11 Days Tour to the Southern Parts of Ethiopia (Omo Valley)
Introduction
- 🌍 Explore the colorful tribal cultures of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley.
- 🏞️ Discover breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and ancient traditions.
- 👣 Visit iconic tribes including Mursi, Hamer, Karo, Konso, and Dassanech.
- 🏕️ Enjoy scenic drives, cultural encounters, and comfortable stays throughout.
Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa – City Tour
Arrive in Addis Ababa, where you’ll be met by our representatives and transferred to Ghion Hotel. Enjoy a city tour of Addis, including the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and panoramic views from Mount Entoto. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Addis – Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch via Wolayta Sodo, visiting the Wolayta and Alaba people en route. Overnight at Swayne’s Hotel, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of Lakes Chamo and Abaya, and the Nech Sar National Park.
Day 3: Lake Chamo Boat Trip & Dorze Tribe in Chencha
Morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds. Afternoon visit to Chencha to meet the Dorze people, known for weaving and tall bamboo huts. Return to Arba Minch for overnight.
Day 4: Arba Minch – Jinka (via Key Afer Market)
Drive to Konso, known for its terraced hillsides and wooden grave markers. Continue to Woito to visit the Tsemay people. Proceed to Jinka with a stop at Key Afer Market (on Thursday). Overnight at Jinka Resort Hotel.
Day 5: Jinka – Mursi Village – Jinka
Morning excursion to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, famous for lip plates and body decorations. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and spot wildlife. Return to Jinka and visit the Ari tribe village. Overnight at Jinka Resort Hotel.
Day 6: Jinka – Turmi (via Dimeka)
Drive to Turmi via Dimeka, visiting the Hamer people known for their unique hairstyles, body adornments, and bull-jumping ceremonies. Overnight camping at Turmi Campsite.
Day 7: Turmi – Murulle Excursion – Turmi
Drive to Murulle to visit the Karo people, renowned for their elaborate body paintings and scarifications. Return to Turmi for overnight camping.
Day 8: Turmi – Omorate Excursion
Morning drive to Omorate to visit the Dassanech (Galeb) tribe across the Omo River by local boat. Experience their riverside village life and artistic body decorations. Return to Turmi and visit a Hamer village. Overnight at campsite.
Day 9: Turmi – Yabello
Drive to Yabello via Arbore and Tsemay villages. Stop at Konso for lunch, then continue to meet the Borena Oromo people, known for their “singing wells” and cattle culture. Overnight at Yabello Motel.
Day 10: Yabello – Yirga Alem
Drive from Yabello to Yirga Alem through Sidama coffee plantations and rolling hills. In the evening, enjoy observing hyenas around the lodge. Overnight at Aregash Lodge.
Day 11: Yirga Alem – Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa via Awassa. Visit the Awassa Fish Market and enjoy scenic stops overlooking the Rift Valley Lakes. In the evening, farewell dinner with traditional Ethiopian music and dance before transfer to the airport for departure.
✅ Included Services
- 🚗 4W Drive Vehicle: with driver and fuel included
- 🎟️ All Entrance Fees: access to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- 💧 Bottled Water: stay hydrated during your tours
- ☕ Cultural Coffee: experience traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies
- 🗣️ English Speaking Guides: expert guidance throughout your journey
- 🍽️ Lunch: enjoy delicious meals at selected locations
- 👨🏫 Professional Guide Service: personalized assistance and local insights
❌ Excluded Services
- 🍷 Alcoholic Drinks: not included in the package
- ✈️ Any Flight: international or extra flights are excluded
- 📸 Camera & Video Charges: personal photography or filming fees
- 🍽️ Dinner: evening meals unless otherwise specified
- 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: any unlisted or personal stays
- 🛡️ Personal Insurance: travel or medical insurance not included
- 💰 Personal Tips & Gratitude: for guides, drivers, or staff
- 🛍️ Shopping Items: souvenirs or personal purchases
📝 SMT Tour – Cancellation Policy
🙋♂️ Cancellation by You (the Traveler)
- 📅 More than 30 days before the tour: Full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
- 📅 15–30 days before the tour: 50% refund of the total booking amount.
- 📅 Less than 15 days before the tour: No refund.
🏛️ Cancellation by SMT Tour
In rare cases, if SMT Tour must cancel a tour, you will receive a full refund. Whenever possible, we will also offer alternative dates or similar tour options.
🔄 Changes to Your Booking
Changes such as dates or number of travelers are subject to availability and may incur additional charges. Please contact us as early as possible to make adjustments.
🌪️ Force Majeure
SMT Tour is not responsible for cancellations due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters, political unrest, or pandemics. We will assist with rescheduling or providing credit for future tours.
💳 Refund Process
Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7–14 business days after cancellation confirmation.
💡 Travel Tip
We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected situations that may affect your travel plans.