Classic Southern Ethiopia
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Not only one of the most fascinating countries on the continent, Ethiopia is also incredibly diverse, both culturally and geographically. Travelling south from the capital, this spectacular journey takes you past the Great Rift Valley and deep into the Omo Valley, home to some of the most colourful and interesting tribal groups in the country. From Addis Ababa you will fly south to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley region. Begin by exploring the Mago National Park, home to the Mursi, with ...
Not only one of the most fascinating countries on the continent, Ethiopia is also incredibly diverse, both culturally and geographically. Travelling south from the capital, this spectacular journey takes you past the Great Rift Valley and deep into the Omo Valley, home to some of the most colourful and interesting tribal groups in the country. From Addis Ababa you will fly south to Jinka, the gateway to the Omo Valley region. Begin by exploring the Mago National Park, home to the Mursi, with their distinctive lip plates, before travelling on to Turmi, the settlement for the Hamer people. Here you can visit a local market and see the different tribes gather from across the region, before visiting Karo and Hamer villages to learn more about their daily lives and traditions. Return north as you travel to Arba Minch and explore the stunning waters and birdlife of Lake Chamo, Lake Langano and the Abidjatta-Shala National Park. The final leg then takes you back to Addis via the fascinating archaeological sites of Melka Kunture and the Tiya Stelae.
Meet the Expert
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE ADDIS ABABA
Arrive into Addis Ababa where you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel. If there’s time, why not explore some of the capital’s highlights, stopping off at the National Museum and the Merkato - the largest market in East Africa. Also visit the church of the Holy Trinity and in the evening try your first taste of Ethiopia’s national dish – injera.
Day 2 ADDIS ABABA – JINKA
You will fly south today to the spectacular Omo Valley region. On arrival in Jinka, you will have the chance to head out with your guide and visit some of the villages in this fascinating area. It’s also worth visiting the Omo Valley Cultural Museum which is found in Jinka, which will give you a good introduction to the different tribes in this area and how things have developed throughout recent history.
Day 3 JINKA – MAGO NATIONAL PARK - TURMI
Today you will travel south from Jinka to Turmi, deep in the Omo Valley. En route you can explore the Mago National Park, home to a number of Mursi communities. Once the habitat of huge herds of elephants and buffalo there are still over 100 mammals here including lions, baboons and antelopes. The Mursi are among the most famous of Ethiopia's ethnic tribes due to the distinctive lip plates worn by their women. There will be an opportunity to visit their villages and learn more about their fascinating way of life before heading south to the town of Turmi, the settlement of the Hamer people.
Day 4 TURMI: KARO VILLAGE AND DIMEKA MARKET
This morning you will head to Murelle to visit the tribal villages of Kortcho, home to the Karo. Thought to be one of the most endangered of the Omo peoples, with perhaps only 1000-1500 individuals remaining, the Karo are traditionally pastoralists, and are famous for their flamboyant hairstyles and body painting. The men have tight hair buns, paint their bodies with chalk and wear colourful facemasks, while the women dye their hair with ochre. Return to Turmi in the afternoon via the famous Dimeka Market, a great place to see the local Hamer people congregating.
Day 5 TURMI: OMORATE AND HAMER VILLAGE
This morning set off for the quirky town of Omorate, and visit the Dassanech people, where Bruce Parry of ‘Tribe’ spent some time. This afternoon, spend some time visiting a Hamer village. Thought to be descended from the ancient Egyptians, the Hamer are pastoralists by custom. The women wear thick copper bracelets and create welts on their bodies by cutting themselves and treating the wounds with ash and charcoal. They have become known for their extraordinary Bull Jumping Ceremony where a naked man jumps from the back of one bull on to another as part of an initiation rite.
Day 6 TURMI – ARBA MINCH
Leaving Turmi head north-east towards Weyto, home to Tsemai and Arbore peoples. These people are mainly farmers and pastoralists, tending to their herds and growing sorghum and maize and supplementing it with honey. From here cross the Weyto Valley and head for Konso. The Konso are known for their tradition of Konso Waga, a warrior worship revolving around the carving of wooden effigies and they have been likened to the Dogon of Mali in this respect. You will have lunch in Konso before continuing two hours north to Arba Minch arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 7 ARBA MINCH – LAKE CHAMO - LAKE LANGANO
This morning you will embark on a remarkable boat trip on Lake Chamo, known to be amongst the most beautiful in Ethiopia. One can spot many hippos and the world's most spectacular concentration of giant crocodiles (locally called "Crocodile Market.”) The water birds are substantial and the scenery is truly unforgettable. This afternoon you will then drive north to Lake Langano, in the heart of the Rift Valley.
Day 8 LAKE LANGANO AND ABIDJATTA-SHALA NATIONAL PARK
Spend the day exploring this beautiful lake area of Abidjatta-Shala National Park and Lake Langano. The area is the ideal place for bird watching as it is surrounded by ancient forest. Out of the many aquatic bird species found on the lakes are the great white pelicans, cormorants, darters, storks, kingfishers, Egyptian geese, fish eagles and many more. There are birds seen in abundance by the lakes, and the ancient forest is also home to starlings, hornbills, weavers, bustards and many more.
Day 9 LAKE LANGANO – DEPART ADDIS ABABA
Your final day sees you driving north to Addis Ababa, travelling via the fascinating archaeological site of Melka Kunture, a major palaeolithic site located just south of Addis, as well as the mysterious Tiya Stelae, a site of standing stones which boast some remarkable carvings of swords and people, and one whose exact age and purpose many archaeologists have yet to discover. Arrive into Addis late afternoon in time to catch your late evening flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Buska Lodge, Turmi
Tucked away just outside of the remote outpost of Turmi, Buska Lodge is the most comfortable spot from which to explore this stunning part of the Omo Valley. Bedrooms are all found in individual rounded huts or "tukuls" as they are known locally. The beds are draped in full-length mosquito nets and fans are provided for guests' comfort. The en suite bathrooms have hot running water and flush loos, although the hot water is restricted to certain times of day. Each tukul has a small sun terrace at the front where guests can relax and watch the sunrise. There is a lovely restaurant at the lodge which serves a variety of local and international cuisine. The lodge also has a campsite attached. The staff here are very friendly and the lodge works with a number of the local Hammer Villages to ensure that the locals benefit directly from the tourists that the lodge draws to the region. A great spot from which to explore Turmi.
Eco-Omo Safari Lodge, Jinka
This charming eco-lodge is located just outside of the town of Jinka, in the heart of the Omo Valley and within a short drive of Mago National Park. Set within lush gardens, there are 20 tents, stilted on wooden platforms and covered with a reed roofs to blend into the natural environment. Each tent has either twin or a double bed and en suite bathrooms offer hot and cold running water. At breakfast, fresh fruit juices from the garden, banana bread, and milk and cheese can to be enjoyed with the most famous Ethiopian (Sidama) coffee freshly roasted and ground from the lodge's own plantation. Lunch and dinner have an Italian focus, with much of the produce grown on the farm or in the nearby area.
Haile Resort Arba Minch, Arba Minch
The Haile Resort Arba Minch is a fantastic resort option when travelling to the south of Ethiopia or exploring the Lake Hawassa. The resort boasts a grand view overlooking the twin lakes of Abaya and Chamo which is best enjoyed from your room or suite. The resort has everything you may want including three bars, a gym, sauna, tennis court and volley ball court. There are great facilities for families with connecting rooms, a children’s playground and mini-golf. The best feature of the hotel has to be the infinity pool with the Hawassa Lake Skyline as the backdrop.
Jupiter International Bole, Addis Ababa
The Jupiter International is a four star locally graded hotel located very close to Addis Ababa airport. The hotel offers over 40 guestrooms, which are clean, comfortable and well appointed, with mini-bars, satellite TVs and en suite bathrooms. Whilst the hotel is aimed primarily at the business travel market, it is an excellent option for a night or two in Addis Ababa, especially for those arriving on late flights or departing early in the morning. The restaurant offers a good mix of European and traditional Ethiopian cuisine, and for those looking for a bit of pampering, there are free shuttles to their sister property in the city centre which houses a small gym and spa.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the Expert, Clem
Clem is our Ethiopia expert, who has travelled extensively in the country.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN ETHIOPIA
Check out our group tours in Ethiopia
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Ethiopia. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Ethiopia