Forgotten Tribes of Ethiopia

Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival in Addis, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The city’s name, in Amharic, means ‘new flower’. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is located at 2,500 metres above sea level in the Entoto mountain chain. Addis Ababa enjoys a pleasant climate year-round with an average temperature of 25°C. It is known for its wide jacaranda-lined avenues, fascinating museums, and Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets.This afternoon, enjoy a city tour, visiting the Archaeological Museum (featuring 3.25-million-year-old Lucy), the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Ethnological Museum. MealsNoneAccommodationsJupiter International Hotel or similarServicesAirport transferCity TourApproximate Travel Time and DistanceAirport to hotel: 5 km | 20 mins

Today you will depart at 07:30hrs, driving along the western side of the Rift Valley. You will visit the Neolithic site and museum at Melka Kunture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Tiya, and the rock-hewn church at Adadi Mariam. After passing Sodo, you will skirt the western shores of Lakes Abaya and Chamo before arriving at Arba Minch. MealsBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodationsParadise Lodge or similarServicesPrivate vehicle with English-speaking guideApproximate Travel Time and DistanceAddis Ababa to Arba Minch: 454 km | 8 hours

Drive south to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its terraced hillsides and carved totems. Afterwards, continue to Jinka, passing the Weyto River and visiting local markets if your trip aligns with market days. This region is home to the Mursi people, famous for their distinctive lip plates and unique culture. MealsBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodationsEco-Omo Safari LodgeServicesPrivate vehicle with English-speaking guideApproximate Travel Time and DistanceArba Minch to Jinka: 275 km | 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. MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner AccommodationsEco-Omo Safari LodgeServicesPrivate vehicle with English-speaking guideApproximate Travel Time and DistanceJinka to Mago National Park: 50 km | 1.5 hours

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 be possible to see Evangadi or Hamer dancing ceremonies. MealsBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodationsBuska Lodge or similarServicesPrivate vehicle with English-speaking guideApproximate Travel Time and DistanceJinka to Turmi: 132 km | 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 excels 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 Omorate, 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. MealsBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodationsBuska Lodge or similarServicesPrivate vehicle with English-speaking guideBoat rideApproximate Travel Time and DistanceTurmi to Omorate: 75 km | 2 hours

Depart for Kibish, stopping at the Demeka Market en route (if it’s a Saturday). This journey will take you deeper into the territory of the Surma people, renowned for their elaborate body modifications, including lip plates and body scarification. MealsBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodationsCamping at KibishServicesPrivate vehicle with English-speaking guideApproximate Travel Time and DistanceTurmi to Kibish: 140 km | 3 hours

Today you will visit more Surma villages around Kibish, witnessing the unique culture of the Surma people. Surma women are famous for their lip plates, while the men are known for stick fighting, called Donga. If you’re lucky, you may witness a Donga ceremony, a rare and culturally significant event. MealsBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodationsCamping at KibishServicesPrivate vehicle with English-speaking guideApproximate Travel Time and DistanceAround Kibish: 14 km round trip | 1 hour

Explore more of the Surma Tribe’s villages and learn about their ancient customs. The Surma people believe in a sky god named Tuma and use traditional medicine, as well as undertaking sacrifices and prayers to communicate with their deity. You’ll have time to witness daily life and experience their fascinating rituals. MealsBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodationsCamping at KibishServicesPrivate vehicle with English-speaking guide

Today, you’ll depart Kibish and the Surma Villages, leaving with fond memories of a unique culture and way of life. The journey takes you to Mizan Teferi, a scenic drive through Ethiopia’s southwestern landscapes. MealsBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodationsSalayish HotelServicesPrivate vehicle with English-speaking guideApproximate Travel Time and DistanceKibish to Mizan Teferi: 208 km | 5 hours

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Jimma for your connecting flight back to Addis Ababa. On arrival in Addis, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a well-earned rest after an incredible journey through southern Ethiopia. MealsBreakfastAccommodationsJupiter International HotelServicesAirport transfersDomestic flight Addis AbabaApproximate Travel Time and DistanceMizan Teferi to Jimma: 220 km | 5 hoursJimma to Addis Ababa flight: 1 hour

Today, you’ll head to Addis Ababa International Airport to connect with your onward flight. You’ll leave Ethiopia with memories of an unforgettable journey. MealsBreakfastServicesAirport transfer