Southern Ethiopia 9-Day Private Tour

Discover the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Southern Ethiopia on this captivating 9-day journey. Immerse yourself in its distinctive customs, explore its breathtaking scenery, and engage with local tribes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Addis Ababa

We will greet you at the arrivals area of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. After a warm welcome, we will transport you to your hotel in Addis Ababa for a restful first night. Prepare, as an exceptional adventure in southern Ethiopia lies ahead!

Day 2: Addis Ababa - Arba Minch

Following breakfast, we will head back to the airport to board a flight to Arba Minch.

Upon arrival, our guide will be waiting to take you to Dorze Village, nestled in the highlands. Renowned for its impressive beehive-shaped huts, constructed from bamboo and banana leaves, we will embark on a guided exploration to gain insights into the daily life of the locals.

You will unwind at Hotel Paradise Lodge in Arba Minch, gearing up for the exciting experiences that await the following day.

Day 3: Arba Minch - Arbore - Turmi

After a fulfilling breakfast, we’ll depart Arba Minch to reach Turmi. Our journey will take us through Weyto, a town inhabited by the Tsemai tribe, one of Ethiopia’s lesser-known ethnic groups. Next, we will venture through Weyto Valley to Arbore, where we’ll engage in a short tour of this pastoral community located near Lake Stefany.

By evening, we will arrive in Turmi, recognized for its Hamer tribe. Discover the vibrant local culture, characterized by intricate hairstyles and body art, indicative of social standing.

Your overnight stay will be at Buska Lodge in Turmi. Until tomorrow!

Day 4: Turmi - Omorate - Turmi

On the fourth day, we embark on a day trip to Omorate to connect with the Dassanech tribe. Here, we’ll navigate the Omo River by a small boat to delve into the town’s deep-rooted traditions, learning about life along Lake Turkana, where fishing and crocodile hunting are part of everyday life.

Later in the day, we will return to Turmi, with the chance to witness the remarkable Hamer tribal bull jumping if it coincides with our visit. This initiation rite has young men leaping over and walking on bulls—a test that, if passed, signifies readiness for marriage and family life.

We will end the day at Buska Lodge in Turmi.

Day 5: Turmi - Nyangatom - Turmi

Start early with breakfast before departing Turmi for Kangatan. After crossing the River Omo, we’ll explore this agricultural town, home to the Nyangatom Tribe.

After a day filled with discovery, we will head back to Turmi for a restful night at Buska Lodge.

Day 6: Turmi - Kara - Turmi

After breakfast, the journey continues to Kara, which hosts a small community of approximately 3,000 residents. We’ll share insights about the village’s cultural practices, particularly their distinctive body painting traditions.

Post visit, we will return to Buska Lodge in Turmi for your overnight stay.

Day 7: Jinka - Mursi - Jinka

On the seventh day, following breakfast, we’ll head towards the Mursi Tribe located within Mago National Park. This region is notable for its customs, particularly the practice of women inserting clay discs into their lower lips as a form of body decoration.

We will engage with the Mursi throughout the morning before making our way to Jinka for lunch at your own expense. After a refreshing break, we will proceed toward the village of Aari.

The day concludes with an overnight stay at Jinka Resort Hotel.

Day 8: Jinka - Konso - Arba Minch

Following breakfast, we set off for Konso. The terraced hills here are cultivated with sunflowers, fruit trees, cotton, and corn—simply captivating!

Our exploration will take us to Gamole, known for its fortified stone walls, a measure of safety that has earned its cultural landscape recognition as a World Heritage Site in 2011.

Next, we will visit Lake Chamo, one of the largest lagoons in the Rift Valley. A boat ride will allow us to witness a variety of bird species, including the greater kestrel, and perhaps spot the lake's numerous crocodiles and hippos.

Your night will be spent at Paradise Lodge in Arba Minch. See you tomorrow!

Day 9: Arba Minch - Addis Ababa

On the final day, we will fly back to Addis Ababa. After dinner, we will make sure you reach Addis Ababa Bole International Airport well in advance for your return flight home.

Accommodation

This journey encompasses 8 nights of accommodation with breakfast at various 3 and 4-star hotels:

• Addis Ababa (1 night): Hotel Lobelia 4* or similar
• Arba Minch (2 nights): Hotel Paradise Lodge 3* or similar
• Turmi (4 nights): Buska Lodge 3* or similar
• Jinka (1 night): Jinka Resort Hotel 3* or similar

Flights

Note that international flights to and from Addis Ababa are not included.

To participate in the tour, an international flight to and from Addis Ababa must be booked, arriving on the day the tour begins. Your return international flight should be scheduled for the ninth day of the tour, after 9:30 PM.

Domestic return flights between Addis Ababa and Arba Minch are included.