Omo Valley Tours & South Omo Valley – Experience Culture, Adventure, and More!
Join me on an unforgettable Omo Valley tour and dive into the rich traditions of South Omo Valley’s hospitable tribes, including the Mursi, Benna, Bodi, Dassanech, Karra, Hamar, Arbore, Gnangatom, Muguji, Surma, Suri, and Ari. Immerse yourself in their fascinating customs—spend the night under the stars, accompany in traditional dances, and listen to captivating stories from tribal elders.
At Explore Omo Valley, my South Omo Valley tours are uniquely tailored to your interests, whether you want to focus on a specific tribe or experience multiple cultures. As a native of the region and founder of Explore Omo, I have deep connections with the tribes, offering exclusive access to authentic ceremonies and traditions. Choose from a range of accommodations, from comfortable hotels to immersive camping experiences in tribal villages.
From exceptional day trips to multi-day expeditions, I offer personalized Omo Valley tours designed just for you. Take a look at my sample testimonials and start planning your adventure.
Omo Valley Day Trips & South Omo Valley Tours
Day Trips Around Jinka Omo Valley
Mago National Park, Mursi Tribe, Aari Village, South Omo Research Center (SORC)
Embark on an exciting Omo Valley tour to Mago National Park, where you’ll witness stunning landscapes and meet the Mursi tribe, known for their unique traditions. Return to Jinka to explore the Arba Minch vacation and, if time allows, visit the South Omo Research Center (SORC) Museum to learn more about the region’s rich cultural heritage.Hamar Tribe, Aari Village, South Omo Research Center (SORC)
Journey to meet the Hamar tribe, renowned for their vibrant traditions and intricate hairstyles. Explore their villages before returning to Jinka to visit Aari Village and the SORC Museum, where you can deepen your understanding of South Omo Valley’s indigenous cultures.
Day Trips from Arba Minch
Nech Sar National Park, Lake Chamo, Dorze Village
Begin your adventure with a safari in Nech Sar National Park, home to diverse wildlife. Opt for a boat tour on Lake Chamo, where you can see hippos and crocodiles up close. After lunch at a local Ethiopian restaurant, enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony. In the afternoon, visit Dorze Village, known for its skilled weavers and unique bamboo huts. Return to Arba Minch and conclude the trip at 5:45 PM.Konso Village, Lake Chamo
Discover the UNESCO-listed Konso Villages and meet the village chief while admiring the region’s striking terraced landscapes. Later, take a boat tour on Lake Chamo, where you’ll spot hippos and crocodiles. Return to Arba Minch by 5:45 PM after a memorable South Omo Valley tour.
ethiopia tourism packages
South Omo Valley Tour – 3 Days (2 Nights)
Hamar, Dassanach, & Mursi Tribes, Mago National Park
Hamar, Dassanach & Mursi Tribes | Mago National Park
Day 1: Hamar Tribe – Cultural Immersion (2.5-hour drive)
Arrive in Addis Ababa and connect to Jinka BCO Airport.
Upon arrival in Jinka, we will pick you up and take you for lunch at Jinka Besha Gojo Restaurant. In the afternoon, drive to a village to meet the Hamar tribe, known for their rich traditions and unique hairstyles. Experience their daily life and customs. Overnight stay in Turmi Paradise Lodge or Turmi Buska Lodge.
Day 2: Dassanach Tribe & Benna Tribal Market (4.5-hour drive, including stops)
Early morning drive to Omorate, where you will cross the Omo River in a traditional dugout canoe to meet the Dassanech tribe and learn about their culture.
In the afternoon, travel to Alduba Market, one of the most vibrant markets in South Omo Valley, where the Benna tribe trades tobacco, cattle, goats, honey, butter, and more. Later, continue to Jinka for an overnight stay at Jinka Eco Omo Lodge or Jinka Resort.
Day 3: Mursi Tribe & Mago National Park (4-hour round trip)
Start your morning with a scenic drive through Mago National Park, where you may spot wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Visit the Mursi tribe, famous for their distinctive lip plates and body decorations.
Afterward, return to Jinka for a picnic lunch before transferring to Jinka BCO Airport for your departure.
This Omo Valley tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with indigenous tribes and explore the stunning landscapes of South Omo Valley.
South Omo Valley Tour – 4 Days (3 Nights)
Hamar, Kara, Dassanach, Benna & Mursi Tribes | Mago National Park
Day 1: Hamar Tribe – Cultural Immersion (2.5-hour drive)
Arrive in Addis Ababa and connect to Jinka BCO Airport.
In the afternoon, we will pick you up from the airport and take you for lunch at Jinka Besha Gojo Restaurant. Afterward, drive to a village to meet the Hamar tribe, known for their rich cultural traditions and unique body decorations. Experience their way of life and spend the night in the village with the Hamar tribe, staying in a tent accommodation for a truly immersive experience.
Day 2: Kara & Dassanach Tribes (5-hour drive, including stops)
Start the morning with a drive to Korcho Village to visit the Kara tribe, renowned for their elaborate body painting and connection to the Omo River.
Afterward, drive to Turmi, where you will have lunch at a local lodge before visiting the Hamar Monday market, a vibrant trading hub for local tribes. In the late afternoon, travel to Omorate, cross the Omo River in a traditional canoe, and meet the Dassanech tribe to experience their customs. Overnight stay at Turmi Paradise Lodge or Turmi Buska Lodge.
Day 3: Benna Tribe & Mago National Park (4.5-hour drive, including stops)
In the morning, drive to Alduba Market, one of the most lively South Omo Valley tribal markets, where the Benna tribe trades goods such as tobacco, cattle, and handcrafted items.
Explore the Benna villages on a scenic hike before driving to Mursi Village through Mago National Park, where you may spot wildlife along the way. Spend the night in the village with the Mursi tribe, staying in a tent for an authentic cultural experience.
Day 4: Mursi Tribe, Mago National Park & Departure (2-hour drive)
In the morning, engage with the Mursi tribe, famous for their distinctive lip plates and scarification traditions.
Afterward, drive to Jinka Resort, where you can enjoy a refreshing shower and lunch. At 1:00 PM, we will transfer you to Jinka BCO Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, departing at 2:40 PM.
This South Omo Valley tour offers an immersive journey into Ethiopia’s most fascinating indigenous cultures while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Mago National Park and the Omo River.
South Omo & Arba Minch Tour – 8 Days (7 Nights)
Dorze Village, Lake Chamo, Konso Village, Hamar, Kara, Nyangatom, Dassanach, Benna & Mursi Tribes | Mago National Park
Day 1: Dorze Village – Cultural Immersion (1.5-hour drive)
Upon arrival at Arba Minch Airport, we will pick you up and stop for lunch. Then, drive to Chincha to meet the Dorze people, known for their beehive-shaped houses and expert weaving skills. Explore their Monday market before returning to Arba Minch.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Arba Minch Haile Resort or Arba Minch Paradise Lodge
Day 2: Lake Chamo & Konso Village (5.5-hour drive, including stops)
Start the morning with a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you can spot crocodiles, hippos, and aquatic birds. Then, drive to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to visit the villages, stone terraces, and cultural landscapes. After lunch at Konso Kanta Lodge, continue to Jinka, enjoying scenic views along the way.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Jinka Resort
Day 3: Aari Village, Mursi Tribe & Mago National Park (2.5-hour drive, including stops)
Begin with a guided walk through Aari Village, interacting with locals and learning about their traditions. After lunch at Besha Gojo Restaurant, take a scenic drive through Mago National Park, stopping to admire landscapes and wildlife before reaching the Mursi tribe, known for their distinctive lip plates and body scarification.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Mursi Merege Village (tent accommodation)
Day 4: Mursi Tribe & Journey to Turmi (4-hour drive, including photo stops)
Spend the morning visiting different Mursi villages, meeting families, and learning about their customs. After lunch in Jinka, continue to Turmi, a small town home to the Hamar tribe.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Turmi Buska Lodge or Turmi Paradise Lodge
Day 5: Kara & Nyangatom Tribes (3.5-hour drive, including stops)
Visit the Kara tribe in Korcho Village, famous for their stunning body painting. Afterward, drive to Kangaten, have lunch, and rest at Kangaten Yesh Hotel before heading to the Nyangatom village in the late afternoon to witness their unique traditions.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Nyangatom Village (tent accommodation)
Day 6: Dassanach Tribe & Cultural Exploration (4-hour drive)
Spend the morning exploring Nyangatom villages before heading back to Turmi for lunch. In the late afternoon, drive to Omorate and cross the Omo River by canoe to meet the Dassanach tribe, experiencing their nomadic culture.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Turmi Buska Lodge or Turmi Paradise Lodge
Day 7: Hamar Tribe – Tribal Market & Bull Jumping (1.5-hour drive)
Visit the Hamar tribe, known for their elaborate hairstyles and beaded jewelry. Explore their vibrant market and, if lucky, witness a bull-jumping ceremony, a significant rite of passage for young Hamar men.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Hamar Village (tent accommodation)
Day 8: Hamar Tribe & Return to Jinka (2.5-hour drive)
Spend the morning engaging with the Hamar tribe before driving to Jinka. Freshen up with a picnic lunch and shower at a local hotel before your transfer to Jinka BCO Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
This 8-day South Omo & Arba Minch tour offers an in-depth cultural journey, allowing you to connect with Ethiopia's indigenous tribes, witness breathtaking landscapes, and explore the rich traditions of the Omo Valley.
South Omo & Arba Minch 9 Days (8 Nights) Tour
Dorze Village, Lake Chamo, Konso Village, Hamar, Kara, Nyangatom, Dassanach, Benna, Arbore & Mursi Tribes | Mago National Park
Day 1: Arrival in Jinka – Drive to Turmi (2.5-hour drive)
Upon arrival at Jinka BCO Airport, we will pick you up and take you for lunch at Besha Gojo Restaurant in Jinka. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive to Turmi, a small town home to the Hamar people.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Turmi Buska Lodge or Turmi Paradise Lodge
Day 2: Kara & Nyangatom Tribes (3.5-hour drive, including stops)
Begin the day with a drive to Korcho Village to visit the Kara tribe, known for their body painting traditions. Afterward, drive to Kangaten, stop for lunch at Yesh Hotel, and relax before visiting the Nyangatom tribe in the late afternoon.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Nyangatom Village (tent accommodation)
Day 3: Nyangatom Tribe & Return to Turmi (3-hour drive)
Spend the morning exploring more Nyangatom villages and interacting with locals. Later, drive back to Turmi, where you can relax, walk around the dry riverbed, or unwind in the lodge’s gardens.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Turmi Buska Lodge or Turmi Paradise Lodge
Day 4: Dassanach & Hamar Tribes (4-hour drive, including stops)
In the morning, drive to Omorate and cross the Omo River by dugout canoe to meet the Dassanach tribe. After lunch, take a late afternoon drive to a remote Hamar village, where you will experience their culture firsthand.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Hamar Village (tent accommodation)
Day 5: Arbore & Benna Tribes (4-hour drive)
Drive through the mountainous landscapes to meet the Arbore tribe, known for their elaborate hairstyles. Then, continue to a remote Benna village, where you will spend time engaging with the Benna people and experiencing their unique traditions.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Benna Village (tent accommodation)
Day 6: Jinka, Mago National Park & Mursi Tribe (3.5-hour drive)
Return to Jinka for lunch, battery charging, and a chance to shower at Jinka Resort. In the late afternoon, drive through Mago National Park, where you might spot wildlife, before reaching the Mursi tribe, famous for their lip plates and body scarification.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Mursi Village (tent accommodation)
Day 7: Mursi Tribe & Drive to Konso (5-hour drive, including photo stops)
Spend the morning exploring Mursi villages before heading to Konso, stopping along the way to enjoy breathtaking landscapes.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Konso Kanta Lodge or Konso Korebita Lodge
Day 8: Konso & Dorze Villages (4-hour drive)
Visit one of the fortified Konso villages, known for their stone terraces and UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage. In the afternoon, visit the Dorze people, famous for their woven bamboo houses and traditional weaving. Learn about false banana (Enset), a staple crop turned into bread, porridge, and construction materials.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Arba Minch Haile Resort
Day 9: Lake Chamo & Departure (1.5-hour drive)
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo, known as the "Crocodile Market", where you’ll see large crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife. Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch at Arba Minch Tourist Hotel before your transfer to Arba Minch Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.
This 9-day cultural expedition offers an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes and rich traditions of South Omo and Arba Minch, ensuring an immersive and authentic experience.
Other Tours
Trekking & Biking Tours
If you're an athlete, cyclist, or just looking for an extra dose of adventure, I offer bicycle rentals along your journey. Experience the rugged terrains of the Omo Valley at your own pace—ride through breathtaking landscapes and hop back into the car whenever you need a break!
For Researchers & Volunteers
I’m always excited to collaborate with researchers and volunteers on various projects. Whether it's a short-term study or a long-term initiative, I’d be happy to assist you in navigating the region, connecting with local communities, and ensuring your project’s success.
👉 Check out my FAQ page for any questions!