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TRIBES OF OMO VALLEY
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12 |
12 |
BET06 |
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DAYS |
MIN AGE |
TRIP CODE |
LEISURELY/ MODERATE |
ITINERARIES
Blessed Ethiopia tour will be pleased to prepare customized itineraries and price quotes according to our clients’ requirements. We suggest and design tour programs for every client.
FLEXIBILITY
We are very flexible every client’s suggestions to ensure our clients enjoy a perfect holiday. Our purpose and principle is to work with each client, family and group individually. We encourage our clients to discuss their expectations.
» TOUR PROGRAMS – ITINERARIES
Blessed Ethiopia tour will be pleased to prepare customized itineraries and price quotes according to our clients’ requirements. We suggest and design tour programs for every client. All itineraries have been personally researched by our executive tour operators in Addis Ababa.
» VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
Our priority is to ensure our clients a 100% safe and comfortable trip. This is why we continually invest in flotillas of Toyota mini buses, Toyota Coaster Buses and 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers which are equipped with Microphone, seat belts and comprehensive insurance and maintained in a daily basis. Our experienced drivers know the Ethiopian roads pretty well and drive with strict safety measures.
Blessed Ethiopia tours are spent traveling between sites, villages and cities, we have top of the line vehicles and care about the comfort of every visitor. On those off-road journeys, Blessed Ethiopia Tour provides clients with quality, functional camping gear including tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for adventure tours to the Simien and Bale Mountains or camping tours in the South Omo Valley and Danakil Depression.
Blessed Ethiopia tours are spent traveling between sites, villages and cities, we have top of the line vehicles and care about the comfort of every visitor. On those off-road journeys, Blessed Ethiopia Tour provides clients with quality, functional camping gear including tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for adventure tours to the Simien and Bale Mountains or camping tours in the South Omo Valley and Danakil Depression.
» FLEXIBILITY
We are very flexibleio every client’s suggestions to ensure our clients enjoy a perfect holiday. Our purpose and principle is to work with each client, family and group individually. We encourage our clients to discuss their expectations, interest, budget etc., to be able to arrange a custom made tour just for you.
» PAST CLIENTS
The best and most reliable source of information is someone who has first-hand experience on something. Even better than a guidebook, our past clients are a great and reliable source of information. Most of them have stayed in constant touch with us even after going back home and are willing to have their contacts given out to potential clients.
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TRIP OVERVIEW
Tribes that we will visit will include: the Mursi, Dorze, Erbore, Konso and more. You will get an insight into their complex customs and unique way of life. Where possible we visit local markets, one of the best ways to experience life in the Omo Valley. This tour will be like no other tour you have taken and will take you to some of the remotest parts of Ethiopia.
Travelers who want to visit the Great Rift Valley and the majestic Bale Mountains with breath-taking landscapes and a very diverse animal- and bird life.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: WELCOME TO ETHIOPIA!
Your journey to the southern hinterland of Ethiopia starts at the airport in Addis Ababa. Upon your arrival you will be picked up by your guide who will give you a briefing on your trip before taking you to the domestic terminal where you will board a plane together and head to Arba Minch.
Once you arrive to Arba Minch you will be driven to your lodge, which is beautifully set in the lush mountains of the Great Rift Valley with spectacular views of two of the Great Rift Valley lakes; Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo.
DAY 2: BOAT TRIP LAKE CHAMO / HIKE IN NECHISAR N.P. OR VISIT DORZE TRIBE
After breakfast you will set off on a boat tour of Lake Chamo, the third largest lake in Ethiopia. The lake is located in the mountainous and verdant landscapes of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley promising magnificent panoramic views of the soaring Guge mountain range.
Besides a large variety of water birds and hippos the main showstopper at Chamo Lake is the large population of giant Nile crocodiles. You can get a close look at these impressive reptiles (some measure over 6 meters long!) as they bask along the shores in the warm morning sun.
In the afternoon you will have the choice of two activities. You can carry on with the boat to the shores of Nechisar N.P and go on a hike in the park or visit the Dorze tribe.
OPTION 1: HIKE IN NECHISAR N.P.
Nechisar NP is ranked as one of the most scenic in East Africa, notable for its diverse terrestrial habitats ranging from open savannah and acacia woodland to thick bush and shoreline forests.
The hike will start with a 100-meter climb to reach the plains that gave the park its name. “Nech” meaning white and “Sar” meaning grass. On these endless white grass plains, one can easily spot zebras and the endemic Swaynes hartebeest. Since leopards are the only animals of prey in this environment you can wander around safely without looking over your shoulder. Nevertheless, a scout armed with a rifle will accompany you throughout the hike. You will enjoy a packed lunch on a hill with nice views of the plains and return to the boat whenever you are ready.
OPTION 2: VISIT THE DORZE TRIBE
For those who are interested in getting a local village experience you can visit the Dorze tribe in Chencha. The Dorze live up in the Guge highlands overlooking beautiful views of Arba Minch and the Rift Valley lakes below. The Dorze are famous for their cotton-weaving techniques and for their uniquely designed bee-hive shaped dwellings. Visiting the Dorze used to be one of the highlights of this region and part of our standard offering, but lately it has become very busy with tourists and a bit commercial. Despite this recent development, the village is in a beautiful location and you may enjoy this experience if you are interested in seeing how the Dorze live. You will also be able to sample some local food and drink.
Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant in a very picturesque setting. In the afternoon you will return to your lodge where you can relax for bit before having a nice dinner at the lodge or explore the restaurant scene in Arba Minch.
DAY 3: TO JINKA
Today you will get an early morning start on your drive to Jinka. The journey will take you through the Omo Valley, where you can experience a variety of landscapes and the tribes and animals that inhabit them.
Which of the tribes we visit depends on your preference as well as the whereabouts of the tribes themselves, as some are nomadic and do not stay in one place for long. With an early start, there will be plenty of time to stop for pictures along the way as well as a lunch stop at the lovely Kanta Lodge in Konso.
Your destination today is Eco Omo Lodge, just outside of Jinka, where you will be spending the next two nights.
DAY 4: VISIT THE MURSI TRIBE
Today you will visit one of the most famous tribes in the Omo Valley, the Mursi. On your way to the Mursi village, you will pass through Mago National Park with some chances of mammal and bird spotting. The landscape rolling by outside your window will be mostly dry savannah, interspersed with forested riverbeds. The main highlight of the day is experiencing the way of life of the Mursi tribe. The Mursi women are well-known for their lip-plate wearing tradition, and the men for their fierce stick fighting duels.
About the Mursi experience:
The appearance and lifestyle of the Mursi have long been a fascination with the outside world and over time the tribe has become accustomed to posing for the tourist’s camera in exchange for a couple of Birrs. With the increase in tourism to the area, and the subsequent income opportunities that this has created for the Mursi, the environment in the Mursi village when tourists stop by can be experienced as rather frenzied.
Some visitors find it overwhelming and stay only for a short moment in the village, while others embrace the exchange and take the rare opportunity to photograph this very photogenic and fascinating tribe. In either case, be prepared for tribesmen and women to grab and pull you in their direction to get your attention. If you are not a keen photographer, also be aware that the Mursi now expect you to take photos and may be a bit dismissive of you for attempting to have a more in-the-now experience.
DAY 5: VISIT THE KARO TRIBE
Today you will drive to see the Karo tribe, who live in Korcho, on the eastern bank of the Omo River. This tribe is famous for their intricate face and body painting designs, which were once only worn by men as a means to ward off evil spirits. These days the patterns adorn both male and female bodies and is a way to express beauty and reflect social significance.
DAY 6: VISIT THE HAMER TRIBE
Today you will visit the Hamer who inhabit the lands east of the Omo River. The Hamer people are known for their elaborate hairstyles, dyed with ochre and adorned with feathers and other decorations. The women distinguish themselves by wearing leather skirts, decorated with shells, several copper bracelets around their arms and heavy iron necklaces around their necks. Around midday you will enjoy a packed lunch and spend some more time visiting this fascinating tribe before heading to Turmi.
If time allows you will visit one of the colorful markets in the area on your way to the lodge.
Optional activity: Bull jumping ceremony
Your visit with the Hamer tribe may coincide with a wedding or a coming of age ceremony. The latter is traditionally held when a father decides that his son is ready to become a man. During these ancient traditions men and women are tested on their strength and endurance.
Men have to take giant leaps over an impossibly long row of bulls – without falling. If completed successfully the men gain respect within the tribe and are allowed to marry and carry a weapon. During the ceremony the women get their backs whipped by the men who have successfully completed the bull jumping. Although this whipping is extremely painful and can break the skin, the women are not allowed to show that they feel the pain. Their scars are considered a sign of devotion to the men. This is an optional activity that depends on the timing of the event, and whether you are interested in witnessing this tradition.
DAY 7: TO KONSO
In the early morning you will depart for Konso Karat. On the way, you will get the opportunity to see the Konso Cultural Landscape.
Walking among these fortified settlements, where the way of life is based on century-old traditions, is like stepping back in time. The communities who live here have adapted to the harsh, dry environment and you will be able to experience their traditions and customs during your visit.
In the afternoon you will continue on to your lodge for the night, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
DAY 8: TO HAWASSA
After breakfast, you will start the journey north to Hawassa. On the way, we will stop for a visit to the Wolayta people. You will have the opportunity to visit one of the farms and see how they live. You will also stop for a local lunch along the way.
Your accommodation for the night is at Haile Resort, which is set on the shores of Lake Hawassa. Here you can stroll along the lake enjoying the scenic lake views, take a dip in the pool or watch the sunset from the terrace.
DAY 9: TO BALE MOUNTAINS N.P.
Today you will travel along the incredibly scenic route to Bale Mountains N.P.
This national park is a veritable treat for trekkers, nature enthusiasts and bird and wildlife watchers. During your journey the rugged mountainous landscape will transition to the incredibly bio diverse Gaysay Plains. The landscape here is teeming with birdlife and you have good chances of spotting the endemic Mountain Nyala and the Menelik Bushbuck.
From here the road will continue up to the main attraction of Bale Mountains N.P.; the Sanetti Plateau. Much of this Afro-alpine landscape lies above 4000 meters, and it is here that you may spot the world’s rarest canid, the endangered Ethiopian Wolf. We will take our time crossing the plateau and stop at several viewpoints and for wildlife spotting.
DAY 10: VISIT TO THE SANETTI PLATEAU
No visit to Bale Mountain National Park would be complete without spending some time on the Sanetti Plateau. After breakfast you will depart on the 45-minute to the plateau, in the company a knowledgeable guide. The landscape changes dramatically as you ascend out of the dense and damp forest around the lodge to the arid and lobelia-dotted landscape of the plateau, complete with alpine lakes and plunging waterfalls. Mt Tully Deemtu (4,377m) rises up in the center of this expanse and visitors can now drive all the way up to the summit of Ethiopia’s fourth tallest peak!
Most trips will result in a sighting of the main attraction of the plateau – the rare and endemic Ethiopian wolf. You are most likely to see them in the day-time when they are out hunting for Mole Rats, which is the main diet of the wolves. Only 350 wolves still exist today and two thirds of them inhabit the Sanetti Plateau. It is incredible that most visitors who spend time on the plateau will be able to spot the world’s rarest canid.
The loge will provide a packed lunch for your trip to the plateau and you will arrive back at the lodge around 3 pm in the afternoon, just in time for a warm cup of afternoon tea.
DAY 11: TO LAKE LANGANO
In the morning you will have some time to enjoy final views of the Sanetti Plateau as you make your way back up north. Your destination for the day is Lake Langano, another one of the series of crater lakes scattered along the Ethiopian Rift Valley. You will have some time in the afternoon to explore the lake.
DAY 12: RETURN TO ADDIS ABABA
In the morning, you will set off to Addis Ababa. Depending on the departure of your international flight you may have time to visit several cultural highlights in the afternoon, for instance; the National Museum where the famous “Lucy” is exhibited, the palace of Emperor Menelik in the Entoto Mountains, and the Mercato, reputed to be the largest market in Africa and a go-to for souvenirs. (Activities in Addis Ababa are at own expense).
If you wish we can help arrange for a day room so that you can store your luggage and use shower facilities before your international flight.
DAY 1: Welcome to Ethiopia!
Upon arrival in Ethiopia, a representative from Blessed Tours will be waiting to pick you up at the airport and take you to your Hotel, which is located just 5 km from the airport.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to explore the capital and visit sites like the National Museum (home of the world-famous human ancestor fossil Lucy), the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Ethnological Museum, which will give you an insight into the history and culture of Ethiopia. In the evening you will have the opportunity to sample the famous Ethiopian cuisine and see a cultural show at a restaurant in town before returning to your Hotel for the night.
DAY 2: Boat Trip Lake Chamo / Hike in Nechisar N.P.
DAY 3: To Jinka
DAY 4: Visit the Mursi Tribe
DAY 5: Visit the Karo Tribe
DAY 6: Visit the Hamer Tribe
DAY 7: To Konso
DAY 8: To Hawassa
DAY 9: To Bale Mountains N.P.
DAY 10: Visit to the Sanetti Plateau
DAY 11: To Lake Langano
DAY 12: Return to Addis Ababa
