Forgotten Tribes of Ethiopia

Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival in Addis, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The name of the city, in Amharic, means ‘new flower’. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is located at 2,500 metres above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain (3,000 metres above sea level). Addis enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C. Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open air markets in Africa, known as the “Mercato”.

This afternoon, you will have a city tour which includes a trip to the Archaeological Museum (where you can meet 3.25 million year old Lucy), the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Ethnological Museum (the former residence of His Majesty Emperor Haile Sellassie).

Overnight at the Jupiter International Hotel or similar

An early start today, departing at around 07:30, heading down the western side of the Rift Valley passing through Butajira, Hossana and Sodo. It’s a long day’s drive, taking about 8 hours with lunch and coffee stops en route, but it is on a good asphalt road. The scenery is very attractive as you pass down the Rift Valley, on the western side. There are interesting places to be visited en route – the Neolithic site and museum at Melka Kunture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Tiya, and the rock hewn church at Adadi Mariam, contemporaneous with the churches of Lalibela.

After Sodo you skirt the western shores of Lakes Abaya and Chamo, the southernmost of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley Lakes, before arriving in Arba Minch, or “40 springs”, and check into Paradise Lodge. The Lodge is situated on a hill overlooking the narrow stretch of forested land, known locally as “the bridge of heaven”, which separates the two lakes.

Overnight at Paradise Lodge or similar

Distance: 454 kms – approx. 8 hours

Today, you drive south to Konso, whose people are known for their intricately terraced hillsides, fine woven materials and the carved totems with which they decorate their graves. Konso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Market days in Konso are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Pass the Weyto river where you will see a great variety of pelicans and other aquatic birds. On Thursdays there is a very attractive market at Key Afer, frequented by the Bena and Ari people. After your visit, you turn towards Jinka, where the markets are held on Saturdays and Tuesdays. This afternoon oyou could visit the museum in Jinka (not included), which along with various artefacts has a lot of ethnographical information about the people of the Omo.

Located in southwestern Ethiopia, near the borders of Sudan and Kenya, Jinka is the largest town in the Debub Omo Zone. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. This remote market town is home to the Mursi people, who are well known for their elaborate lip plates made of clay. At the South Omo Research Center and Museum, visitors can learn more about the Mursi, as well as other groups in the region, through a series of exhibits detailing the cultures and customs of local tribes. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby Mago National Park, where abundant wildlife finds shelter in the dense acacia woodland. (B,L,D)

Two night stay at Eco-Omo Safari Lodge

Distance: 275 kms – approx. 5 hours

You leave Jinka and drive to the Mago National Park. The park has a variety of mammals and birds, but the animals tend to stay away from the roads and sightings cannot be guaranteed. In the park you may see the following animals: elephant, buffalo, Grant’s Gazelle, Topi and Burchill’s Zebra.

The main attraction in Mago are the Mursi people, so you head to Shembel, the nearest Mursi village and if you wish, you can go further, up the escarpment to the Mursi villages there! The Mursi are known for their body scarification and (among the women) the wearing of lip plates. You return to Jinka for your overnight arrangements in the Eco Omo Lodge. (B,L,D)

After breakfast at the Eco Omo Lodge, you will depart and begin your visit to the Hamer villages around Turmi. The Hamer are a fine-looking people, both the men and women take great pride in their appearance, shaving and colouring their hair, oiling their bodies and decorating themselves with beads and bracelets worn around their arms and legs. If this visit falls on a Saturday or a Tuesday, you will also visit the market at Dimeke, which is one of the most colourful and interesting in the area.

During the time you have in Turmi, if there is a bull jumping ceremony in the vicinity, you will head to see this rite of passage ceremony for young men, marking their transition to adulthood. It may also possible to see Evangadi, or Hamer dancing ceremonies. (B,L,D)

Two night at Buska Lodge or similar

Distance: 132kms – 3 hours

After breakfast you will drive to Murule, visiting the Korcho village of the Karo people. Among the people living along the Omo, the Karo excel in face and body painting. You will then head to your lodge in Turmi, the Buska Lodge for lunch.

After lunch you will head towards the Omo River to Omo Rate, passing Kangate and the villages of the Bume people, going on to visit the Galeb villages. Here you will cross the river in a local boat and visit the villages on the other side. (B,L,D)

Overnight at Buska Lodge or similar

After breakfast you will be transferred to Kibish, which is approximately 140 km, where you will visit the Demeka Market on the way (if the day is Saturday). (B,L,D)

3 nights camping at Kibish

Distance: 140 kms – 3 hours

Following breakfast, you will head around the old Kibish village (14kms round trip) for the visit of more of the Surma villages – to visit and appreciate the very attractive culture of Surma people, they are renowned for the strange custom followed by their women who, on reaching maturity, have their lower lips slit and circular or rectangular clay discs inserted. The Surma men are well known for their stick fighting, which is called Donga. It is extremely rare to witness a Donga. (B,L,D)

Today you will have the chance to explore more Surma Tribe Villages, hopefully witnessing some of their ceremonies & cultural-events. According to the Suri, they came to their present territory near Mount Naita about 200 years ago from the banks of the Nile River. The Surma have a sky god named Tuma. The Suri also believe in spirits and use medicine and undertake sacrifices or prayers and directly send them to Tuma. Another belief of the Suri is the rain maker.

Piercing and lip plates are a strong part of the Suri culture. At the point of puberty most women have their bottom teeth removed in order to get their lower lip pierced. Once the lip is pierced, it’s then stretched and a lip plate is then placed in the hole of the piercing. (B,L,D)

Today you will depart from Kibish and the Surma Villages, leaving with fond memories of a truly unique way life that is unparalleled to anything you will find in the Western world. You will be driven to Mizan Teferi. (B,L,D)

Overnight at the Salayish Hotel

Distance: 208 kms – 5 hours

This morning, you’ll drive to Jimma for your connecting scheduled flight and head back to Addis Ababa. In Addis Ababa, you’ll be transferred to the Jupiter Hotel. (B)

Overnight at Jupiter International Hotel or similar

Distance: 220 kms – approx. 5 hours, Jimma – Addis Ababa flight: 1hr

Today, you’ll head to the Addis Ababa International Airport, where you will connect with your onward flight. (B)