Omo valley and Surma photography tour.11 Days and 10 Nights, price from 1300 USD
National Geographic magazine has called the Omo Valley “Africa’s last frontier.” Home to approximately 225,000 people, the valley is busting with diversity; there are nine main tribes and many smaller ones all speaking their own language, practicing unique customs and rituals that identify to them only. Life has evolved slowly here as tribes have clung to their life practices while the world around them has changed. Now their beauty and fanciful dress are attracting attention as they welcome you to their villages, interact at local markets and dance with you at nightly rituals.
Day 1: Sodo-Addis
Drive from Addis Ababa to Sodo. On the way visit Adadi Mariam church, Tiya stele and Gurage village. O/n hotel.
Day 2: Sodo- Arba Minch
Drive from Sodo to Arba Minch. On the way visit the Dorze village who are famous on their profession of weaving cotton clothes and elephant ear shaped house. In the afternoon have a boat trip on Lake Chamo to approach the crocodiles, hippos and aquatic birds. O/n hotel.
Day 3: Arba Minch- konso
Drive from Arba Minch to Konso. These people are famous on tracing to preserve the soil and stone fenced compound. They are also the people who have still their own king. Visit the Konso village and the king compound. o/n hotel.
Day 4: Konso –Turmi. .
On the way visit Erbore or tsemay tribe. And then if the day falls on tuesday visit Alduba Tuesday market where we can see hamer, Benna and Tsemay tribes who exchange their animal products and local jewelries. Late afternoon visit the Hamer village. o/n hotel or camping.
Day 5: Turmi –Yangathom.
In the morning visit Dassenech people who live across Omo River and depends on animals. Then drive to yangathom. Stay a night camping with yangathom people.
Day 6: yangathom- kibish
This day is dedicated to have social interaction again with the suri people. O/n kibish camping.
Day 7: Kibish-Tulgit
In the morning see milking the cow with Surma pastoralists. Then trek to Tulgit.in the evening greet the suri people again and if it is after harvesting season, be there on dancing in the evening. Camping
Day 8: Tulgit – Mizan
Day 9: Mizan –Jimma. On the way visit kaffa people and Barta waterfall which is near to small town called Bonga. o/n hotel
Day 10: jimma- wenchi, take time visiting lake wenchi. o/n camping
Day 11: Wenchi- Addis.
In the morning go around the lake and drive to Addis. After farewell dinner departure.
This itinerary can be longer or shorter.