Duration
14-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
14-Day Omo River Rafting and South Omo Valley Tribes
Overview
The most rewarding and adventurous white water rafting can be done over the Omo River, which is also a thrilling expedition to reach the Southern Omo Region. The first stage of rafting on Omo is not at all a fun fair ride as this rather gorgeous river has the most rapids with grabbing current and roaring foam. We have a chance to view and interact with the most fascinating, enjoyably fearsome and colorful tribes of Ethiopia, who inhabit on the banks of the mighty Omo River.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Jimma (Town), Mizan Teferi (Town), Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
game drives & boat trip
Accommodation
Monarch Parkview Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals Included; Day 1-9: All Meals Included; Day 10: Meals at Own Expense
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
EUR
Rates
Rates Per Person
EUR
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
€3.157 EUR
€2.954 EUR
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
€3.157 EUR
€2.954 EUR
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
€3.157 EUR
€2.954 EUR
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in Euros (EUR).
This tour is unavailable for children.
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 2
Jimma (Town)
Day 3
Mizan Teferi (Town)
Day 4-5
Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 6-10
Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 11
Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
Day 12
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 13
Arba Minch (City)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 14)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
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.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives & boat trip
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: boat & normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can book your international flights
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Monarch Parkview Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Awetu Grand Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Jimma (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3
Salayish The Grand Hotel and Spa
Mid-range hotel in Mizan Teferi (Town) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4-5
Budget camping Kibish (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
Kibish (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6-10
Budget camping Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) – Day 1-9: All Meals Included – Day 10: Meals at Own Expense
Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 1-9: All Meals Included; Day 10: Meals at Own Expense
Day 11
Buska Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 12
Buska Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 13
Paradise Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Arba Minch (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 14
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals 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
Arrive and City Tour
Up on your arrival at Bole International Airport and you will clear immigration and proceed to baggage claim, after collecting your checked bags pass through the arrivals hall where you will be meet by tour guide or representative, who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel. A half day guided tour of the Ethnological Museum, with its artifacts and displays of the cultures and handicrafts of Ethiopia’s many ethnic groups. At the famous National Museum, with its cultural and archaeological relics, you will visit the famous “Lucy,” a 3.2 million-year-old female hominid who was discovered in Ethiopia’s Awash Valley in 1974. The open-air market of Addis, the Mercato, is the largest on the continent, and you will take a drive through it. Time permitting; you may also visit Ba’ata Church, also known as Menelik’s Mausoleum, one of the oldest of the churches in Addis, built in 1911. It houses beautiful paintings and the royal tombs of past emperors, including Emperor Haile Selassie. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Monarch Parkview Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Drive to Jimma
Today you head off in 4WDs towards to the south-west into the Oromo region. Passing by Weliso Maryam church, known for its healing holy water. Drive towards the Gibe River gorge before reaching Jimma. This is the beginning of the Kaffa region which stretches south of the city and it believed to be the home of the Arabica coffee bean. It remains Ethiopia’s main coffee growing area and many farmers still make their living from the coffee plantations which dot the landscape. Mid-range hotel located in Jimma (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Jimma (Town) Stay: Awetu Grand Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Jimma (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Drive to Mizan Teferi
You start early in the morning with a visit to King Jaffa’s tin castle overlooking Jimma before driving further South West. Here you enter the heart of the Kaffa region where Kaffa and Bentch agriculturalist live. The latter are known for applying elaborate murals to the exterior of their houses. Stop for lunch in Bonga before passing by the Wush Wush Tea plantation and finally reaching Mizan Tafari where you spend the night. Mid-range hotel located in Mizan Teferi (Town) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Mizan Teferi (Town) Stay: Salayish The Grand Hotel and Spa Mid-range hotel located in Mizan Teferi (Town) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
Drive Mizan Teferi to Kibish
This morning you get up early and take a walk in a traditional Bentch village. Then head out passing through the Bebeka Coffee plantation – the largest in Ethiopia. Heading further south, you reach Dimma, an important transport hub for Suri and Nuer people. From here you enter Suri territory which is surprisingly lush and contains several ecological zones important to Suri lifestyle. You descend into the Kibbish area where (we hope) we spend the next three nights camping at the small village of Regia. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Kibish (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
Visit Kibish the Suri Tribes
Spending the day in the area. There is an option to take a walk to Magologne Holy Water and visit a few villages en-route. You will perhaps meet Arbula a former master of Sagine (stick fighting). Sagine takes place when food is plenty and rain is scarce. Several teams from different villages compete against each other and the competition culminates in announcing an overall master. If you are lucky you may witness one of the fights. To Western observers it may appear harsh, but this ritualized form of violence is an essential component of Suri cultural practices. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Kibish (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
Drive to Omo National Park
This morning you say goodbye to your hosts and drive through Nyangatom territory on a rough dirt road after which you enter the remote but beautiful Omo National Park. You look out for game as you drive towards the park’s headquarters at Mui. On arrival, there should be time for a wash and perhaps a drive to the grazing land of the Nyangatom people, a hot spring area and perhaps spot a few antelope species. Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Omo National Park (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
Rafting on Omo River
This morning you pack and prepare for your 4-day river trip. Your main luggage will remain in the vehicles and you take only minimal belongings with you on the water. Driving deeper into the heart of the park, you finally reach the Omo River which forms the boundaries between Omo National Park and Tama Wildlife Reserve. Today you say goodbye to your cars and drivers and meet your boat captains and rafts which will provide all your transport needs over the next 4 days. Provided that the people have not moved on, you may be camping next to a Mursi village tonight. Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Omo National Park (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
Rafting on Omo River
Finally your river journey starts in earnest... On your sturdy inflatable rafts with outboard motors, this journey is distinctly “brown-water” and the adrenaline rushes will come from the experience of being on the river and stopping by villages, rather than the surge of the waters. As you slowly make your way down the Omo River there will be plenty time to take in the scenery and indulge in the remoteness of this amazing region. Several ethnic groups inhabit this area and the itinerary is left intentionally free to allow maximum flexibility in this most unpredictable part of the country. The area you travel through today is dominated by the Mursi people who are culturally and linguistically interlinked to the Suri – both known for their lip plates. Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Omo National Park (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
Rafting on Omo River
Continuing your rafting downstream, we hope to meet members of the Mugugi ethnic group along the river. Further downstream, you now enter the Nyangatom cultural sphere; another semi- nomadic pastoral society. Known to their enemies by the derogatory term ‘Bume’ (the smelly ones), the Nyangatom are proud cattle-herders. Cow’s blood and milk form a major part of their diet and they are traditionally known for body scarifications and elaborate hairstyles symbolizing achievements in fights. Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Omo National Park (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
Rafting On Omo River
Today is your final day on the river and depending on where you spent last night, you may get to take a walk in a Kara village this morning. The villages are located on the Eastern river bank. The Kara people number a mere 1500 and are culturally interlinked to the Hamer who dominates this part of the lower Omo Valley. After your visit you’ll continue on a short journey to Murelle Camp where you say goodbye to your boat captains and will be met by your drivers, vehicles and main luggage. You make camp for a final night and get to look back with a sense of achievement on the past 4 days on the river. Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) Meals at own expense Drinks not included
Destination: Omo National Park (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Meals at own expense Drinks not included
Day 11
Rafting on Omo River
You begin the morning with a walk in the bush dotted with acacia and desert rose trees before heading into Turmi, a small town and the center of Hamer culture. Then you will drive 73 km west to visit the Dassench /Geleb/ people; who inhabited in the bank of Omo River and we cross the Omo River by locally made boat to see the village these people are semi nomadic with very little agriculture on the bank of the Omo River. You will drive back to Turmi in the afternoon. It should be noted that this part of Southern Ethiopia is far more visited than the region you have just left behind. After many nights of camping you have a chance to unwind at a local Lodge. Mid-range lodge located in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Stay: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 12
Visit around Turmi
Turmi is a small Hamer people town, the Hamer are one of the most known tribes in Southern Ethiopia. They inhabit the territory east of the Omo River and have villages in Turmi and Dimeka areas. Tourists visit the hamer hoping to see a traditional annual ceremony called “Bull jumping” it is a ceremony when a boy is pronounced “Man” after proving his capacity to jump 5 up to 13 cattle’s stand in a row and the day includes a special event in which a woman shows her appreciation for the bride groom by letting the boys whip them with a stick until they bleed. At night the day is called off after a colorful party with Evangady dance (night dance). If the days are Monday, Tuesday or Saturday we will have a chance to see colorful Market day and as well as Bull jumping ceremony. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 13
Drive to Aribaminch
In the morning driving to Arba Minch. On the way stop at Konso to visit the Konso people with their king- UNESCO registered site for their extensive terracing and practice of making a wooden grave mark for their hero and kings. Invariably built on hilltops as protection from the lowland tribes, traditional Konso villages are surrounded by high stonewalls and encompass separate compounds, with outlying terraced agricultural fields. Another highlight is the famous 'Wakas' - a funerary tradition where magnificent carved wooden sculptures were created in honor of Konso warrior heroes who have killed an enemy or animal, and often grouped to represent the man, his wives and his adversaries. After lunch we arrive at Lake Chamo. We get there you will take a boat trip in Lake Chamo, to visit the crocodile market, it is a local name for a place in Lake chamo that the crocodiles went out of the lake and chill, there is no buying or selling, also you will see hippos and different kinds of birds. Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Arba Minch (City) Stay: Paradise Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 14
Drive to Addis Ababa and Departure
After breakfast drive to Dorzy village, this people set high up in the Gughe Mountains where we see the traditional Dorzy beehive shaped huts recognized as one of the visually attractive structural houses. After that start driving back to Addis, on the way visit Tiya, is known for the 10th centuries adjacent archeological site, which is distinguished by 36 standing stones or steal "32 of which are engraved with enigmatic symbols, notably swords," marking a large, prehistoric burial complex. The archeological site was designated a World Heritage Site in 1980 also it listed as world heritage by UNESCO. You will arrive in Addis Ababa late afternoon and you will do some shopping for souvenirs. Finally, you will be taken to a farewell dinner depending on your scheduled your international flight; you will be transferred out to Bole International Airport for return back home. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
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)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
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 book your international flights
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
Finot Tour Ethiopia
4.9 operator rating
12 reviews
Finot Tour Ethiopia is your option for a responsible and nature friendly tour in Ethiopia. We are always available to serve you the tour experience of your dreams. Our tour programs are flexible; you can feel free to make your own ideal tour package and then contact us for any information. If you are interested in History, Culture, Nature, Bird watching, Trekking, Adventure, Documentary Films, Rafting, Biking, Volcano and sightseeing, you will contact us for further information.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
20-50 employees (Founded in 2011)
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Djibouti, Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Very reliable, experienced, friendly, customerorientated - excellent tourguide to explore Ethiopia.
Our tour preferences were very well combined, we received a very detailed tour description for the 4 weeks in advance, which then also took place as planned, with a fair value of money . The communication was perfect. Flights, hotels, visits to attractions, entrances, and transportation were very well organized and coordinated. Our tour guide Haile was very friendly, absolutely reliable, and trustworthy. On-site, he has a good network, the local guides, and drivers were also always very good. Our safety was Haile's top priority. We can wholeheartedly recommend Finot Tours Ethiopia.
Michaela · Germany
One of the best experiences in Africa ever
Great experience! My wife and me did a 13-day long tour of Harar, Bale mountain an Omo valley and considering the very high quality of both the guides and the tour itself we felt we got our money's worth. Hailemeskel of Finot Tour Ethiopia has specially for us developed great tour itinerary! We have a good 4WD car and accommodation in nice hotels and lodges. Our main guide and driver Lmuel, was fantastic. He's very knowledgeable and has a very nice attitude towards guests! We discussed various aspects of life and nature in Ethiopia and we began to feel him as a friend. Both gentlemen were very kind and nice and they made our experience so wonderful. So it really feels like we made friends and it made us feel as if we weren't just tourists. All in all this was an amazing experience. We highly recommend Finot Tour Ethiopia. Thank you very much Haile and Lmuel!
Stanislav Moynov · Bulgaria
Great services
Traveling with Finot is a great, real adventure. A great guide with good contacts in the places you visit. Thanks to this, we were able to see more interesting things than others. Trip to the tribes of the Omo Valley.
Piotr Banasik · Poland
Reliable and helpful
My six day trip to the Lower Omo Valley was very interesting and well organized. A good guide (Danny), a comfortable car and nice lodges/hotels made the trip most enjoyable. Danny's knowledge about culture and nature was great. He also knew the names of all the birds we saw which I appreciated. Since I was a solo guest we also had a flexible schedule. From time to time we also met friendly Haile who travelled with another group. Since all costs were included I did not have to think about paying local guides etc. But they all appreciate a small tip. I can highly recommend Finot Tour.
Rolf · Sweden
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 Euros (EUR).
Can children join this tour?
This tour is unavailable for children.
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?
Monarch Parkview Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals 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 Finot Tour Ethiopia, 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.
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.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Finot Tour Ethiopia.
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