Thomas W., United Kingdom · Sep 2026
A trip I will talk about for years
Well paced, well guided and full of small surprises.
Featured
Omo Valley Cultural Journey
Eight days in southern Ethiopia, moving between lakes, highlands and the lower Omo, with visits to villages and weekly markets arranged through local guides.
From USD 2,100 per person
Check datesOverview
The journey in brief
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Where
- Southern · Omo Valley
- Travel style
- Small group
- Best season
- July to September, December to February
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Price
- USD 2,100 per person
The south of Ethiopia is home to many communities with distinct languages, dress and traditions. This journey meets them respectfully, through local guides and community-led visits.
Roads can be long and rough, so the pace is moderate and includes time at the lakes and in the Konso highlands.
Highlights
- See the terraced Konso landscape, a World Heritage Site
- Visit weekly markets in the lower Omo
- Take a boat on Lake Chamo
- Village visits led by local guides
- Learn about the different communities of the south
What is included
- Accommodation as described, on a twin-share basis
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- A local English-speaking guide
- Transport in a private vehicle and any domestic flights listed
- Entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
What is not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and drivers
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1 Arrival in Addis AbabaAddis Ababa
Airport pick-up, a briefing and a first evening in the capital.
Activities
- Airport pick-up
- Trip briefing
Day 2 Fly to Arba MinchArba Minch
A flight south, and an afternoon boat trip on Lake Chamo to see crocodiles and hippos.
Activities
- Domestic flight
- Boat trip on Lake Chamo
Day 3 Dorze and KonsoKonso
A stop in a Dorze village, known for its weaving and tall woven houses, then on to the Konso highlands.
Activities
- Dorze village visit
- Konso terraces
Day 4 Key Afer market and TurmiTurmi
A visit to a lively market in Key Afer and onward to Turmi in the lower Omo.
Activities
- Market visit
- Scenic drive
Day 5 Lower Omo villagesTurmi
A full day visiting villages in the area with local guides, and learning about daily life along the river.
Activities
- Village visits with local guides
Day 6 Drive to JinkaJinka
A long drive to Jinka, with stops on the way.
Activities
- Scenic drive
- Local museum
Day 7 Return to Arba MinchArba Minch
The drive back to Arba Minch for the night.
Activities
- Scenic drive
Day 8 Fly to Addis Ababa and departureAddis Ababa
A flight back to the capital and a transfer to the airport.
Activities
- Domestic flight
- Airport transfer
Itineraries can change with weather, road and flight conditions. We will tell you promptly if they do.
Gallery
A look at the trip
Photo: Unsplash
Good to know
Before you book
- Guide languages
- English, Amharic
- Minimum age
- 12 years and over
- Group size
- 2 to 12 travellers
- Meeting point
- Your hotel or Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. We confirm the exact meeting time and place by email before you travel.
- Accessibility
- Many sites involve uneven ground and steps. Tell us about any mobility needs and we will advise.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hat and sun protection
- A warm layer for cool evenings
- A small day pack
- A reusable water bottle
Dress code: Modest, comfortable clothing. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
Cancellation policy
This tour follows the Standard policy. Days are whole calendar days before departure.
| When you cancel | What you get back |
|---|---|
| 60 or more days before departure | Full refund |
| 30 to 59 days before departure | 75% refund |
| 15 to 29 days before departure | 50% refund |
| 8 to 14 days before departure | 25% refund |
| Fewer than 8 days before departure | No refund |
Reviews
What travellers say
4.7
★★★★★Based on 3 reviews
Lucia R., Spain · Sep 2026
Great value
Everything in the description was included and nothing extra was pushed on us.
Jonas B., Sweden · Sep 2026
Small group, big memories
Twelve of us was the right size. We were looked after without feeling herded.
Reviews are read and approved by our team before they appear.
Questions
About this tour
How are village visits arranged?
Through local guides and community arrangements. We agree in advance how visits work, including photography and any payments, and we ask you to follow your guide’s advice.
How rough are the roads?
Some stretches are unpaved and bumpy. We travel in four-wheel-drive vehicles and allow time for the drives.
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Ready for Ethiopia?
Choose your dates above, or tell us what you have in mind and we will shape the trip around you.