Ethiopian Food Description

Ethiopia's Southern Omo Valley Expedition (Condensed Itinerary)

Day 1: Addis Ababa Arrival & Entoto: Arrive in Addis, hotel transfer. Drive to Mount Entoto (the capital's original site) for panoramic city views. Visit the historic Mariam and Raguel churches, followed by the National Museum (see "Lucy"). Rest.

Day 2: Drive to Arba Minch: Long drive (9 hours) south down the Rift Valley via Butajira, Hossana, and Sodo. Optional stops: Melka Kunture (Neolithic site) and Tiya (UNESCO). Arrive at Arba Minch ("40 springs"), overlooking Lakes Abaya and Chamo, staying at Paradise Lodge.

Day 3: Drive to Jinka via Konso: Head south to Konso (UNESCO site) known for terraced hillsides and carved totems. Pass the Weyto River (aquatic birds). Visit Key Afer market (Thursdays) if possible. Arrive in Jinka; check into Eco Omo Lodge. Optional: Jinka museum visit.

Day 4: Mursi People & Mago Park: Drive into Mago National Park. Trek to a Mursi village (Shembel or on the escarpment); Mursi women are famous for lip plates. Return to Jinka (Eco Omo Lodge).

Day 5: Drive to Turmi: Retrace route toward Key Afar, then drive south to Turmi, the base for Omo Valley explorations. Check into Buska Lodge.

Day 6: Karo and Dassenech: Drive to Murule to visit Dus, Korcho, and Dassenech villages of the Karo people, who excel in face and body painting. Return to Buska Lodge in Turmi.

Day 7: Galeb People: Head toward the Omo River, passing Bume villages, to visit Galeb villages across the river (crossing by local boat). Return to Buska Lodge.

Day 8: Hamer Culture: Visit Hamer villages near Turmi, known for body adornment. Check for traditional ceremonies (Bull Jumping, Evangadi/Hamer dancing). Optional: Visit Dimeke market (Sat/Tue). Return to Buska Lodge.

Day 9: Return to Arba Minch: Drive back north, passing Chew Bahir, Erbore, and Tsemay. Arrive at Paradise Lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 10: Dorze and Lake Hawassa: Drive north; detour to Chencha to visit the Dorze people, known for their iconic bamboo 'bee-hive' houses and cotton weaving. Lunch in Sodo, then continue to Lake Hawassa. Stay at Haile Resort on the lakeshore.

Day 11: Hawassa Fish Market & Departure: Optional early visit to Hawassa fish market (great for birds/fish soup). Drive back to Addis Ababa. Farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinia (traditional food/dancing). Transfer to the airport for the flight home.