Ethiopia Untouched
7 days
from Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
From
$ 1810
Duration7 days
Discover a world barely touched by modern society on this Ethiopian adventure. Often overlooked, Ethiopia’s spectacular nature reserves and diverse tribal communities are ripe for exploration. Go off the beaten track and visit remote tribes in the Omo Valley and try to spot crocodiles as they bask off the shores of Lake Chamo. Get up close and personal with the people and the nature of Ethiopia – a place hidden from the rigorous modernity of the modern world.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 7 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: Addis AbabaPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: Addis AbabaAges: 15+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa
Start place: Addis Ababa
Welcome to Ethiopia! Begin with a welcome meeting at the hotel at 6pm. If you arrive early perhaps take a tour of this bustling city, dotted with Italian architecture, interesting churches and friendly inhabitants. Established by the Emperor Menelik II in 1887, Addis Ababa is a relatively young city full of contrasts – the Addis Sheraton, with its ‘singing fountain’, is one of the most luxurious in all of Africa, yet you only need to travel a few streets away to find yourself among busy markets, dirt roads and the odd goat or two wandering the street. The optional city tour will include the National Museum, where you’ll find the famous remains of 'Lucy’, and the Ethnographic Museum set within the beautiful gardens of Haile Selassie’s former palace.
Day 2: Konso
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for a flight to Arba Minch. Then it's onto Konso in a private vehicle. All roads into South Omo pass through Konso, and this small town serves as a great base for exploring the hillside villages in the surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for the carved wooden grave markers in the area, a Konso tradition where the deceased warriors features are enhanced by using teeth made from animal bones. As the evening sets in, spend time relaxing in the Kanta Lodge and perhaps meet some new group members arriving from Kenya.
Meals: B
Day 3: Jinka
Visit a village within Konso and learn about the clan-based societal arrangement comprised of nine clans. Head onwards to Jinka to visit an ethnographic museum dedicated to the tribes speaking South Omotic languages. Jinka is a lively trading hub and known as a capital of sorts for the range of ethnic groups that call this region home.
Meals: B
Day 4: Turmi
Head into Jinka's lush surroundings, home to the traditional Ari people. Spend some time in their villages, some of the most beautiful in the country, surrounded by banana, mango, avocado and enset (false banana) trees. Travel on to Turmi and visit one of the Hamar villages for an insight into their different way of life. There may be a chance to witness the highlight of the Hamar calendar – a bull-jumping ceremony. The culmination of a three-day rite of passage, this ceremony involves a young man having to jump on the backs of, and run down a line of 15 bulls before returning the same way. Overnight in Turmi.
Meals: B
Day 5: Turmi
Travel south towards Omorate this morning, driving down a 75-kilometre stretch of paved road passing through acacia forests. Omorate lies on the bank of the Omo River, close to the border of Kenya, and is a popular base for exploring the rugged area. Wildlife roam freely in the nearby landscape and there's a good chance of seeing antelope grazing or raptor birds stalking their prey overhead. The local Hamar and Daasanach people hold on to their customs tightly, and you may witness evidence of their traditional scarification practices. The Daasanach are cattle herders that practice flood retreat cultivation. The women beautify themselves with colorful bead necklaces and bracelets. There may be a chance to visit a local market, savouring the smells and tastes alongside the Karo, Hamer and Benna people while checking out plenty of interesting handicrafts on offer.
Meals: B
Day 6: Arba Minch
Travel north to Arba Minch after breakfast. This is a region noted for its variety of peoples and cultures, many of which are nomadic or semi-nomadic and live very differently to what most would consider a modern existence. Arba Minch is bordered by Nechisar National Park and lies between two of Ethiopia's largest lakes, Lake Chamo and Abaya Lake. Climb aboard a boat in the afternoon and travel across Chamo Lake on an excursion to hopefully see the resident hippos, Nile crocodiles, flourishing birdlife and the local fishermen working their trade on the water.
Meals: B
Day 7: Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa after breakfast, stopping on the way to visit some of the Dorze people, an ethnic group known particularly for their expert weaving and beehive-shaped houses. After a lengthy but scenic drive, this trip comes to an end at the hotel in Addis Ababa.
End place: Addis Ababa
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Jinka - Ethnographic Museum
- Konso - Village Visit
- Jinka - Ari Village
- Jinka - Hamar Village
- Omorate - Daasanach Village
- Arba Minch - Lake Chamo Boat Excursion
- Arba Minch - Dorze Village Visit
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Transport
Private Vehicle, Boat, Plane -
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights), Lodge (3 nights), Basic Resort (1 night)