8-Day Omo Valley Trip – Ethiopia

Ethiopiamy reason for going to Omo Valley and seeing the tribes that lived here. When she caught a cheap flight ticket to Ethiopia, she bought a ticket without thinking, then when she saw the tour prices in Omo Valley, she said, "Should I cancel the ticket?" I thought because there were even companies that offered 5000 USD for the Omo Valley Tour. In this text 8 day Omo Valley excursion itinerary, 8 day Omo Valley excursion cost and you will find information about tribes! I would like everyone to see this route, which civilization has not yet reached.

General Information About Omo Valley

Located in the southwest of Ethiopia, the Omo Valley is still a region inhabited by primitive tribes. Even though I had a hard time believing that there were still primitive tribes on earth during this period, when I saw the people living in the Omo Valley, I realized how real they were. The Masai tribe living in Kenya is also very famous, but when I saw them, I felt like I was in a kind of theater, because everything seemed designed for tourists. But the Omo Valley is not like that, I'm talking about people who reject civilization as we understand it, living in really primitive conditions.

It is an incredibly impressive experience to witness the life of tribes that have changed little since then, in Ethiopia, where humanity began.

What You Need to Know When Planning an Omo Valley Trip

First of all, as it is written in many sources that you should know, the information that you can only go to Omo Valley with a tour is definitely not true. You can visit the Omo Valley by going to the city of Arba Minch and taking the minibuses that go to the villages where the tribes live. However, in order to do this, you need to have ample time because the roads are very bad, the minibus hours are not very clear. There is a tourist office or a similar place in almost every village. You can go there and find a local guide, or you can set your own route. This method will probably get you around much cheaper. However, as my time was limited, I chose to buy a tour, below you will find all the details of the Omo Valley Tour.

Tours to the Omo Valley, whether by car from Addis Ababa or by plane to Arba Minch, always use a 4×4 vehicle from their destination. For this reason, they already take a maximum of 3 people in a vehicle. 1 driver, 3 passengers. In some villages, it is necessary to triple the back from time to time, since they also get a local guide.

More than 80 tribes live in the Omo Valley, and each tribe has its own unique dress, culture and traditions. Therefore, when planning, you need to determine which of these tribes you want to see. The most famous of more than 80 tribes; Mursi, Consuls, Bodis, Suri, Hamars, Dasanis, Karos, Bannas and Boomes. Tour packages start from the minimum 8 days I take, and continue for 12 days and 16 days.

If you are going to take a tour for the Omo Valley trip, be sure to find out which tribes they will go to and how many local markets they will visit. Although it is also interesting to visit the tribes in their villages, people from different tribes who cannot go to their villages one by one come to the markets for shopping and there is a magnificent variety. Make sure you have a package where you will see at least two markets.

I preferred to take the tour from Ethiopia, but of course you can choose one of the boutique tour companies that make this route directly from Turkey.

How Much Does the 8-Day Omo Valley Tour Cost?

After I bought my Ethiopian flight tickets, I started researching Omo Valley tours, but when I saw the prices, I was stunned. When I first started researching Omo Valley, no one was recommending tours shorter than 2 weeks. Few tours had 7-8 day tour programs anyway, and the prices were too high.

The companies I contacted immediately offered personalized tour packages and the prices were around 3000 USD. I finally arranged a tour by asking anyone I know who went to Ethiopia. I had arranged a 7-day Omo Valley tour from Addis Ababa, by car and back by plane. Normally the tour was 8 days, but since I returned by plane, I gained 1 day. So I could catch my flight back to Turkey.

For the Omo Valley tour, I paid 4 Usd per person in a group of 4, including a 3×1200 vehicle, driver, guide, all entrance fees, accommodation in a single room and breakfast. Actually, I took an 8-day tour, but I won 1 day because I made the return by plane. They did not charge me any extra money for the return flight. The price varies according to the time you will go, which tribes you will visit, and whether you will be a person in the vehicle.

Moreover; Since I took the Omo Valley Tour, they gave me extras such as two days of chauffeured car, two days of accommodation, airport transfer in Addis Ababa for free. No matter how much money they've made on me now. The name of the company from which I took the tour Ethio Tour & Travel ETT, websites are unfortunately closed, you can try to reach them via Trip Advisor or the Facebook pages I linked. Extremely reliable company, I had no problems. I heard from many foreigners that I met on the way that this company is the company that makes the most tours in Ethiopia and its prices are therefore affordable. I would definitely recommend it to anyone considering going.

My Companions on the Omo Valley Tour

Our group of 3 consisted of a Spaniard, an American and a Turkish. Two of my fellow travelers are Spanish Jose; He was a courier for a private company in Madrid. He spends several months a year traveling. He traveled to many places from Tasmania to Nepal, from Namibia to Colombia. He also had 25 days in Ethiopia, starting with the Omo Valley to travel in Ethiopia. We agreed with him in Tarzan because his English is almost non-existent.

My other traveling companion is Ciro from America. He had his own rafting company in America. He travels the world for 3 months during the dead tourism season. He reserved 24 days for Ethiopia, the Omo Valley being his last stop. Traveled with Overlander from London to Dar-es-Salam in 2002. He's quieter than the Spaniard, but he's sweet. As this trio, our trip in general seems to have passed. However, we met another American in Dorza Village, our route is the same, we often met because we stayed in the same hotels. He's a very loud and constantly talking full-on American.

One of the good things about the road is that it creates great opportunities to make friends from different parts of the world from different cultures!

8-Day Omo Valley Tour Itinerary

Omo Tour Day 1

We set off from Addis Ababa on Sunday, February 19 for the Omo Valley. Our first stop is Lalibela which means White Mary and was made by the king of Lalibela but not as impressive as Lalibela as it is unfinished. Abadi Maryam Church it happened. You don't need to see this place after seeing Lalibela. Of course, I visited because I was included in a group and had to stay in the standard plan.

Our second stop Tiya Ancient Site it happened. There are 700-900 years old stone tombs here, this is one of the UNESCO protected areas in Ethiopia.

We had our lunch at a hotel in Tajira city. On the day I came to Ethiopia, I tried everything from local food and made my stomach upset, so I had to try rice again when I stayed away from local food and meat. But I looked for the waxed rice I ate in Lalibela, I can't say it was very successful.

Shashamane was one of the cities we passed on the way. It became popular with Bob Marley coming here. Even the Church of Jamaica was opened. It was also a good place to find marianas. There's a plant here called Chad that they eat to stay sober. They chew like coca leaves. It tastes like grass but has a stimulating effect.

Our last stop on the first day was the city of Awasa. In summary, we actually spent the whole day on the road. We also had a few stops on the way.

Omo Tour Day 2

As soon as we had our breakfast in Awasa, we came to the fish market they call Fish Market. Everything is very primitive here. I don't get upset easily, but the fish soup and fish fry made here are too much for me. I have been eating rice since the second day of my arrival. There is also a hippopotamus in Awasa (Hawasa) Lake, there are boat tours to see it, but it can be viewed from far away.

We took a coffee break in the city of Alaba. Of course, I did not neglect to take pictures with the high-top hats unique to this place. They dip a herb into the coffee to give it flavor. It has a pretty strong smell, I don't know what the herb is, but it suited the coffee.

When we landed on the shore of Lake Abaya, the land suddenly became fertile. Banana, mango and tomato fields continue up to Arba Minch. Before we came to Arba Minch, we took the mountain road and Dorze We went to see the town. The town of Dorze is famous for its elephant-like houses. It was starting to get dark as we toured the houses and local weaving workshops, tasted the local spirits and breads, and set out for Arba Minch. The children, who were dancing and crossing our path on the mountain road, literally somersaulted to get a tip.

There are local buses to get to Dorze from Arba Minch. The distance between Arba Minch Dorze is only 17 km. Or if you want to stay in one of the lodges there, they pick you up from the airport or wherever you want.

Our accommodation is at Arba Minch Ezana Hotel. The hotel was not bad, even above my expectation, the only problem is the internet not working. I ate my dinner and fell asleep with the tiredness of the day.

Omo Tour Day 3

Departure at 08:30 after breakfast in Arba Minch. I still haven't gotten used to the comfort of these Ethiopians. I waited quite a while for them to take breakfast order. Breakfast came, I waited for tea to come. The service industry has a long way to go. The coffee I ordered at Lalibela arrived 40 minutes later. So it's normal here.

Our first stop Lake Chamo inside Nec Sar National Park. There are hippos and crocodiles in the lake. There are also many endemic birds and plants, of course. Good to see hypo again after a long time, I missed it. Of course, we did not see it with its herd like in Kenya or South Africa, a family of 4 people at most. After a 1,5-hour boat tour on the lake, we set out for the Omo Valley.

console We took a lunch break in the city. The peculiarity of this place is farming on hilly areas with the terracing method. With this feature, it has been taken under Unesco protection. In addition, tombstones with human figures made of wood were also made here, maybe we didn't see them on the way back.

We started to see villagers in tribal costumes on the side of the road. There were 16 different tribes in the region we reached. To see our first market in Omo Alduba We stopped in the village. This is mainly Hamer tribethe region of. Besides the tribal women who make tiny dreadlocks on their hair, men also draw attention with their body jewelry made of colored beads. I am a little surprised to have suddenly stepped into this different world in the market place. They actually don't like having their pictures taken. But they also get 5 Birr for each photo. We look different to them just as they look different to us. Children in particular surround us to touch these “white” people. A few men of the village 3.4. He's proposing to be his wife. Unfortunately, there is polygamy here.

Villagers buy and sell their weekly necessities in the market place. But the variety is so little… They are truly in poverty and destitution. We went to watch them, although I don't like the situation, I try to console myself by thinking that maybe we can help them a little.

Accommodation Turmi VillageAt the Turmi Lodge hotel in . The hotel is not bad, in the middle of the savanna with bird/animal sounds. But there are crazy mosquitoes in the room and everywhere. Be sure to bring spray or insect repellent with you. There is a mosquito net on the bed, but when you are not used to sleeping with a mosquito net, you fight all night to see if the fly has come in. In the evening, in honor of this beautiful weather and scenery, I drink a few bottles of St. George's beer and leave myself in the arms of sleep and the buzz of flies.

Omo Tour Day 4

It has been very hot since we arrived in the Omo region. Before I leave the hotel, I apply my sunscreen well or I may burn because I am milky white 🙂

On our route today omorate there is. Along the way, human and animal herds have decreased a lot, leaving their place to termite towers. Did the termites eat them all?

Crossing the Omo River in a local boat dassenech We reached the tribe. This tribe migrated from Kenya, with different hairstyles and clothing than the Hamers. We are already very close to the Kenyan border. While visiting the village, the endless sounds of “5 Birr Fotos” and a whole village full of people walking around to take pictures and get money. I guess I have to get used to this situation, it looks like the next tribal visits will be like this...

Before crossing the Omo river, you need to register with the immigration office. Among the many stickers Varuna Traveler When I saw the sticker, I was happy as if I saw a familiar person, and I stuck my own sticker right next to it.

OX JUMPING CEREMONY – TURMI

After taking a coffee and lunch break and resting a little in Turmi, the other half of the day ox jumping ceremony spent watching. The ceremony is held to prove the power of the groom before marriage. Before the jump, the women of the village encourage the groom with songs and dances.

Meanwhile, some of the women are asking unmarried men to whip them. I also asked the local guide why they are doing such a thing, but I could not get a very clear explanation. I will also investigate. Deep whip wounds were formed on the backs of the Dancing Women, and as new whips are struck, new scars are formed. It's creepy to even watch, why would a person do such a thing to himself.

We paid 600 Birr ~ 27usd per person for the ceremony. This price includes taking as many photos/videos as we want. Normally they ask for 5 Birr per person.

After the women's dance, we walked to another larger area. This is where the grooms (twin brothers were to get married) would jump over the oxen. First they did something to bless the grooms, and then we watched the boys strip naked and jump over the oxen lined up next to each other. They are considered ready to marry when they pass over the oxen without falling.

It was really an interesting experience. We were very lucky that the ceremony was not always held. Of course, many tourists like us were there to watch this experience.

When the young girls of the village see white women, they follow me. They want everything I have on me, from T-shirts to bracelets, from sunglasses to a shawl. One of the girls has never left my side all day, we don't speak the same language, but she constantly touches and pokes her with the stick in her hand to communicate. It is so beautiful… By the way, they are really in poverty. That's why one's heart can't take it. I wish I had brought hundreds of things I don't use at home, I can't help but think. There are also many people in need in Turkey, it is best to distribute them to them.

We stayed at Turmi Lodge again in the evening. There was a climbing hill in the garden of the hotel. We climbed there for the sunset. We got along well with my fellow travelers. We couldn't get the day off because of the clouds but the amazing view, bird sounds and light wind were great to end the day. We came across a giant snake on our way down the hill. Hotel staff said it was safe, but this is the first time I've seen a snake this big.

In the evening, we had a delicious end to the day with local bread Njera and dish sisha. I still can't find out what made my stomach upset on the first day, but this time Njera didn't touch it, I'm happy.

Omo Tour Day 5

We set out to see the local market in a village 40-50 km from Turmi. Our destination today The demon it will be.

Keyaf market visit was the first activity of the day. me tribe married and single women can leave their hair. Single girls have the same hair as boys. To me, their daughters could be with any man they wanted between the ages of 15-19. Thus, they believe that they have gained experience for marriage. Men can marry more than one woman. If women get pregnant before marriage, the child is killed because it is considered bad luck, and they find this very normal. If the child's teeth start to come out from 6 months onwards, this is the reason for being killed.

Even though our guide is 20 years old, he is very sane. His perspective on people, events, tourists is very mature for someone of that age. On the other hand, since the children here start working at a very young age, I guess there are still no children at the age of 40 like ours.

After Keyafa, continue to Jinka. After lunch Ari We went to his tribe's village. Ordinary village life didn't seem very interesting on top of what we've seen in the last few days. I cooked injera in the village, it was pretty easy.

Omo Tour Day 6

One of the most important tribes today, famous for the plates they wear on their lips, and still living nomadic Mursi tribeto see what Mago National ParkJourney to

I had read and heard that the Mursi were aggressive. There was also a German tourist group where we took a photo break in the National Park. They took a photo of 3 Morsi walking naked. Then a scuffle began, for which we did not understand why. Our guide said that the Mursi were drunk and they wanted more money for the photo. I don't know how true.

Animals such as lions, elephants and giraffes also live in Mago National Park. We saw nothing but a few birds and baboons.

I can't say that I enjoyed the visit to the Mursi tribe because despite our guide explaining that it is not a touristic activity, all the women and children were waiting for us with body paints and jewelry. I was not very happy in the Morsi tribe, which is famous for their irritable people who are constantly pulling for their pictures to be taken. I already took a few pictures and sat in the car to avoid further harassment.

Mursi Tribe women are famous for the plates they wear on their lips. They wear these plates to "look nice". No man wanted to marry a woman without a plate, so all women have a cut on their lips to fit a plate. Of course, they don't wear the plate all the time, during ceremonies, on special occasions... I'm sure it's very difficult to live with that plate anyway.

After having lunch at Jinka, we set off for Konso. Konso is my last stop on this trip.

The Kanta Logde we stayed in Konso was the best hotel we stayed in this trip. It has a garden full of huge flowers made of traditional Konso houses. The employees were very interested and smiling, the nightly price was around 70 Usd.

Omo Tour Day 7

We started the day towards Gamole town to see the traditional Konso houses. Between Konso terracing system and Unesco Cultural Heritage. Even the village consists of 3 floors terraced in itself. The commune houses, which were the meeting and storage points of the villagers, and the squares they used for ceremonies were also very interesting.

After leaving the village, we went to the Konso Museum. One of the important features of Konso is for the grave of the person they consider a hero in the village (he needs to kill an enemy or wild animal). waka to make totems called Because the totems were stolen, they were collected from the cemeteries and brought to the museum.

I will fly to Addis Ababa Arba Minch is the last stop for me. I will return to Addis Ababa by plane from Arba Minch as I have to catch the return flight to Turkey. The rest of the group will continue on the road for 1 more day. It is quite logical to return by plane because while the road takes all day, the plane takes the road in 1 hour. Since we used the same road on our way, the plane was very useful for me. While planning this tour, you can save one more day by flying directly from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch, but in that case you will not have seen the places in the list above on day 1.

Arba Minch – Addis Ababa flight at 15:40 I left my companions and arrived at the airport. Not Jose, but Ciro will remain a friend to me that I would like to see again.

And the end of another journey… Return to Istanbul at 04:00 in the morning. Ethiopia is a very different country when compared to the places I've seen so far. Tribes living truly primitive lives, poverty, deprivation, and their efforts to adapt to the new world order...