Ethiopia, an old country beyond all imaginations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years. With over 80 different Ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in every ones daily life.
The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes the first-time visitor. Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains(25 of which are 12,000 feet high) broad savannah, lakes and rivers. The most famous volcano has been in a state of continuous eruption since 1967. Its small southerly crater is the only permanent lave lake on the planet.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Union church, an autonomous Christian Church headed by a patriarch and closely related to the Coptic Church of Egypt, was the state church of Ethiopia until 1974. About 40 percent of the people of Ethiopia are Christians, and Christianity is predominant in the north.
Ethiopia, an old country beyond all imaginations, has culture and traditions dating back over 3000 years. With over 80 different Ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in every ones daily life.
Early in the morning, Drive from Addis to Chencha via Hosaena. On the way you may have time to visit one of the following archeological sites of interest:
Tiya ancient stellae field a UNESCO World Heritage site
Adadi Maryam – rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela
Melka Kunture – pre-historic tool-making site
Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight in Arbaminch.
DAY 2 : Arbaminch - Turmi
In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the “Crocodile market” and the Hippopotamus. Afterwards, drive to Turmi via Erbore. Overnight in a lodge.
DAY 3 : Turmi
In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech/Gelleb/ tribe. Here you will cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a local Dassenech village. Afterwards, return to Turmi. If there is Bull jumping – a traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony - that will be visited. In the evening you can see the traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as evangadi. Overnight in a lodge.
DAY 4 : Turmi - Jinka
Drive to Jinka , via Dimeka and Key Afar. Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which are among of the most colorful markets in the area. In this market you can find tribes such as Tsemai, Benna, Hamer, Karo and Ari. Afterwards, continue to Jinka. Overnight in a Lodge.
DAY 5 : Jinka - Mago - Jinka
In the morning, drive to Mago national park to visit the Mursi tribe. The Mursi are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. In the afternoon, after returning to Jinka, you can visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes. Alternatively, take a hike in the surrounding hills and visit a local Ari village and then back to Jinka. Overnight in Jinka.
DAY 6 : Jinka - Konso
Depart from Jinka for Konso, The Konso people are known for their wooden totems erected in honor of dead warriors as well as their intricate agricultural terracing techniques. In the afternoon you will visit a local Konso village and the natural “New York” village. Overnight in Konso.
DAY 7 : Konso - Langano
In the morning, visit any remaining sites in Konso before continuing to Langano. Overnight at Lake Langano at Sabana Beach Resort.
DAY 8 : Langano - Addis
After a morning swim in the lake, you will visit lakes Abiatta and Shala. Lake Shala is a very deep crater lake (over 260 meters deep!) and Lake Abiatta is a soda lake, which attracts thousands of flamingos. After the visit, continue back to Addis. Dinner will be in traditional restaurant with cultural live music. Overnight in hotel or depart to your country.
