Lost Tribes of Ethiopia - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrival day.

Today we start travelling to the south of Ethiopia, a region noted for its enormous variety of peoples and cultures. Many of these populations are nomadic or semi-nomadic and, far from the influence of the modern world, their ancient traditions have remained intact. After leaving Addis Ababa, we pass through the high mountain plateau. (BD)

We visit Nechisar National Park, which has been described as one of the most beautiful of Africa’s game parks. A wide variety of wildlife lives here, including lion, cheetah and zebra. We also take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, inhabited by hippo and crocodile. (BLD)

We pass through the territories of several different tribes on our way to Jinka, including the Dorze, famous for their beehive huts, the Konso, who erect totem poles on the tombs of their ancestors, and the semi-nomadic Borena. On Day 5 we visit the Mursi tribe, perhaps the most famous of the people of the Omo Valley, whose women are famous for extending their lower lips with the use of clay discs, and whose men are known for their practice of stick fighting. (Day 4 - BD, Day 5 - BLD)

Here the track stops. Travelling through open savannah and often encountering herds of oryx and gazelle, we head towards Murile. We visit the Karo tribe, masters of body decoration who use chalk to paint themselves. We will also visit the Hamer people, known for their remarkable hairstyles. (BLD)

Today we visit the colourful market of Dimeka and mingle with different tribes like the Karo, Dus, Korcho, Hamer and Geleb. There are many intersting handicrafts to be found too - don’t forget to bargain. Hopefully we will also be invited into a couple of homes. (BLD) Day 8, TURMI Today we visit the Geleb tribes, crossing the Omo River by boat. The people of Geleb have their own distinctive dress and decoration and villages with interesting architecture. In the afternoon we drive back to Turmi and spend the night camping. (BLD)

Today’s drive offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding scenery including the terraced hills of Konso. Along the way, we may be lucky enough to see beisa oryx, dik-dik, and lesser kudu. We visit Konso village where the people are known for their colourful, traditional dress and the unusual engraved wooden statues or totems they use as grave markers. (BLD)

Today we take a very scenic drive to El Sod village. Here we take a short hike to visit 'the house of salt', on the edge of a deep crater lake. We also drive to Dublock to visit the 'singing well'. (BLD)

On the way to Awasa we stop at Wenago to visit the Tutu Fella stelae field - an unusual collection of carved stones. We then continue to Lake Awasa, which is surrounded by mountains and populated by countless species of birds. On arrival, we visit the fish market. (BD)

After a short drive we arrive at Wondo Genet, the site of an inactive crater and an area of hot springs. We then continue to Langano where the rest of the day is free; those who wish may visit the nearby park around lakes Abyata and Shala. The park provides beautiful views over the two lakes and the valley covered in acacia trees. Numerous birds, including the pink flamingo, live on the shores. (B)

We return to Addis Ababa. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or perhaps indulge in a bit of last minute shopping. (B)

Tour ends. (B)