ETHIOPIA PHOGRAPHING TOUR TO SURMA AND OMO VALLEY

Ethiopia Travel to explore the indigenous culture of the Tribes in Southern Omo Valley and the Surma People and other tribes in western Ethiopia.

TOUR CODE: AAT 1117
DURATION: 14 DAYS/ 13 NIGHTS
SITE: Jimma, Mizan, Kibish, Sodo, Arbaminch, Konso, Jinka, Turmi
TRANSPORT: BY AIR & SURFACE

Tour Highlights

Explore the fascinating and strange cultures of the indigenous tribes of Ethiopia in a modern, air-conditioned 4WD.
Visit the Gurage, the Oromo, the Menit, the Konso, the Woito, the Hamer, the Karo, the Gelab, the Arbore, the Tsemay and the Oromo Borena in their villages
Explore the rich culture of the Surma tribe, well known for their stick fighting
Get to know the Mursi, where the women insert clay discs in their lower lips as a sign of beauty
Get to know the traditional lifestyles, colorful dresses and strange rituals as well as amazing hairstyles, body-painting or scaring
Enjoy indigenous forest and savannah as well as tea, coffee and spice plantations
Shop the stalls of Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa
Traditional Ethiopian farewell dinner with “coffee ceremony” and traditional dances of different ethnic groups.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
WELCOME TO ETHIOPIA. On arrival in Addis Ababa our representative will meet you at Bole
International Airport. After transfer to your hotel an overview of the program will be given. The rest of the day visit historical sites in Addis Ababa including the National Archaeological Museum, where the 3,6 million year old skeletal remains of “Lucy” rest, which were discovered in 1974. Proceed to UNITY PARK at the National Palace, the Holy Trinity Cathedral and Mount Entoto, which rises up to an altitude of 3200 meters and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis. Overnight hotel

Day 2: Fly to Jimma
WELCOME TO ETHIOPIA. After arrival in Bole International Airport and taking care of passport control and luggage formalities, you will be met by an African Adventure Tours representative and then transfer to the domestic terminal for flight to Jimma. Jimma, the largest city in southwestern Ethiopia, is our destination for the evening. It used to be the capital of the former Kaffa Province, and it is this region, which is recognized as the home of the Coffea arabica, or coffee. Overnight Boni Hotel .

Day 3: Drive Jimma to Mizan Teferi
Today, we will be continuing our southwest routing as we make our way to Mizam Teferi. The 240km drive (approximately 7-hour drive) is made up of a mosaic of forest and cultivated land dominated by coffee, tea and various spices, and we will have ample opportunity to stop and take advantage of any photographic opportunities we may encounter. Overnight Salayish Hotel

Day 4: Drive Mizan Teferi to Kibish (Surma Tribe)
This morning is an exciting travel day as we head deep into the little-visited portion of southwestern Ethiopia. En route we pass through Bebeka coffee plantation (located about 30km outside Mizan), which is the largest and oldest coffee plantation in Ethiopia. Passing through the town of Tulgit, will finally arrive in Kibish, where we will be camping for the next three nights. Much of our focus today will be photographing the fabulous Suri people, who due to their remoteness are one of the least visited of the tribes. The Surma/Suri are pastoralists, placing much value on their cattle, which they protect vigorously against theft from neighboring tribes. The Suri however also steal livestock from their enemies, and in recent times there has been more pressure on their grazing lands due to input of people from adjacent Sudan who have been displaced by civil war, resulting in not-infrequent fighting in the area.
Overnight Camping at Kibish

Day 5 & Day 6: Kibish area (Surma Tribe)
We have two full days to explore and photograph the fascinating Suri, making the most of our time in this remote region of Ethiopia. Overnight Camping in Kibish

Day 7: Drive Kibish to Jimma
After a scrumptious breakfast prepared by our camp crew, we depart for a full day drive (approximately 10 hours) back to Jimma where we will overnight. Overnight Boni Hotel

Day 8: Drive Jimma to Sodo
Today is another interesting drive (approximately 10 hours) from Wolita Sodo, gateway to the Eastern Omo Valley. We will take regular stops en – route to stretch our legs and will take advantage of any possible photo opportunities that we come across. Overnight hotel

Day 9: Drive Arba Minch, 300 Kms about 4 - 5 hours drive
Drive to Arba Minch visititing Chencha and the Dorze village en route. The village is high in the mountains north of Arba Minch. The Dorze are well known as master weavers and live in interesting igloo-shaped houses. Arba Minch - meaning 'Forty Springs' in Amharic - takes its name from the bubbling streams that cover the forest and the flats of the town. Overnight Haile Resort

Day 10 Wednesday: Boat Trip on Lake Chamo then drive to Konso
After breakfast take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you can spot many hippos and spectacular concentrations of giant crocodiles. The water birds are great the scenery is unforgettable. Locals fish here in traditional fishing boats. Then after drive to Konso where you visit the Konso people, known for colorful dresses and unusually engraved wooden statues, used as grave markers. Overnight Kanta Lodge

Day 11: Drive Turmi
Continue along impressive land terracing to the village of the Woito people, near the Woito River.Then drive to further to visit Arbore people and their village. Finally arrive in Turmi Late afternoon. Overnight Buska Lodge

Day 12: Friday : Kangaten – Karo - Turmi
Departing Turmi at 6:30 AM, we will be heading to Kangaten, home to the Nyangatom tribe that historically are said to be a split group from the Toposa tribe of South Sudan. Settled on the other side of the Omo River, we will be crossing the Omo River where we will be able to access and visit remote tribal villages. The teenage boys are lively and like to play much of the day. The women are topless and wear many strands of heavy beads, the girls are playful and love to have their images taken.
Leave the village and then Head to Karo village and visit the Karo people. Settled on the banks of the Omo River, this tribe is known for their creative and decorative body chalk painting.
We will be bringing a picnic lunch with us. Evening at the Buska Lodge in Turmi.
If we hear of a bull jumping ceremony we will alter our schedule and be sure to photograph it.

Day 13: Saturday: Drive Turmi to JInka
Today after we had breakfast, we drive to JInka town. We will have lunch in Jinka and in the Afternoon visit to the Ari village. Overnight Eco Omo Lodge.

Day 14: Jinka – Mursi - Jinka – Addis Departure
After breakfast leave Jinka and drive to the Mursi village to visit and appreciate the very amazing culture of the Mursi tribe. They are renowned for the strange custom followed by their women who, on reaching maturity, have their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted. Then drive back to Jinka For lunch, Then after transfer to Jinka Airport for flight to Addis. . ET 135 Departs Jinka at 14:15 and arrives in Addiss Ababa at 15:25. Shopping in Addis Ababa, after dinner transfer to Addis Ababa Airport for departure.

Trip Information

Inclusions
We respect your personal preference on what is to be included and not included on the tour cost.
But as a standard included in our given prices are meet and greet at airport, All accommodation, Meals in Addis, on bed and breakfast basis, Meals out of Addis, on full board basis, All entrance fees at sites, churches, parks and villages, All ground transportation according to the itinerary and Guide service.

Exclusions
International flights, Lunch and Dinner in Addis Ababa , Any drinks including local non-alcoholic beverage and alcoholic drinks, Video filming and photography fees, Incidental meals, snacks and drinks and Tips and items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc

Visa and Immigration Requirements
Most nationals require a visa for entry into Ethiopia. The easiest way to get Ethiopian Visa is to get it on line thttps://www.evisa.gov.et/ . Again visa can be obtained at Ethiopia’s diplomatic missions overseas.. The last option is to get visa on arrival at Bole International Airport; nationals of 33 countries are now allowed to receive their tourist visas on arrival in Ethiopia at the regular charge. The list includes Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greek, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Thailand, citizens of United Kingdom and United States.

How to get in to Ethiopia
Addis Ababa is a major hub for international airlines. Ethiopian Airlines, the national airline of Ethiopia, provides excellent links with East, West and South Africa, Europe and the Middle East, with connections to America and the Far East. The national airline also offers domestic services to the major towns in Ethiopia, as well as most regional centers. All international services arrive at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. Other airlines serving Ethiopia include: Kenya Airways, Emirates, Egyptian, Alitalia, British Airways, Lufthansa, Saudi, Aeroflot, Yemeni, and Turkish Airways.
Luggage on tour
your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable. Soft rolling bag (we usually use a 22 inch roll aboard) are recommended.

Weather and Climate
There are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May; the wet season runs from June to September.
Generally except for June, July and August, most part of Ethiopia will be sunny and pleasant temperature to travel around.
When you travel to the north you are staying in higher altitude towns (Example Addis Ababa, Gondar, and Lalibela) the daily average Temperature is from 20 – 25 degrees and the temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. Evenings are fairly cold and you are advised to bring something warm for the evenings, like a sweater or warm Jacket.
Those travelling to the Southern Omo Valley of Ethiopia, the weather of this region will be sunny, hot and dry; the average temperatures is about 30 degrees. During the day the sun is strong. Shorts, Hats, sun glasses, sun creams, light cotton summer clothes and layers of clothes are recommended. Although the daytime temperatures are not very high, the sun is strong and people coming pale and pasty from a European winter should be careful of sunburn -long sleeved shirts may be advisable.

Currency
Travelers are advised to travel with American Dollar or Euro. Australian dollar cannot be exchanged in Ethiopia. There is ATM machine In Most of the Regions and one can withdraw money Visa or Master Card. Banks are places to exchange money.

Accommodation
Hotel rooms are basic but generally clean with en suite toilet and bath facilities (usually shower only). In many places hotel accommodation is limited; we utilize the best tourist class properties available. Hotel in Addis is 3-star international standard.

Transport
We will be using 4WD Land Cruisers, 4WD mini buses or Coaster buses depending on the conditions of the roads and the size of the group. All our vehicles are Air- conditioned.
For internal flights, we use the national airline Ethiopian Air lines, which offer excellent domestic services to the major towns in Ethiopia.

Greetings:
Handshaking is the usual mode of greeting, although friends or families who have not seen each other for some time will kiss on each cheek. (Displays of sexual intimacy, kissing or hugging, will arouse embarrassment among most Ethiopians.) Usually a handshake greeting is accompanied by a pleasant discussion on personal matters before getting down to business. The offer of tea or coffee is normal, and time is not that important. Smoking is not popular amongst traditional people, or in front of priests. Shoes are often taken off on entering churches, and always on entering mosques.

Security
Despite years of the civil wars in the previous regime, in terms of crime and robbers, Ethiopia is still a very safe country to visit, and Addis Ababa is still one of the safest capitals in Africa. Visitors should of course take the usual precautions, not carry large amounts of money with them and leave particularly valuable items with hotel reception. Both men and women visitors should be careful about hand and money bags, keeping them close at hand in crowded places. Like everywhere else, pick pockets and snatch thieves like to create some kind of diversion before making their move, so visitors should walk purposefully and be cautious about sudden introductions in the street.

Price includes

Price doesn’t include