Duration
5-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
5-Day Omo Valley Explore Tribes, Cultures and Landscapes
Overview
On this fascinating tour, you will witness and learn the meaning behind age-old customs and rituals that remain an integral part of everyday life in these regions. Isolated for millennia from the outside world, the Omo Valley, including Arba Minch and Konso, is home to many small and distinctive tribal groups, including the Karo, Arbore, Mursi, and Hamer, each preserving unique customs. Artistic expression is vivid, with the Ari and Karo excelling in body painting using clay and natural pigment.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Arba Minch (City), Turmi (Lower Omo Valley), Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
Getting around: minivan, boat, normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
Accommodation
Haile Resort Arba Minch - Mid-range hotel in Arba Minch (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$1,815 USD
$1,162 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$1,815 USD
$1,162 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 9 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 1
Arba Minch (City)
Day 2-3
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 4
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 5)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
Suitable for all ages
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: minivan, boat, normal 4x4 vehicle, hiking/walking & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Haile Resort Arba Minch
Mid-range hotel in Arba Minch (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2-3
Buska Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4
Eco Omo Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Fly to Arba Minch
Today, you'll return to the airport to board your flight to Arba Minch, meaning 40 springs in Amharic. The town sits beautifully at the foothills of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and overlooks the blue waters of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Dorze village, known for its weaving culture shown in cotton clothing, fences, and beehive-shaped bamboo houses. Men weave while women spin cotton threads by hand with great care and skill. Each Dorze household keeps a small garden filled with spices, cabbage, and tobacco plants. Their staple food is Kocho, prepared carefully from the false banana plant. In the evening, you'll relax and enjoy the lodge facilities and spa services while admiring panoramic sunset views over the two beautiful lakes. Your overnight stay will be at Haile Resort in Arba Minch town. Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: Haile Resort Arba Minch Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Lake Chamo / Konso Village / Turmi
In the morning, you'll take a remarkable boat ride on the southernmost Rift Valley lake of Ethiopia, Lake Chamo. One can spot many hippos and giant crocodiles, and the scenery is truly unforgettable. Fishing for Nile perch and many other species by locals on their traditional boats is by far the best in the country. We can also watch various lowland water birds like the African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelicans, and egrets. Leaving Lake Chamo behind, we visit the Konso village, where you'll enjoy lunch. The cultural landscape of Konso is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is comprised of stone-walled terraces and fortified settlements in the highlands stretching back 21 generations (more than 400 years). Konso is known for its religious traditions, waga sculptures, and nearby fossil beds. Overnight stay: Buska Lodge, Turmi. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Karo & Hamer Villages
Today’s drive takes you to Koricho, a settlement for the Karo Nilotic ethnic group, famous for their body paintings. They paint themselves daily with colored ocre, white chalk, yellow mineral rock, and pulverized iron, all-natural resources local to the area. This is an elaborate process, which ranges from fine details to rough, but striking paintings traced with the palms or fingers. The Karo people also scarify their chests to beautify themselves by cutting with a knife or razor and rubbing ash into the wound to create a raised effect. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Hamer tribe, whose women are known for their striking appearance, adorned with ochre-colored hair hanging in a heavy fringe, leather skirts decorated with cowries, and many copper bracelets fixed tightly around their arms. The men are noted for the initiation ceremony of jumping over bulls. Below Karo & Hammer Tribes. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Dassanech Tribe / Ari Village/ Jinka
This morning, you'll travel closer to the Kenyan border to visit the people of the Dassanech tribe. You'll cross the Omo River, one of the major rivers of the country that drains into Lake Turkana of Kenya, to visit one of the villages of the Dassanech tribe (meaning “people of the delta), who are the southernmost people of the country and are known for their scarifications. Over time, the tribe absorbed a wide range of different people. It is now divided into eight main clans. Each clan has its own identity and customs, its own responsibilities towards the rest of the tribe, and is linked to a particular territory. You'll continue with our drive to Jinka, the biggest town in the Omo region. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Ari people, the biggest group in the Omo region. Ari are living in wider villages with private compounds on which they have their huts and grow a variety of crops. They have large livestock herds and produce large quantities of honey. Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Eco Omo Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Mursi & Fly back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, you'll leave Jinka and drive to Mursi village to visit one of the most fascinating tribes in Africa. Although recent extreme drought has made their herding and cultivation difficult, they still adhere to their traditional and unique culture. They are renowned for the strange custom followed by their women, who, on reaching maturity, have their lower lips slit and circular disks inserted, indicating their worth before getting married. Men of the Mursi also use white paint for their bodies and faces. Just like any other ethnic tribe in the lower valley, the men must pass a test before they can get married. A Mursi man is given a stick called a “Donga “and must face one opponent. The men then battle it out, beating each other with the sticks. You'll have a midday flight back to Addis, where you'll enjoy free time to explore on your own and do some last-minute shopping. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Ethiopian Expedition
5.0 operator rating
8 reviews
Ethiopian Expedition is a locally owned tour operator in Ethiopia offering cultural, wildlife, photographic, and adventure tours. Specializing in small-group and private journeys, the company delivers authentic experiences led by expert local guides. Each itinerary highlights Ethiopia’s landscapes, heritage, and living cultures with a strong focus on comfort and responsible travel.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA & TETOA
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Reliable and professionals!
We worked with Ethiopian Expedition and Tesfaw’s team for our MLab25 group in September. His team was with us throughout the entire week, driving our group as part of a tailor-made program, and everything ran perfectly smoothly. Tesfaw and his team demonstrated outstanding professionalism, reliability, and efficiency throughout the entire week. The transport services were perfectly organized, punctual, and smooth, even on Meskel Day, which is no small achievement given the scale of the celebrations. Their flexibility, attention to detail, and calm management made a real difference for our group experience. We felt well taken care of at all times. We highly recommend Tesfaw and Ethiopian Expedition for any group or individual travel needs in Ethiopia. A trustworthy partner you can rely on with complete confidence.
Geraldine TEXIER · France
Excellent service
We had an incredible one week trekking experience in the Simien Mountains. Everything was perfectly organized by Ethiopian Expedition, and the service was professional, well-planned, and excellent throughout the trip.
Solomon Afmasu · Ethiopia
Unforgettable trip to Ethiopia
Our visit to Ethiopia was a rich and memorable experience from culture historical religious and human perspectives as well as through its beautiful nature and landscapes.our excellent guide Tesfaw who accompanied us throughout the entire trip was outstanding and succeeded in giving us a genuine and authentic picture of Ethiopia. The organization and the supporting team contributed greatly to our sense of comfort which further enhanced our enjoyment of the journey.
Noga · Israel
Truly Unforgettable Trips
The Ethiopian Expedition Team made our 15-day trip to Ethiopia truly unforgettable. We explored the historic north, including the Simien Mountains and the Gheralta churches, as well as the Danakil Depression and the culturally diverse Omo Valley. Everything was well organized from start to finish. Communication was smooth and timely, and our drivers and guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, both with us and with the local communities. We highly recommend this company to anyone planning a trip to Ethiopia.
Allen@rock · United States
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 9 receive a discount and children under 3 are free.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Haile Resort Arba Minch - Mid-range hotel in Arba Minch (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Ethiopian Expedition, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
Keep comparing
Similar Tours
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 2-Day
Safaris & Nature
5.0
2-Day Awash & Ali Degh Wildlife Excursion
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 2-Day · Ethiopian Expedition
Duration2-Day
From$384 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$384 pp (USD)
Simien Mountains National Park
Ethiopia · 8-Day
Culture & Heritage
5.0
8-Day Classic Ethiopia –Culture, History & Adventure
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia · 8-Day · Ethiopian Expedition
Duration8-Day
From$1,815 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$1,815 pp (USD)
Lake Ziway
Ethiopia · 11-Day
Food & Market Routes
5.0
11-Day Ultimate Ethiopian Tour
Lake Ziway, Ethiopia · 11-Day · Ethiopian Expedition
Duration11-Day
From$3,190 pp (USD)
ModeQuote
Custom quote route
Verified provider
Cultural notes
From
$3,190 pp (USD)