Ethiopia, an old country beyond all imaginations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years. With over 80 different Ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in every ones daily life.
The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes the first-time visitor. Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains(25 of which are 12,000 feet high) broad savannah, lakes and rivers. The most famous volcano has been in a state of continuous eruption since 1967. Its small southerly crater is the only permanent lave lake on the planet.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Union church, an autonomous Christian Church headed by a patriarch and closely related to the Coptic Church of Egypt, was the state church of Ethiopia until 1974. About 40 percent of the people of Ethiopia are Christians, and Christianity is predominant in the north.
Ethiopia, an old country beyond all imaginations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years. With over 80 different Ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in every ones daily life.
Early in the morning, Drive from Addis to Chencha via Hosaena. On the way you may have time to visit one of the following archeological sites of interest:
Tiya ancient stellae field a UNESCO World Heritage site
Adadi Maryam – rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela
Melka Kunture – pre-historic tool-making site
Finally, proceed to Dorze village, high in the Guge Mountains and visit Chancha. From this view you will be see on the left way Abaya and in the right way Chamo lakes. If you are lucky, you will see Chellada Baboons (Endemic Animal). The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. Overnight in a Dorze in traditional hut.
DAY 2 : Chencha - Arbaminch - Konso
An early morning drive will take us to Arbaminch. After breakfast in Arbamich, we will take a boat ride on Lake Chamo to see the huge Nile Crocodiles and Hippos. After lunch drive to Konso. Dinner in Konso
DAY 3 : Konso - Jinka
In the morning before departing for Jinka we will have time to visit the King of Konso, the “Waka” - konso grave marking for their dead and “New York” - natural sand formations that look like sky scrapers. The intricate landscape terracing of the Konsos is fascinating. From Konso we continue our journey to Jinka. on the way we pass through Key Afar is home to the Benna tribe. Dinner and overnight in Jinka.
DAY 4 : Jinka - Mago - Turmi
In the morning, drive to Mago national park to visit the Mursi tribe. The Mursi are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. In the afternoon, after returning to Jinka, you can visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes. Alternatively, take a hike in the surrounding hills and visit a local Ari village then drive to Turmi. Dinner and overnight in Turmi.
DAY 5 : Turmi
In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe. Here you will cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a local Dassenech village. Afterwards, return to Turmi If there is Jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony, that will be visited. At night you can see the traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as evangadi. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 6 : Turmi
Drive to Murulle, Dus and Koricho. Here you will find the Karo people who, while they are the smallest tribe of the Omo Valley in number, they are also known to be the most decorated. Return to Turmi for another opportunity to find Bull Jumping ceremony. Dinner and overnight in Turmi.
DAY 7 : Turmi - Yabelo
On the way to Konso we will visit and pass though Arbori and Woyto tribes. The drive from Konos to Yabelo passes thought scenic desert and Acacia forest where the Borenna tribe roam with their cattle, goats and camels. Lunch in Konso. Dinner and overnight in Yabelo.
DAY 8 : Yabelo - Awassa
Yabelo to Awassa is the true coffee land of the South. The whole area is coffee growing. You will see the magical beans at close range – from processing to the tasting. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in Awassa.
DAY 9 : Awassa - Addis
An early morning walk by Lake Awassa will be fascinating as one can set a number of birds – some endemic. A little drive after breakfast will take us to “Fish Market”. A colorful scene will await us fishermen sell their night’s catch for the towns people. Pelicans compete with Marabous for a bit a leftover. Continue on journey of Addis. On the way we visit the beautiful Rift Valley Lakes. 50 Kms. from Addis we will visit the crater lakes of lakes of Debre Zeit (Besheftu) Lunch en route. Dinner will be in a traditional restaurant with cultural live music. Overnight in hotel or depart to your country.
