enset is the most important plant in the Southern regions of the country, with both the root and stem having multiple purposes. We will get to experience the meals made from it and witness our first experience of the traditional music and dance of the tribe, before staying in the Dorze village.
Day 5
Friday – After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Arba Minch, stopping on the way for a spectacular view of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. After lunch, we’ll drop you at the airport.
4/5 Day Sample Itineraries
7 Day Sample Itinerary
Arba Minch, to its surrounding Omo Valley tribes
(For visitors who come by plane/bus and would like to start the trip from Arba Minch)
Day 1
In the morning after breakfast, we’ll drive to Lake Chamo where you’ll see a variety of interesting wildlife. You’ll see big groups of giant Nile crocodiles, hippos and aquatic bird life. You will also visit the Nechisar National Park where you’ll see zebras, the Greater Kudu, the endangered Swayne's Hartebeest, and the Grant’s gazelle.
After breakfast, we shall drive north west of Arba Minch to see the Gamo tribe in the Dorze village. This village is a wonderful place with an altitude of 2500m above sea level. The Gamo communities are well known for their amazing weaving techniques and colourful crafts, which can be seen all over the country. We shall see the preparation of the false banana plant, the miracle plant of Ethiopia known as ‘Enset’. Enset is the most important plant in the Southern regions of the country, with both the root and stem having multiple purposes. We will be able to experience the meals made from it and if it is a market day, we will also visit the market.
Day 2
In the morning we shall drive to a town called Konso where we will have breakfast, followed by a visit to the Konso tribe village. The landscape is famous for its unique terraces developed and made by the Konso tribe themselves. We shall visit their village and see their unique lifestyle, as well as witness the eroded land left behind that resembles the view of New York City. After seeing the demographical landscape in the Konso tribe territory, registered by the World Heritage site UNESCO, we’ll drive through Weytto and Key Afer, stopping at any markets that may be on. We will then stay overnight in Jinka.
Day 3
After breakfast, we’ll drive through the Mago National Park. After a few hours driving, we will be able to experience one of the unique tribes, the Mursi. This is usually considered by most as the highlight of their trip. We will see how the people live and you will be amazed by the remarkable lip plates the women wear and the amount of scarification’s both the men and women have. They are also well known for their body painting and for their scars, renowned as pastoralists moving from one place to another. We shall see their places for cattle and where they retrieve and store water. After walking through their village and having the opportunity to take photos, we will then drive back to Jinka for lunch. After a little relaxation, we will continue to visit the surrounding Jinka Ari tribe, who are semi-nomadic. You shall see their famous painting house, pottery and blacksmith, as well as see children dancing and walking through the village. Continuing our journey, we’ll visit the South Omo Research Center and Museum to learn more about the Omo tribes. Later, we will stay overnight in Jinka.
Day 4
After breakfast, we shall drive to Turmi via Dimeka. En route we’ll see the Benna tribe village where we’ll stop to see the colorful market in the Omo valley (if it is market day.) Our drive then continues on to Turmi. Events may occur this day such as the bull leaping or the whipping ceremony of the Hammer tribe, both special rituals that prepare both men and women for marriage. If you have a tent and would like to camp, it is possible as the tribes are very friendly and welcoming. It will also be a once in a lifetime experience for you. Visit the Hammer village and see their night dance called Evangadi; this is where the young Hammer girls and boys gather together to dance and sing on their way to choose their future spouse. There will be an overnight stay in Turmi.
Day 5
In the morning after breakfast, we’ll drive to the Nyangatom tribe to see the Kangati Village. The tribe is living in the southwest of the semi desert area by shore of the Omo River. These people are famous for their story telling and singing, and also known to be the most decorated warriors and agropastoralists. As we cross the Omo River by local boat, we’ll visit their village, see their lifestyle and take photos. After the visit, we’ll return across the river and proceed to the Karo village of Korcho, a stunning location overlooking the Omo River. The Karo tribe are well known for their body decoration and fishing. We shall see more of their village, before camping over night there.
Day 6
In the morning, we’ll drive back to Turmi for breakfast, and then continue on driving to Omorate to see the Dassanech tribe. Omorate is the last town in Ethiopia before the border. As this is a sensitive border area, we are required to register our passports at the immigration and natural affairs office. This is a quick and easy process and should take no longer than 2 minutes. After this brief stop, we will then walk through town to the side of the Omo River. From here we will either cross the murky brown waters by a traditional dugout canoe or by the village’s only motorboat.Once we are safely across the Omo River, we will visit the tribes of beautifully decorated Dassanech people. Once again we will be able to photograph these amazing people whilst we tour around their village, learning about their culture and their way of life. Once we have soaked in enough of their culture and sights, it will be back into the boat and back to Turmi for the night.
Day 7
In the morning we’ll drive to Arbore from Turmi. The Arbore tribe women cover their heads with black coloured cloth and adorn themselves with colorful jewellery. Their young children wear a shell type garment that protects their heads from sun. The tribe is also well known for their body painting and by their houses, which are made from papyrus. If it is a market day we will visit, then drive to Weyto to see the Tsemaye tribe. This tribe is well known for wearing yellow beads, having face tattoos and for their style. We shall then drive to Arba Minch stay overnight.
12 Day Sample Itinerary
From Addis Ababa To Omo Valley
Day 1
Early morning drive from Addis Ababa via Butajira. On the way you will visit the archaeological sites of Tiya Stelae, the World Heritage site. This site is the most important and impressive of several stelae clusters that dot around the surrounding countryside. The site contains around 36 ancient stelae, 32 of which are engraved with enigmatic symbols, notably swords. Almost nothing is known about the monolith carvers or their purposes other than they mark mass graves of individuals aged between 18 and 30.
Afterwards, you will drive to a town called Butajira for breakfast. You will then travel through Gurage & Hosanna regions, wandering the beautiful farming land & admiring the nature by the roadside. Next, we will stop for lunch in a town called Sodo, followed by a visit to see one of the greatest rift valley lakes, Lake Abaya. You will also get to see the beautiful evergreen lands filled with tropical fruit such as mangoes, papayas, and bananas. The overnight stay will be in Arba Minch.
Day 2
After breakfast, we shall drive north west of Arba Minch to see the Gamo tribe in the Dorze village. This village is a wonderful place with an altitude of 2500m above sea level. The Gamo communities are well known for their amazing weaving techniques and colourful crafts, which can be seen all over the country. We shall see the preparation of the false banana plant, the miracle plant of Ethiopia known as ‘Enset’. Enset is the most important plant in the Southern regions of the country, with both the root and stem having multiple purposes. We will be able to experience the meals made from it and if it is a market day, we will also get to visit the market.
Afterwards, we will drive back to the nearby Arba Minch for lunch, followed by a drive to Lake Chamo. It is here that massive groups of Nile giant crocodiles, hippos, and aquatic birds can be seen. We will stay in Arba Minch this night.
Day 3
In the morning we shall drive to a town called Konso where we will have breakfast, followed by a visit to the Konso tribe village. The landscape is famous for its unique terraces developed and made by the Konso tribe themselves. We shall visit their village and see their unique lifestyle, as well as witness the eroded land left behind that resembles the view of New York City. After seeing the demographical landscape in the Konso tribe territory, registered by the World Heritage site UNESCO, we’ll drive through Weytto and Key Afer, stopping at any markets that may be on. We will then stay overnight in Jinka.
Day 4
After breakfast, we’ll drive through the Mago National Park. After a few hours driving, we will be able to experience one of the unique tribes, the Mursi. This is usually considered by most as the highlight of their trip. We will see how the people live and you will be amazed by the remarkable lip plates the women wear and the amount of scarification’s both the men and women have. They are also well known for their body painting and for their scars, renowned as pastoralists moving from one place to another. We shall see their places for cattle and where they retrieve and store water. After walking through their village and having the opportunity to take photos, we will then drive back to Jinka for lunch. After a little relaxation, we will continue to visit the surrounding Jinka Ari tribe, who are semi-nomadic. You shall see their famous painting house, pottery and blacksmith, as well as see children dancing and walking through the village. Continuing our journey, we’ll visit the South Omo Research Center and Museum to learn more about the Omo tribes. Later, we will stay overnight in Jinka.
Day 5
After breakfast, we shall drive to Turmi via Dimeka. En route we’ll see the Benna tribe village where we’ll stop to see the colorful market in the Omo valley (if it is market day.) Our drive then continues on to Turmi. Events may occur this day such as the bull leaping or the whipping ceremony of the Hammer tribe, both special rituals that prepare both men and women for marriage. If you have a tent and would like to camp, it is possible as the tribes are very friendly and welcoming. It will also be a once in a lifetime experience for you. We’ll visit the Hammer village and see their night dance called Evangadi; this is where the young Hammer girls and boys gather together to dance and sing on their way to choose their future spouse. There will be an overnight stay in Turmi.
Day 6
In the morning after breakfast, we’ll drive to the Nyangatom tribe to see the Kangati Village. The tribe is living in the southwest of the semi desert area by shore of the Omo River. These people are famous for their story telling and singing, and also known to be the most decorated warriors and agropastoralists. As we cross the Omo River by local boat, we’ll visit their village, see their lifestyle and take photos. After the visit, we’ll return across the river and proceed to the Karo village of Korcho, a stunning location overlooking the Omo River. The Karo tribe are well known for their body decoration and fishing. We shall see more of their village, before camping over night there.
Day 7
In the morning, we’ll drive back to Turmi for breakfast, and then continue on driving to Omorate to see the Dassanech tribe. Omorate is the last town in Ethiopia before the border. As this is a sensitive border area, we are required to register our passports at the immigration and natural affairs office. This is a quick and easy process and should take no longer than 2 minutes. After this brief stop, we will then walk through town to the side of the Omo River. From here we will either cross the murky brown waters by a traditional dugout canoe or by the village’s only motorboat.
Once we are safely across the Omo River, we will visit the tribes of beautifully decorated Dassanech people. Once again we will be able to photograph these amazing people whilst we tour around their village, learning about their culture and their way of life. Once we have soaked in enough of their culture and sights, it will be back into the boat and back to Turmi for the night.
Day 8
In the morning we’ll drive to Arbore from Turmi. The Arbore tribe women cover their heads with black coloured cloth and adorn themselves with colorful jewellery. Their young children wear a shell type garment that protects their heads from sun. The tribe is also well known for their body painting and for their houses, which are made from papyrus. If it is a market day we will visit, then drive to Weyto to see the Tsemaye tribe. This tribe is well known for wearing yellow beads, having face tattoos and for their style. We shall then drive to Konso to stay overnight.
Day 9
In the morning after breakfast, we’ll drive to the southeast of Konso to Yabelo. After lunch, the drive continues on until we visit the Yabelo Wild Life Sanctuary, full of birds and wild animals such as zebras and antelopes. If it is a market day in Yabelo we will see the beautiful camel and cattle’s market. We will then stay overnight in Yabelo.
Day 10
In the morning we’ll drive to see Chew Bet, the Ethiopian Great Rift Valley Lake that was created by a volcanic eruption that occurred 1.3 million years ago. It is here that the Borena tribe takes black and crystal salt from the lake. On the way back, we will stop in a town called Mega, where we shall visit the market if it is market day. We will see the Borena tribesmen, who are well known for their singing and for fetching water for their cattle from underground. We will then drive back to Yabelo where we still stay overnight.
Day 11
We’ll drive to Yirgalem from Yabelo for an overnight stay in the Aregash lodge. Here you can enjoy an evening coffee ceremony, see the coffee plantation as well as the beautiful bird life. You’ll also be able to watch the hyenas in the surrounding forest.
Day 12
After breakfast we’ll go to see the beautiful town of Awasa, where we will go to the fish market. We’ll continue driving until we reach a town called Wondo Genet where you’ll get the chance to take a refreshing bath in the Natural hot springs. We will then drive to Addis Ababa through Shashamane, relaxing at Lake Langano on the way.
