6-Day Adventure to Nech Sar National Park & Omo Valley Cultu

Fly from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch and begin with an early morning boat trip across Lake Chamo toward the grasslands of Nech Sar National Park. Enjoy sightings of Burchell’s zebra, Grant’s gazelle, greater and lesser kudu, Swayne’s hartebeest, dik-dik, and diverse birdlife.

Stop at the famous “crocodile market”, where some of the largest crocodiles in East Africa gather, alongside hippos and aquatic birds.

Return to Arba Minch for a fresh local fish lunch with panoramic views of Lakes Abaya and Chamo.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the lush forest of the Forty Springs, alive with monkeys, baboons, and rich birdlife.

Overnight: Hotel/Lodge

After breakfast, drive 35 km north into the highlands to visit the vibrant Dorze community. Explore their iconic beehive-shaped bamboo houses, weaving traditions, and mountain-top lifestyle. Learn about their food culture and enjoy stunning highland views.

Overnight: Dorze area or Arba Minch

Begin the day with a scenic walk to the beautiful Dorze–Chencha waterfall, where a refreshing natural bath is possible. Continue to the local Dorze market, known for colorful woven textiles and handmade crafts.

Drive onward to Konso, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape, to explore the Konso people’s unique stone-walled settlements, terracing, and ancient traditions.Continue to Turmi, the homeland of the Hamar people. Overnight: Emerald Lodge, Turmi

Drive south to Omo Rate to visit the Dassanech tribe, Cushitic-speaking pastoralists who live along the Omo River near the Kenya border. Enjoy genuine interactions and learn about their lifestyle and traditions.

Return to Turmi for lunch. In the afternoon, visit a Hamar tribal market (on market days: Monday, Thursday, Saturday).

Optional cultural experiences:

• Hamar Bull Jumping Ceremony

• Evangadi Traditional Dancing Ceremony

Overnight: Emerald Lodge, Turmi

After breakfast, drive to Korcho Village, home of the Karo (Kara) tribe—famed for intricate body and face painting. Meet the community along the Omo River and, if interested, enjoy a Karo-style face painting. Return to Turmi for lunch. Optional attendance at Hamar cultural ceremonies if available. Continue to Jinka, the gateway to the Mursi territory. Overnight: Nasa Hotel

Depart early for a scenic 50 km drive into Mago National Park, home to the distinctive Mursi tribe, one of Ethiopia’s most iconic indigenous communities. The Mursi are a semi-nomadic agro-pastoral people, known particularly for the large lip plates worn by women as a symbol of cultural identity and beauty.

During your visit, you will have the opportunity to engage respectfully with the Mursi, observe their traditional daily routines, and learn about their rich cultural heritage, including their rituals, clothing, and social customs. Witness how they move seasonally across their territory in search of fresh grazing and farming grounds, and gain a deeper understanding of their intimate connection with the land.

This immersive experience offers a rare chance to appreciate the Mursi’s unique way of life while photographing and interacting in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner.