8-Day Omo Valley Cultural Circuit Tour

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 in Arba Minch.

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.

Early morning drive to 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 in Jinka.

Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people 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.

Excursion from Turmi to Omorate. Crossing of the Omo River via a traditional canoe (a recently built bridge now also allows for optional crossing via tour vehicle). Visit the Dassanech, a semi-nomadic people who are one of the more numerous tribes (population about 70,000) in the Omo. A highly egalitarian society, involving age sets and clan lineages, the Dassanech are primarily 'agro-pastoralists' and cultivate sorghum, maize, and beans and raise livestock such as cattle and sheep. To supplement their crops and livestock, Dassanech men will also fish and hunt crocodiles at night. Return to Turmi for the evening.

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 in Konso.

Drive to Hawassa via the Shenkele game reserve. This park is the last pocket of the original Ethiopian savannah. You will have a chance to spot the endemic antelope called Swayne's hartebeest, one of the rarest and most elegant animals in all of Africa. Continue to Hawassa and relax at a lakeside resort.

Drive to Addis Ababa stopping at Rift Valley Lakes that are renowned for their endemic birdlife. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, optional souvenir shopping if time permits. 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 or additional hotel night booked upon request.