Omo Valley Safari

Day 1: Awassa

• Departing Addis Ababa we head South via Butajira.
• We take in a few archaeological sites along the way, including Tiya (ancient stelae field a "UNESCO" World Heritage Site), Adadi Maryam (a rock church similar to Lalibela) and Melka Kunture (pre-historic tool making site).
• Awassa is our final stop of the day.
• Overnight in Awassa at Haile Resort/Tadesse Enjory Hotel/Pinna Hotel.

Day 2: Dorze

• After breakfast we visit Lake Awassa and the fish market.
• From Lake Awassa we drive to Dorze (set in the highlands above the town of Arba Minch).
• The people of Dorze are renowned for their beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving.
• Village tour is on the cards and a visit to the local market (should it be open).
• Overnight in Dorze in traditional Dorze hut (shared toilet facilities) or continue to Arba Minch for overnight at Paradise Lodge/Tourist Hotel/camping at Wabe Shabelle Hotel.

Day 3: Lake Chamo

• Breakfast and a short walk around we head off for the town of Arba Minch.
• An afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo and a visit to the "Crocodile Market" is on the cards.
• Overnight in Arba Minch at Paradise Lodge/Tourist Hotel/camping at Wabe Shabelle Hotel.

Day 4: Turmi

• Depart from Arba Minch after breakfast we head for the town of Turmi (arriving in the afternoon).
• Along the way we stop in the village of Weyto (home to the Tsemai tribe).
• Continuing on from Weyto we head through the Weyto Valley to Erbore for a brief photography stop.
• Finally we arrive at Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe.
• Traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe is a must for all.
• Overnight in Turmi at Buska Lodge/Evangadi Lodge/camping at Keske Campsite.

Day 5: Turmi

• A morning trip to visit the Dassenech tribe in the town of Omorate.
• From Omorate we cross the Omo River (by boat) and enter a Dassenech village.
• Returning to Turmi in the afternoon, a chance to visit the a local Hamer village is on the cards.
• If there is Jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony, that will be visited.
• Overnight in Turmi at Buska Lodge/Evangadi Lodge/camping at Keske Campsite.

Day 6: Jinka

• Departing for the Jinka area we travel through the towns of Dimeka and Key Afar.
• Dimeka offers one of the most colorful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo.
• Overnight in Jinka at Eco Omo Lodge/Orit Hotel/Goh Hotel.

Day 7: Jinka

• A morning drive through the Mago National Park awaits and onto a village of the Mursi tribe.
• The Mursi people are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates.
• Returning to Jinka in the afternoon.
• We visit the visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes.
• Or alternatively, hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village.
• Overnight in Jinka at Eco Omo Lodge/Orit Hotel/Goh Hotel.

Day 8: Konso

• After breakfast we leave Jinka behind and head for to the town of Konso.
• Along the way we stop of in Key Afar where we witness the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods.
• Arriving in Konso in the afternoon.
• Konso people are well known for their wooden statues (wakas), that are erected in honor of dead heroes.
• Konso people are also interestingly known for their innovative agricultural terracing.
• Time permitting, you can also visit the “natural New York Village”, named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers.
• Overnight in Konso at Kanta Lodge (tukul)/Kanta Lodge (standard room)/Strawberry Fields Ecolodge.

Day 9: Lake Langano

• Lake Langano is our destination today.
• Enroute we stop off at the Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary (famed for its endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest).
• Overnight at Lake Langano at Bishangari Lodge/Sabana Beach Resort/Wenney Ecolodge/Abule Bassumo Hotel.

Day 10: Addis Ababa - Safari Ends

• A stunning morning swim in Lake Langano awaits before we head off for Addis Ababa.
• On the way to Addis Ababa there is the chance of stopping off at Abiatta-Shala National Park (time dependent).
• Abiatta-Shala National Park offers up two interesting lakes;
• Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m.
• Lake Abiatta is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.