Day 1. Addis Ababa – Jimma
We head west from Addis Ababa to Jimma, about 350 kilometers away. When we arrive, we will visit the palace of Ras Abba Jifar II, the former King of Kaffa. The palace overlooks the city and the nearby coffee forests.
It shows a time when the coffee trade gave the king both power and wealth. This area remained independent from the Ethiopian Empire until 1930.
Overnight at Hotel Awetu International.
Day 2. Jimma – Mizan Teferi
After breakfast, we continue west to Bonga. Bonga is in the heart of the Kaffa region and is surrounded by mountain rainforest. Then we drive to Mizan Teferi.
On the way, we will stop at a local coffee farm to learn more about coffee growing in the area. This part of Ethiopia is one of the richest in plant life.
Overnight at Salayish Hotel or similar.
Day 3. Mizan Teferi – Kibish
Today we drive to Kibish. We will travel through grasslands, forested areas, and Savannah. This region is home to the Surma people. They are cattle herders and depend heavily on their animals.
The tribe is known for body painting, body scars, and the large plates that women wear in their lower lips.
Overnight camping in Kibish.
Day 4. Full Day in Kibish – Surma Villages
Today we explore several Surma villages to learn more about their customs and daily life. Because of the heat, we will visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The river is just a few minutes away from camp and is a good place to relax. We also hope to see a donga, a stick-fighting ceremony that happens more often in September.
Overnight camping in Kibish.
Day 5. Kibish – Nyangatom
Early in the morning, we leave Kibish and drive through Omo National Park. This park is the oldest in Ethiopia, created in 1959, and has many animals. We might see elephants, gazelles, and buffalo.
By afternoon, we will reach the village of the Nyangatom people at the edge of the park. We will spend the night here and learn more about their way of life.
Overnight camping at the Nyangatom village.
Day 6. Nyangatom – Turmi
After breakfast, we drive to Turmi. Turmi is the cultural center of the southern Omo Valley. If lucky, we may witness a Hamer wedding or a bull-jumping ceremony.
In the late afternoon, we visit a Hamer village to see their daily life. We may also see young people dancing the Evangadi, also called the moonlight dance.
Overnight at Emerald Lodge in Turmi.
Day 7. Karo Tribes & Omorate Excursion
Today we visit Murrulle, a village of the Karo people. They are few in number and are famous for their body painting, which they do before ceremonies. Then we drive to Omorate to meet the Geleb (Dassenech) people.
When a woman is about to get married, they hold a big ceremony. Everyone wears their best clothes, dances, and enjoys meat from cattle.
Overnight at Emerald Lodge.
Day 8. Drive to Jinka – Visit the Mursi Tribe
After breakfast, we drive to Jinka and then visit a Mursi village. The Mursi are well known for the lip plates worn by women, just like the Surma. We will also visit the ethnographic museum in Jinka to learn more about the South Omotic tribes. Jinka is a trading center and home to many groups in the region.
Overnight at Nasa Hotel.
Day 9. Jinka – Arba Minch via Konso
After breakfast, we drive to Arba Minch through the Konso area. Konso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their villages are built on hills to protect against attacks.
The homes are surrounded by stone walls, and farmland is arranged in terraces. Their farming style helps protect crops from floods and animals.
Overnight at Arba Minch Tourist Hotel.
Day 10. Visit Dorze Village & Boat Ride on Lake Chamo
Arba Minch is located between Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. We will take a boat ride on Lake Chamo to see birds and very large crocodiles, which can grow up to six meters.
We will also visit the Dorze people in the Guge mountains. Their tall bamboo houses look like beehives and can be moved if termites attack the base.
Overnight at Tourist Hotel.
Day 11. Arba Minch – Lake Langano
We drive to Lake Langano, making a few stops on the way. When we arrive, we check into Sabana Resort. In the afternoon, we can swim, watch birds, and enjoy the sunset by the lake.
Overnight at Sabana Resort or similar (not included).
Day 12. Langano – Addis Ababa
In the morning, our driver will pick you up and take you back to Addis Ababa.
End of the tour.
