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Omo Valley

If there’s anything in southern Ethiopia that can rival the majesty of the north’s historical circuit, it’s the people of the Lower Omo Valley. The villages are home to some of Africa’s most fascinating ethnic groups and a trip here represents a unique chance for travellers to encounter a culture markedly different from their own. Whether it’s wandering through traditional Daasanach villages, watching Hamer people performing a Jumping of the Bulls ceremony or seeing the Mursi’s mind-blowing lip plates, your visit here will stick with you for a lifetime. This is quite a beautiful region too. The landscape is diverse, ranging from dry, open savannah plains to forests in the high hills and along the Omo and Mago Rivers. The former meanders for nearly 800km, from southwest of Addis Ababa all the way to Lake Turkana on the Kenyan border.

Arrival   Bole International Airport
Black Kite Tour  will meet all clients arriving at the airport regardless of arrival time.  

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Day 01   Addis Ababa – Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in Southern Ethiopia.  On the way, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains.  The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses.  If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.  Overnight Lodge  (B, L, D)

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 Day 02   Arba Minch – Jinka
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar’s weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods. ​
Overnight Lodge  (B, L, D)

Day 03   Mago National Park
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Overnight Lodge  (B, L, D)

Day 04   Jinka – Turmi
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hame eople who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of “bull-jumping” which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people. ​
Overnight Lodge  (B, L, D)

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Day 05   Omorate Excursion
Excursion to Omorate visiting the Dassanech people.  Return to Turmi for the evening.
 Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 06   Turmi – Konso
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.
 Overnight Lodge (B, L, D)

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Day 07   Konso –  Hawassa
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa.  Rest and relaxation at one of Hawassa’s fine resorts.
Overnight Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 08   Hawassa – Addis Ababa
Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning. Drive to Addis Ababa making stops at the Rift Valley Lakes. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure upon request.
 (B, L, D)