A journey through southern Ethiopia, amid the spectacular natural beauty of the Omo Valley and the Rift Valley, to encounter peoples, villages, and traditions that reveal a part of Africa still deeply rooted in its own rhythms and culture.
The itinerary winds through breathtaking landscapes and takes you through the territories of various communities, each with its own history, language, customs, and traditions. From the Hamer and Karo villages to the Arbore and Dorze, each encounter adds a piece to a journey made up of faces, colors, and everyday gestures.
The southern part of the Omo Valley is one of the most culturally fascinating areas in Africa and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 for the region’s extraordinary anthropological richness. Here, the diversity of the peoples is also reflected in their clothing, hairstyles, adornments, and traditions that characterize the various communities. The journey will take us to the villages and marketsof southern Ethiopia, allowing us to get to know the local communities and their relationship with the land up close. An intense experience off the beaten path, enriched by trekking in the Buska Mountains, nature excursions, and encounters with the people of the Omo Valley. A trip to Ethiopia for those who love to walk, explore, and discover distant cultures, letting themselves be surprised by landscapes and encounters that are hard to forget.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Program
First day
Departure from Italy to Addis Ababa. Overnight stay on board.
Second day
Domestic flight to Arba Minch, in southern Ethiopia. Upon arrival, we’ll begin exploring this lively little town, whose name means “forty springs.” A walk will take us right among the numerous springs that flow in the area, nestled amid tropical vegetation. A first taste ofsouthern Ethiopia, with nature and landscapes completely different from what we’re used to. Overnight stay at a lodge.
Third day
We’ll depart in the morning for Alduba, where an important market is held, attended by the Banna people and surrounding communities. The market is one of the best opportunities to observe daily life in the Omo Valley: people, animals, local products, and trade bring this weekly event to life. At the end of the day, we’ll head to our camp, set up near a Banna village.
Fourth day
The most adventurous part of the trip begins: the trek through the Buska Mountains. We’ll travel to the village of Lala, where we’ll start our hike. The trail follows a ridge and leads to the village of Buska, passing through a rural, sparsely populated landscape. Upon arrival, we’ll find our campsite, set up near the village chief’s hut. Overnight at the campsite.
Route information: a hike of about 8 km.Fifth day
After leaving Buska, we’ll continue hiking up the ridge, gaining elevation until we reach about 2,000 meters. From the top, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Turmi plain. Along the way, we’ll come across the traditional wells used by the Hamer people and the distinctive local burial sites. A day of trekking immersed in a landscape that’s completely different from the more familiar image of Ethiopia. We’ll arrive in Kufri, where we’ll set up camp for dinner and the night. Overnight stay in camp.
Route information: a hike of about 10 km.Sixth day
From Kufri, we’ll begin our descent, accompanied along the way by herds and the villages of the Hamer people. At the end of the trek, we’ll meet our vehicles to head to Turmi, one of the most important towns in the area and home to a lively local market. If time permits, we’ll visit the market before arriving at the lodge, where we’ll finally be able to enjoy a shower and some well-deserved relaxation.
Route information: a hike of about 10 km.Seventh day
We’ll depart from Turmi for the Karo village of Korcho, overlooking the Omo River Valley. The road will take us through ever-changing landscapes until we reach one of the most picturesque areas of the trip. After visiting the Karo village, we’ll head back to Turmi, stopping at the Demeka market, where the region’s various communities come together. Overnight stay at a lodge.
Eighth day
A day dedicated to exploring the Omorate region, in the far south of Ethiopia, along the Omo River. We’ll travel through the Omo Valley to reach the territories inhabited by the Desanech people, who live in the river’s delta region. This excursion offers a chance to experience another side ofsouthern Ethiopia, characterized by wide-open spaces, villages, and river landscapes. Return to Turmi and overnight stay at a lodge.
Ninth day
We’ll leave Turmi and head back toward Arba Minch, with a long day of travel through the landscapes of southern Ethiopia . Along the way, we’ll stop at a village of the Arbore people, a community that lives in the region between the Woito River and the lower reaches of the Sagan River. The road winds through ever-changing scenery—including plains, villages, and landscapes of the Rift Valley—until we return to Arba Minch.
Tenth day
In the morning, departure for the lands of the Dorze people, known for the distinctive architecture of their traditional dwellings and for their agricultural culture, which has flourished in the mountains surrounding Arba Minch. Return to Arba Minch and, in the afternoon, a boat excursion on Lake Abaya, the largest of the lakes in the area. A more relaxed moment after days of trekking and traveling through the Omo Valley, offering the chance to enjoy the scenery from the water. Overnight stay at a lodge.
Eleventh day
Transfer to the airport and domestic flight from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa. Arrival in the capital and check-in at the hotel for a short day’s stay.
In the evening, transfer to the airport and departure on the return flight to Italy.
Twelfth day
arrival in Italy.
Accommodations in a tented camp or lodge, plus a hotel room for day use on the last day
local transportation during excursions
Admission to villages and museums
full board with water
Boat trip on Lake Chamo
guide/interpreter
meetings with local communities
health and baggage insurance
4x4 rental with driver and fuel included
tents and camping matsInternational and domestic flights, tips, any tribal celebrations and photo fees, beverages, personal expenses on site, and anything not specified under “Included.”
Single supplement: €280.
Overnight stays in tented camps or lodges with sleeping pads.
For international flights to Addis Ababa (ADD), we recommend flying with Ethiopian Airlines so that you can connect your international flight to domestic flights to Jinka (BCO) and Arba Mich (AMH).
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