
Omo valley with an extension to Surma Tribe & Kaffa Region 13 Days
Omo valley with an extension to Surma Tribe & Kaffa Region 13 Days

Tour Summary
Come with us on this wild journey that takes you through some of the most remote parts of Ethiopia and to the most incredible tribes in the Omo valley; the Surma; Mursi. Ethiopia is a country that is rich with colourful history, amazing wildlife, breathtaking scenery and fascinating tribal groups that have resisted pressures of the modern world to hold onto their ancient traditions. The Surma tribe is so remote that it can take up to five days to reach them by car, stop at various sites along the way to enjoy the magnificent landscape of Africa with rolling hills and barren deserts. Discover Mago National Park, Ethiopia’s newest nature reserve and home to the Mursi tribe and herds of African Elephants, Grant’s gazelle and Burchill’s Zebra. The Mursi are known for their body scarification and (among the women) the wearing of lip plates. If you’re lucky, you will get the chance to witness the coming of age ritual practiced by this tribe of bull jumping.
Explore Kaffa region- the birthplace Coffee. Here wild Arabica coffee flourishes in the volcanic soils of the forest understory, high on the slopes of the surrounding mountains.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Addis Ababa
Accommodation: Jupiter International Hotel or Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast& Dinner
Day 2 – Arba Minch
After Sodo you skirt the western shores of Lakes Abaya and Chamo, the southernmost of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley Lakes, before arriving in Arba Minch, or “40 springs”, and check into Paradise Lodge. The Lodge is situated on a hill overlooking the narrow stretch of forested land, known locally as “the bridge of heaven”, which separates the two lakes.
Distance: 454 kms – approx. 8 hours
Accommodation: Paradise Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast& Dinner
Day 3 – Konso & Jinka
Located in southwestern Ethiopia, near the borders of Sudan and Kenya, Jinka is the largest town in the Debub Omo Zone. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. This remote market town is home to the Mursi people, who are well known for their elaborate lip plates made of clay. At the South Omo Research Center and Museum, visitors can learn more about the Mursi, as well as other groups in the region, through a series of exhibits detailing the cultures and customs of local tribes. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby Mago National Park, where abundant wildlife finds shelter in the dense acacia woodland.
Distance: 275 kms – approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Eco Omo Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast& Dinner
Day 4 – Jinka
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.
Accommodation: Eco Omo Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 – Jinka – Turmi
Distance: 132kms – 3 hours
Accommodation: Buska Lodge OR Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast& Dinner
Day 6 – Turmi
After lunch you will head towards the Omo River to Omo Rate, 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.
Accommodation: Buska Lodge OR Similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast& Dinner
Day 7 – Kibish
Distance: 140 kms – 3 hours
Accommodation: Camping, Kibish
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch& Dinner
Day 8 – Kibish
Accommodation: Camping, Kibish
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch& Dinner
Day 9: Kibish
Piercing and lip plates are a strong part of the Suri culture. At the point of puberty most women have their bottom teeth removed in order to get their lower lip pierced. Once the lip is pierced, it’s then stretched and a lip plate is then placed in the hole of the piercing.
Accommodation: Camping, Kibish
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 – Bonga
Today you will depart from Kibish and the Surma Villages, leaving with fond memories of a truly unique way life that is unparalleled to anything you will find in the Western world. You will be driven to Bonga. On the way, we will shortly stop at the Bebeka coffee plantation, where coffee, tea, spices and rubber trees are cultivated and we may learn about the local coffee production.
Distance: 280kms – 7hrs
Accommodation: Local Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11: Full Day in Kaffa Region (The Origins of Coffee)
Distance: 361kms- 7hrs
Accommodation: Local Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12: Welsio
After breakfast, we continue to Welsio via Jimma. On the way, we will visit the palace of the former Kafa king Ras Abba Jifar II overlooking the town and the adjacent coffee forests. The palace is a relic of a glorious past when coffee trade gave the king wealth and power. The then economically strong region remained independent from the Ethiopian empire until 1930.
Distance: 361kms- 7hrs
Accommodation: Negash Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13: Addis Ababa- 160 kms- 2:30 hrs drive
Following breakfast we’ll depart Weliso for Wenchi. Wenchi is a highland area, situated 30km west of Woliso. The area is famed for its beautiful mountainous landscape and stunning crater lake. Upon arriving at the lake, you can hike (or take a horse) down to the base of the lake. At the lakeside, we will have lunch and then take a short boat ride out to an old monastery with a church which is situated on one of the lakes islands. After lunch, you will have the option to hike back or else take a horse if you feel like it. Then after, we will head to Addis Ababa. Arrival time back in Addis Ababa will be around 4.00 pm and in the evening you will have a fare well dinner party and then be transferred to airport for your departure.
Distance: 160kms- 7hrs
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Request An Offer
Price and Inclusions :
USD 3,298 – Prices are per person based on 2 people travelling together. Prices guideline only, actual price will depend on final itinerary, accommodation choices, and time of year.
Includes
- Airport transfers and road transport around Addis Ababa by private minibus.
- Road transport by standard 4WD with English speaking driver/ guide, including fuel, driver allowances and accommodation.
- Accommodation based on double/ twin room sharing.
- Meal plan Breakfast and Dinner. Full board during camping days
- Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts and boats for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- Camping equipment except sleeping bags, cook etc
- All government taxes for the services included in the tour price.
Excludes:
- Domestic flights and visa fees.
- Lunches and dinners, unless stated as included above.
- Activities not mentioned or stated as optional in the itinerary.
- Fees for photos and video.
- Other personal expenses, souvenirs, tips and gratuities, etc