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Start: Addis Ababa

 

Finish: Addis Ababa

 

Duration: 7 Days South

 

Code: RET 107

 

Group size: Min 1 Max 15

 

What is Included in this price?

Accommodation, Transport 4x4 or Minivan, Tour guide, Meals provided ( 6 breakfasts and 2 diners)

 

Travelling in southern Ethiopia is done by car. This itinerary is the shortest way to give you an impression of this fascinating part of Ethiopia. We will visit 2 different markets and meet people of 5 different ethnic groups. To be at the right place at the right time we have to keep an eye on which day it is.

Arba Minch – Turmi – Omorate – Jinka – Arba Minch

 

Day 1

Early in the morning, depart south from Addis Ababa for a full day’s drive to Arba Minch. On the way you may have time to visit one of the following archaeological sites of interest:

Tiya – ancient stellae field and UNESCO World Heritage site

Adadi Maryam – rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela

MelkaKunture – pre-historic tool-making site

Overnight in Arba Minch at a lodge or hotel.

 

Day 2

In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “crocodile market”, and the local hippos. Afterwards, depart from Arba Minch to Turmi. On the way you will pass through the village of Weyto (market day Saturday), which is home to the Tsemai tribe. Continue through the Weyto Valley to Erbore, where you will have a brief visit to a local Erbore village (market day is Saturday). Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. At night, you can see the traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as Evangadi. Overnight in Turmiat a lodge, camping or hotel.

 

Day 3

In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe. Here you will cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a Dassenech village. Afterwards, return to Turmi (Monday is market day) for a visit to a local Hamer village. If there is Jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamercoming-of-age ceremony, that will be visited. Overnight in Turmii at a lodge, camping or hotel.

 

Day 4

Depart for Jinka, via Dimeka and Key Afar. Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo. Afterwards, continue to Jinka. Overnight in JinkaTurmiat a lodge or hotel.

 

Day 5

In the morning, drive through the Mago National Park to a local village of the Mursi tribe. The Mursi are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. In the afternoon, after returning to Jinka, you can visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes. Alternatively, take a hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village. Overnight in Jinkain a lodge or hotel.

 

 

Day 6

After breakfast, depart from Jinka to Arba Minch via Key Afar and Konso. Thursday is market day in Key Afar, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is another very popular market in the region. After the visit, proceed to Konso (market days are Mondays and Thursdays). The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, known as wakas, which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as their innovative agricultural terracing. Today you will have a brief opportunity to visit a local village and the cultural museum displaying many waka statues. After the visit, proceed driving to Arba Minch. Overnight in Arba Minch in a lodge, camping or hotel.

 

Day 7

Early in the morning, depart from Arba Minch for a full day’s drive back to Addis Abeba. Time permitting, you may visit any of the archaeological sites not visited on the first day.

*** This itinerary is flexible, and will likely change in order to coordinate visits with market days in the south, which is a great opportunity to see and mingle with the people, many of whom travel long distances on foot to attend these market days.