Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Arbaminch, one of southern Ethiopia’s most picturesque towns. Upon arrival, meet your guide and drive up into the Gamo Highlands to visit the Dorze people. These talented weavers are famous for their tall beehive-shaped huts, colorful cotton cloth, and unique cultural traditions. Enjoy a warm welcome, learn about their traditional lifestyle, and take part in a local coffee ceremony. Return to Arbaminch for dinner and overnight at a lodge overlooking the twin lakes of Abaya and Chamo.

After breakfast, enjoy a fascinating boat trip on Lake Chamo, part of Nechisar National Park. You’ll spot large crocodiles, pods of hippos, and a variety of aquatic birds. Later, drive south to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its terraced hillsides and complex traditional villages. Visit a Konso village to see their remarkable stonework, generation-marking poles, and ancient cultural practices. Overnight at a lodge in Konso, surrounded by scenic farmlands.

After breakfast, continue your journey toward Jinka. En route, stop at Key Afer Market (if the day coincides with Thursday), one of the most colorful tribal markets in the Omo Valley. Here, people from the Ari, Bena, and Hamer tribes gather to trade goods and socialize. It’s a fantastic opportunity for photography and cultural interaction. Continue driving through beautiful landscapes to Jinka, the administrative town of South Omo. Dinner and overnight at a lodge in Jinka.

Today you’ll explore Mago National Park and visit the Mursi tribe, known for the clay lip plates worn by women and their striking body decorations. Learn about their customs and traditional lifestyle while taking care to respect their culture. Return to Jinka for lunch and visit the South Omo Research Center and Museum, which offers insight into the many ethnic groups of the region. Dinner and overnight in Jinka.

After breakfast, drive to Turmi, home of the colorful Hamer tribe, known for their elaborate hairstyles, body adornments, and traditional dances. If your visit coincides with Dimeka Market (Saturday) or Alduba Market (Tuesday), you’ll stop to experience the vibrant atmosphere where several tribes come together. Upon arrival in Turmi, visit a nearby Hamer village and, if possible, witness the traditional bull-jumping ceremony — a rite of passage for young men. Overnight at a lodge in Turmi.

This morning, drive to Omorate, near the Omo River and the border with Kenya, to visit the Dassanech tribe. Cross the river by local boat to reach their village and learn about their culture, which thrives in one of the most arid regions of the valley. Return to Turmi in the afternoon and relax at your lodge. Later, enjoy a cultural evening with traditional Hamer songs and dances around a campfire. Overnight in Turmi.

After breakfast, begin your drive back to Arbaminch, retracing the scenic route through the Weyto Valley and Konso highlands. Stop for lunch en route and enjoy your final views of the Rift Valley landscapes. Upon arrival, transfer to Arbaminch Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa. Depending on your schedule, you may enjoy a brief city tour or shopping before your international departure, marking the end of your unforgettable 7-day South Omo Valley adventure.