Overview
Southern Ethiopia is home to an extraordinary diversity of peoples, each with its own language, dress and traditions. This journey travels with experienced local guides through Arba Minch, the UNESCO-listed terraces of Konso, and the Lower Omo Valley towns of Jinka and Turmi.
We time visits to coincide with weekly markets where possible, and we make encounters respectful: agreed photography fees, small groups and time to talk. The trip begins and ends in Addis Ababa.
Route
Highlights
- Konso cultural landscape (UNESCO)
- Weekly markets at Key Afer and Turmi
- Visits with Hamer, Karo and Mursi communities
- Crocodiles on Lake Chamo
- Respectful, locally guided encounters
Activities
- City tour
- Coffee ceremony
- Cultural dinner
- Cultural visits
- Market visits
- Boat trip
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1:
Welcome to Addis Ababa
Addis AbabaArrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After a rest, visit the National Museum to meet "Lucy", then drive up Entoto Hill for views over the city. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner of injera with music and dance.
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Day 2:
Arba Minch & Lake Chamo
Omo ValleyAfter breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight from Addis Ababa to Omo Valley. Take a boat on Lake Chamo to the "crocodile market", where huge Nile crocodiles bask on the shore, and visit the Dorze people, known for their beehive-shaped houses and weaving.
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Day 3:
Konso Terraces
Omo ValleyDrive to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape of stone-walled terraces and fortified villages, and walk through a traditional village with a Konso guide.
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Day 4:
Key Afer Market to Jinka
Omo ValleyStop at the colourful weekly market at Key Afer, where several communities come to trade, then continue to Jinka and visit the South Omo Research Centre and Museum.
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Day 5:
Mursi & Mago
Omo ValleyDrive through Mago National Park to visit a Mursi community with a local guide, learning about their culture and pastoral life, then return to Jinka.
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Day 6:
Turmi & the Hamer
Omo ValleyTravel to Turmi, home of the Hamer people, and visit the weekly market. If one is taking place, you may be invited to witness a traditional bull-jumping ceremony.
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Day 7:
Return to Addis Ababa
Addis AbabaAfter breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight from Omo Valley to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell coffee ceremony and time for shopping before a final evening in the capital.
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Day 8:
Departure
Addis AbabaEnjoy a relaxed breakfast and, depending on your flight time, a last stroll or some souvenir shopping. Transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward flight. Safe travels — kwaheri until next time!
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Accommodation
This itinerary is priced with mid-range accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.
- Addis AbabaBoutique hotel in the Bole area1 night
- Omo ValleyLodge in Jinka or riverside camp in Turmi5 nights
- Addis AbabaBoutique hotel in the Bole area1 night
Meals: Full board on tour days; breakfast and dinner in cities
What's included
Included
- Private vehicle with driver and an expert English-speaking guide
- Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- Entrance fees to churches, monasteries, museums and parks
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All government taxes and levies
- 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
- Domestic and light-aircraft flights as described in the itinerary
- Local community guides in the Omo Valley
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Camera and photography fees at some churches and villages
Travel information
Best time to travel
June to September and December to February, avoiding the heaviest rains.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Insect repellent and personal medication
- Soft-sided duffel bag — light aircraft allow around 15 kg per person
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, and a scarf for women
- Socks for church visits (shoes are removed)
- A small torch for dark church interiors
Experiences on this safari
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.
What does the price include?
The guide price from USD 2,450 per person is based on two people sharing mid-range accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
Is there a luggage limit on the flights?
Yes. Light aircraft and some domestic flights allow around 15 kg per person including hand luggage, packed in soft-sided bags. We can store extra luggage for you.
How do you make visits respectful?
We work with local guides from the communities, agree photography fees in advance, keep group sizes small and encourage genuine exchange. Please always ask before taking photos.
Is photography allowed?
Many communities ask for a small fee per photograph, which your guide will agree in advance. Please always ask permission first.
Gallery
Enquire about this safari
Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.
