Southern Ethiopia Tribal Tour

Day 1: Addis Ababa to Arba Minch 

• Travel: Drive from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch (8-9 hours). 

• Highlights: Arba Minch is known as the gateway to the Southern Tribes, surrounded by Nechisar National Park and Lake Chamo. 

• Activities:  

• Visit Nechisar National Park for wildlife and scenic views. 

• Explore Arba Minch town or relax by the lake. 

• Optional Evening Activity: Visit a local market to explore crafts and food. 

• Accommodation:  

• Haile Hotel or Paradise Lodge. 

Day 2: Arba Minch - Konso 

• Travel: Drive to Konso (3-4 hours). 

• Highlights: The Konso people are famous for their terraced hillsides and walled villages. 

• Activities:  

• Explore Konso villages and learn about traditional farming practices. 

• Visit Aba Yaya village to experience ancient customs and rituals. 

• Market Day Activity: Visit Konso Market (Wednesdays or Saturdays). 

• Accommodation:  

• Kanta Lodge. 

• Konso Eco-Camp (Camping Option). 

Day 3: Konso - Turmi (Hamar Tribe) 

• Travel: Drive from Konso to Turmi (4-5 hours). 

• Highlights: The Hamar people are known for their bull-jumping ceremony, an initiation rite for young men. 

• Activities:  

• Visit Hamar tribe and learn about their rituals and daily life. 

• Bull-jumping Ceremony (if available). 

• Market Day Activity: Visit Turmi Market (Mondays). 

• Accommodation:  

• Turmi Lodge. 

• Hamar Tribal Campsite (Camping Option). 

Day 4: Turmi - Omorate (Dassanech Tribe) 

• Travel: Drive to Omorate (2-3 hours). 

• Highlights: The Dassanech tribe lives along the Omo River and is known for elaborate body art. 

• Activities:  

• Cross the Omo River to visit Dassanech villages. 

• River Boat Ride for a closer view of the landscape and local life. 

• Accommodation:  

• Omorate Lodge. 

• Dassanech Tribal Camping. 

Day 5: Turmi - Jinka (Banna Tribe) 

• Travel: Drive from Turmi to Jinka (2-3 hours). 

• Highlights: The Banna people are known for their colorful clothing and agricultural practices. 

• Activities:  

• Visit Banna villages to observe daily life and agriculture. 

• Explore Jinka Museum to learn about the Omo Valley’s cultures. 

• Market Day Activity: Visit Jinka Market (Tuesdays). 

• Accommodation:  

• Jinka Resort. 

• Banna Village Camping (Camping Option). 

Day 6: Jinka - Mursi Tribe 

• Travel: Day trip from Jinka to visit the Mursi tribe (3 hours each way). 

• Highlights: The Mursi tribe is famous for their lip plates and cattle herding. 

• Activities:  

• Visit the Mursi tribe and witness their famous lip plates. 

• Learn about Mursi cattle herding and body decorations. 

• Accommodation:  

• Jinka Resort or Mursi Lodge. 

• Mursi Cultural Camp (Camping Option). 

Day 7: Jinka - Yabello (Borena Tribe) 

• Travel: Drive from Jinka to Yabello (5-6 hours). 

• Highlights: The Borena people are known for their cattle-rearing traditions. 

• Activities:  

• Visit the Borena villages and learn about their cattle-centered economy and rituals. 

• Accommodation:  

• Yabello Motel. 

• Borena Tribal Camp (Camping Option). 

Day 8: Yabello - Addis Ababa 

• Travel: Return to Addis Ababa (7-8 hours drive). 

• Highlights: Reflect on your tribal adventure. 

• Activities:  

• Market Day Activity: Visit Addis Ababa Mercato for souvenirs. 

• Farewell Dinner: Traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and dance. 

• Accommodation:  

• Sheraton Addis or Addis Regency Hotel.