6-Day Authentic South Omo Valley Trib...

>> After breakfast in the morning you will meet with Finot Tour Etiopia staff (your driver and guide) at your preferred departure point and time. You will then begin your drive towards the south. This drive takes you through the scenic farmlands of the Gurage people. We will also drive through the Wolayta farmlands, which feature views of the lush green hills and valleys. You will arrive in the late afternoon at Arba Minch, meaning “Forty Springs” in Amharic. Arba Minch takes its name from the bubbling streams that cover the groundwater forest occupying the flats of the town.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Paradise Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City)

>> Early in the morning you will drive to the shore of Lake Chamo for a boat trip. When we arrive at the strip of sand that juts out into the water from the shore, we will likely see several Nile crocodiles lying in the sun. They will stay immobile - the noise of our little boat does not disturb them at all. After taking a few photos you will continue on, visitng a Konso tribal village en route. This is a World Heritage listed site of cultural significance. Traditional Konso villages are surrounded by high stonewalls, encompass separate compounds, and feature outlying terraced agricultural fields. Another highlight is the famous “wagas,”a funerary tradition featuring magnificent carved wooden sculptures. You will then driver to KEY AFER - Tribal Market, one of the best in the Omo Valley.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Eco Omo Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

>> Today our journey begins with an excursion to a Mursi village (approximately 66km from Jinka). The Mursi are one of the original ethnic groups in Ethiopia. They live in very low huts made of straw leaves. The women like to wear terra cotta jewelry on their enormously stretched lower lips and ear lobes. The men are famous for their hairstyle. We will then visit the Jinka Museum, which contains the Southern Omo Research Centre's permanent cultural collection, continues research on the various ethnic groups, and provides an in-depth overview into the people and traditions of the Omo Valley. Later in the afternoon we will drive to Turmi (120km), one of the largest towns in the region.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

>> Early in the morning after breakfast we will drive 73 km west to visit the Dassench/Geleb people. We will cross the Omo River by locally made boat to see the village and then drive to the Dimeka Market of the Hamer tribe. You will return to Turmi in the afternoon for a break before going on a walk to visit the Hamer tribe.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

>> In the morning after breakfast you will head to Murulle to visit the Karo tribe, who are famous for their body painting. We will also admire the scenic view of the Omo river from the edge of the village. The Karo people use clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on each other’s faces, chests, arms, and legs. This body painting is often practiced in preparation for their dances and ceremonies. Their decorations often imitate the spotted plumage of a guinea fowl. Feather plumes are inserted in their clay hair buns to complete the look. The clay hair bun can take up to three days to construct and is usually re-made every three to six months. Their painted facemasks are spectacular. Karo women scarify their chests to beautify themselves. The scars are cut with a knife and ash is rubbed to produce a raised welt. Karo men, as with neighboring tribes, are also famous for their unique hairstyle. Later you will drive to Arbamich.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: Paradise Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City)

>> Early in the morning you will begin your drive to Addis Ababa. On the way you will visit the Dorze tribe, which is famed for their beehive shaped houses and their weaving skills. Weaving is the primary profession for many Dorze. They are also farmers and prevent soil erosion by ingenious terracing of the mountainsides. Around their huts they have their own little gardens with vegetables, spices, tobacco, and enset (false-banana or muzi). You will make your way to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley, passing more interesting villages and attractions. You will eat lunch at a local restaurant before your late afternoon arrival at Addis Ababa. You will then enjoy one final cultural dinner with live dance performances at one of the best traditional Ethiopian restaurants before tranfserring to the airport for your departure.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks

•  Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)