Tours in Omo Valley
Safari tours in Africa are a very popular and unique. You will experience and see things found nowhere else in the world. Omo Valley tours usually start between $1,000 and $1,500 U.S. dollars for a 7 day trip. You can begin your travels by flying into Addis Ababa, which is the capital of Ethiopia. Tourists have the option of exerpiencing the local tribes in their villages or exploring the national parks.
The Omo River is also popular destination for white water rafters. Tours through the valley can only be achieved by a four wheel drive vehicle. It is advised that you use a certified travel agent to book your tour through Soutern Ethiopia.
A tour to the lower Omo Valley usually begins by driving through the Great Rift Valley. You can stop at Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya, which are two of the most popular lakes. Here you will find the majority of your African wildlife to include hippos and crocodiles. You also can visit the Nechisar National Park where you will see zebras and gazelles running wild. While on your tour, you may have the option to visit the Omo National Park and the Mago National Park. You will also experience the African culture in several of the villages. Each village has its own unique tribe with their own traditional customs and beliefs.
Their are several villages to visit on your journey through Omo Valley. The villages offer market daysWooden African Hut where you will most likely see many of the tribal people. Some villages can be difficult to reach and virtually impossible during the rainy season impossible.
Arba Minch is the largest town before reaching the Omo Valley. It is located west of the Great Rift Valley. The town has bus and taxi services. It also has an airport and is home to the Arba Minch University. Tourist often visit the Rift Valley Lakes
Chencha is a small village where you will find the Dorze people.
The Dimeka village is often visited by the Hamar people. The market of Dimeka is often considered to be the most colorfulness. Here you will find grain, butter and a local brew being sold.
Jinka is the capital of the area. This is a town that can be reached by vehicles or planes. You will also find hotels and a museum dedicated to the Omo Valley tribes. The Mago National Park is located south of the town and is a common tourist attraction. Several tribes can be seen trading in the Jinka market.
At the Karo village you will find elders from the Karo tribe. They welcome tourists, as they expect money from photos taken with them.
Key Afer is a very remote village. Here it is possible to see members of the Ari, Benna and Tsemay tribes.
Konso village is where the Konso people live. They are best known for their farming skills, totem poles and unique huts. There are several other smaller villages in and around Konso.
Murulle is in the heart of the Karo land. Here you will see the Karo tribe and can experience some of their ritual dancing.
Tulgit is a very remote area where you can find the Suri and Mursi people. The Mursi and Suri are are known for their lip plates and body painting. Most villages here our reached by hiking.
Turmi Village is home to the Hamar people. They have very small but colorful markets here where you can find gourds that are used as shopping baskets by the locals. If your timing is right, you could possibly witness a bull jumping ceremony.