The journey begins with a drive from Addis Ababa to Jimma, where travelers visit the palace of Ras Abba Jifar II. They then continue to Mizan Teferi, exploring coffee farms in the Kaffa region.
The trip moves to Kibish, home to the Surma people, known for their lip plates and body paintings.
After spending time with the Surma, they visit the Nyangatom tribe in Omo National Park. Next, they explore Turmi, witnessing Hamer traditions, and visit the Karo and Mursi tribes.
The trip continues to Arbaminch, Konso, and Lake Langano before returning to Addis Ababa for departure.
Day 1: Addis Ababa – Jimma
We leave Addis Ababa and drive to Jimma, which is about 350 kilometers west of the capital. We will visit the palace of the former Kaffa King, Ras Abba Jifar II. The palace offers great views of the city and nearby coffee farms. It also provides insight into the former glory of the Ethiopian empire. This area remained economically strong until the 1930s, mainly due to the coffee trade.
Day 2: Jimma – Mizan Teferi
Today, we will travel to the heart of the Kaffa region, west of Bonga. This area is covered with a beautiful mountain rainforest. After exploring the region, we will head to Mizan Teferi.
We will visit a local coffee farm, where we will learn about the process of growing coffee until it reaches our cups. This area is one of the most fertile and greenest regions in Ethiopia.
Day 3: Mizan Teferi – Kibish
Our safari continues to the area of Kibish, home to the Surma people. They are known for their nomadic lifestyle, which influences their daily activities.
This area is surrounded by forests, savanna bushes, and grasslands. The Surma women are famous for wearing large clay plates on their lower lips, as well as for body scarification and white body paintings.
Day 4: Full Day in Kibish with the Surma Tribe
We will visit one of the villages of the Surma people to gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and way of life.
It gets very hot in this area, so we will complete all activities by mid-morning. In the afternoon, we will head to the river, which is about five minutes from the village. If we are lucky, we may witness a ritual fight by the Donga people, who fight using sticks. These fights mostly take place in November.
Day 5: Kibish – Nyangatom
After breakfast, we will drive through Omo National Park, exploring its beautiful flora and fauna. This is the oldest national park in Ethiopia, established in 1959. Here, we may see gazelles, elephants, and buffaloes.
We will visit the Nyangatom villages in the southern part of the park. This area is home to one of the smallest tribal groups in Ethiopia.
Day 6: Nyangatom – Turmi
Today, we will drive to Turmi, located in the Omo Valley in the southern region. This area is known for its many traditional ceremonies.
Depending on the day, we may be lucky to witness a Hamer wedding or the famous bull-jumping ceremony, where young men prove their readiness for marriage. In the afternoon, we will experience daily life in a Hamer village and enjoy a special moonlight dance performed by the community.
Day 7: Karo Tribe and Omorate Excursion
After breakfast, we will take a short trek to Murrulle, home to the Karo people. They are famous for their elaborate body paintings, which they apply for special occasions such as weddings and cultural festivals.
Later, we will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8: Drive to Jinka and Visit the Mursi Tribe
We will drive to Jinka, which is close to the Mursi village. The Mursi people are one of the most well-known tribes in Ethiopia due to their unique customs.
Like the Surma people, Mursi women wear large clay plates on their lower lips. We will also visit the Ethnographic Museum, which displays the history and culture of the Omotic people. Jinka is considered the capital of many ethnic groups in this region.
Day 9: Jinka – Arbaminch via Konso
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Arbaminch. Along the way, we will stop at a Konso tribal village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cultural significance.
The village is built on hills and is surrounded by protective walls. This unique architectural style has helped preserve their culture for centuries. The Konso people are primarily farmers who use terrace farming to cultivate crops on the hills.
Day 10: Visit Dorze Village and Boat Ride on Lake Chamo
We will take a boat ride on Lake Chamo, where we will look for the largest crocodiles in Africa.
Arba Minch, located between Abaya and Chamo lakes, offers breathtaking green hills and scenic views.
After the cruise, we will visit the Dorze people. They are known for their beehive-shaped houses made from bamboo. These houses can be moved in cases such as termite infestations.
Day 11: Arbaminch – Lake Langano
Today, we will drive towards Lake Langano, making several stops along the way. Upon arrival, we will check into our accommodation and spend the afternoon relaxing.
You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, birdwatching, or watching the sunset over the beautiful Lake Langano.
Day 12: Langano – Addis Ababa
After a late breakfast, we will drive back to Addis Ababa in time for our flight home.
