Travel down past the Rift Valley lakes and coffee plantations to the Omo valley. Meet some of Africa’s most fascinating and colourful ethnic groups. The journey begins in Addis Ababa, then drive south to Arba Minch, the springboard to the Omo valley. Visit the market towns of Turmi and Jinka and visit the Mursi, Karo, Dassanech and Hamer tribes. Continue to Aregash Lodge in Yirgalem, where superb food and warm hospitality ease you into some welcome relaxation time.

Day -By-Day Itinerary

Day 01 Addis Ababa to Awassa:

From Addis Ababa you will travel south to Awassa via the Butajira route and visit ancient cities along the way. First you will stop in Tiya at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then spend some time at Adadi Maryam (a rock hewn church similar to the famous church in northern Ethiopia, Lalibela), then visit an pre-historic took making site in Melka Kunture, and finally arrive in Awassa where you will be set up in a local hotel for the night.

Day 02 Awassa to Arba Minch:

In the morning you will have time to visit the fish markets of Awassa and spend some leisure time on the shores of Lake Awassa before departing to Arba Minch and Dorze. The Dorze villagers are know for their construction of tall houses resembling beehives and for the amazing cotton weaving. If you happen to be visiting on the village’s market day you will be taken to see that (Monday and Thursday) but if not you can be taken to a nearby village to see their market (Chencha-Tuesday and Saturday). You will spend the night in a traditional Dorze hut with communal toilet facilities or if you prefer you can continue on to Arba Minch where you will find a hotel, lodge, or campsite to spend the night.

Day 03 Arba Minch to Turmi:

From Arba minch (or Dorze if you stayed there the night before) you will take a boat out on Lake Chamo to visit the crocodile market and be able to have some hippo sightings. After spending time on the lake you will depart to Turmi and pass through a village called Weyto where you will be able to see the local market (market day is Saturday) and visit the Tsemai tribe. Next you will pass throught the Erbore village where you can again stop at the local market (Saturday). Your final destination is Turmi and home of the Hamer tribe. The villagers will welcome you to a night of traditional dancing known as evangadi. Here you can choose to overnight in a hotel, lodge, or campsite.

Day 04 Turmi to Omorate to Turmi:

In the morning you will head to Omorate so you can see the Dassenech tribe, but first you will cross the Omo River by boat and arrive in the Dessenech village. You will return to Turmi to visit the Hamer village and be able to experience the traditional Jumping of the Bulls Ceremony, done to represent a man’s coming of age. You will sleep in Turmi for the night.

Day 05 Turmi to Jinka:

In the morning you will depart to Jink by passing through Dimeka and Key Afar where you can visit some of the most colorful and diverse markets (Dimeka’s market days are Tuesday and Saturday). Afterwards you will continue on to Jinka and stay there for the evening in a lodge, hotel, or campsite.   Day 06 Jinka to Mursi and Mango National Park to Jinka:

In the morning you will drive to the Mango National Park and have the opportunity to visit the Mursi tribe, who are known for their lower lip rings and earlobe plates. After you will return to Jinka, and on the way you will be able to visit the South Omo Museum and Research Center to learn and understand more about the traditional practices of the many different local tribes. If you would rather use this time to take a shart hike into the surrounding hills and visit the Ari village this can be arranged instead of the museum visit. Then you will return to Jinka where you will stay the night.   Day 07 Jinka to Arba Minch to Konso:

In the morning you will depart from Jinka to Arba Minch via the Key Afar routs. After stopping to see local tribes, trading goods, and markets you will head to Konso (market days here are Monday and Thurday).

You will have an early morning departure from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa. This will be a full day of car travel, but on the way you may have time to visit a few of the previously visited sites. Reaching Addis Ababa will mark the end of the tour.

Our company has a team of professional staff specializing in guiding services and tour operations, all of whom possess extensive knowledge of Ethiopia. We also have a skilled escort chef who prepares delicious Western and traditional meals for travelers on trekking routes. Our expertise enables travelers to customize their trips according to their preferences, ensuring a memorable journey with outstanding value.

This unique travel and tour company is owned by Mr. Murad Alkadir  ( Murad) who studied tourism, tour guiding, customer service, and tour arrangement. Franch Language.He has undergone comprehensive training on Ethiopia’s geography and tourism industry through various governmental and non-governmental organizations, including the Austrian Integrated Development Project (AIDP), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). These programs have equipped him with in-depth knowledge of Ethiopia’s tourist destinations, as well as expertise in tourism development, customer service, and guiding techniques.

Simien Roof Tours offers a unique holiday experience off the main tourist track, allowing you to choose from a selection of suitable programs. We aim to show clients breathtaking mountains, historical attractions, thrilling human tribes, or simply provide an excuse to escape the norm. We offer stylish accommodations to suit your choice of holiday lifestyle. During your stay with us, our properties offer something unique, whether it’s a thatched house in a traditional style, an exposed camp where you can walk with friendly Gelada monkeys and other endemic wildlife, or something else. We pride ourselves on finding the right property in the right location with the services you require. Let us know what your holiday dreams are, whether you want to see the human tribes where the cradle of humanity was found or wake up to the fresh mountain air. Whatever it is, we will have a location and service to match.