hidden tribes of ethiopia

Africa
hidden tribes of
ethiopia
trip highligh­­­ts
Witness traditional lifestyles of various
tribal groups in the Omo Valley
Lake Chamo boat trip to view hippos and water birds
Spectacular Rift Valley scenery
Trip Duration7 days
GradeAdventure touring
ActivitiesAdventure Touring
Summary7 day trip and 6 nights hotel
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for your interest in our Hidden Tribes of Ethiopia trip. At
World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track
experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming
face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions
of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our
unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the
enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have
been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure
holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience,
designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our
vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible
tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include
trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World
Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for
a life changing experience!!
1 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 2/26/2016 3:46:13 PM
Trip Code: TOE
why travel with World Expeditions?
When planning travel to remote and challenging destinations, many
factors need to be considered. Our extra attention to detail and
seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a
memorable experience in Africa. We take every precaution to ensure
smooth logistics, our vehicles and equipment are the best available on
the market. Most importantly, our adventures have always sought to
benefit the local peoples we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we
explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we
experience. You will be accompanied by local guides whose knowledge
and passion will add a unique dimension to your trip. Their experience
and enthusiasm ensures that we maintain the leading edge in adventure
travel and therefore providing excellent value for money. Our group size
is small, never exceeding a maximum number of sixteen. Given our
local knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we are quite sure
that this tour will be a trip of a lifetime.
hidden tribes of ethiopia
Visit the fascinating tribes of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Ārba Minch
Jinka
Turmi
Kenya
trip dates
2016
17Nov - 23Nov
29Dec - 04Jan
2017
21Jan - 27Jan
23Jan - 29Jan
02Feb - 08Feb
07Feb - 13Feb
09Mar - 15Mar
19Oct - 25Oct
16Nov - 22Nov
28Dec - 03Jan
important notes
NB: - For Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) Festival
itinerary - refer to Hidden Tribes of Ethiopia
Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) Festival trip
Note: - Similar dates in 2017.
Note: - prices valid up to 31/12/2016. For trips departing
after this date, the price will likely increase subject to
local inflationary pressures on operational costs.
trip cost
Joining Addis Ababa:£1490
All prices are per person
options & supplements
Single Supplement:
£190
World Expeditions does not require single travellers
to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will
arrange for you to share accommodation with
another traveller of the same gender and if we can
not match you up we will provide a single room at
no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single
supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.
The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
For competitive airfares and stopover ideas
to join this adventure, contact our expert staff
today to receive a detailed quote.
Want a private trip?
Book this trip as a private
departure just for you and your group
on your chosen date. Contact us for
conditions, costs and availability.
Somalia
the trip
For thousands of years the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia was a crossroads for droves of
people migrating to new lands. Today, it is undoubtedly one of the most unique places on
earth because of the sheer diversity of tribal groups that live in this remote area of the Great
Rift Valley. This is an extraordinary opportunity to immerse in the fabric of some of these
societies, including the Mursi, Hamer and Karo tribes, each with their distinct culture. Expect
a real adventure with conditions basic; the Omo Valley being an incredible reminder of an
Africa that has not yet seen modernisation. From Addis Ababa we drive to the Omo Valley
region and enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo to spot hippos and an array of water birds. For
the next few days we move from village to village, witnessing traditional lifestyles. The Mursi
traditions, whose women insert large clay plates in their lower lips, and the Hamer, who scar
and paint their bodies in a mark of their culture, are incredibly fascinating. Returning to Addis
Ababa at the conclusion of our trip we reflect on this memorable experience of untouched
cultures, ceremonies and astounding natural environments.
about your leader/escort
Please note that a driver plus an English‑speaking tour leader will accompany this trip
throughout for groups of 6 or more people. For groups smaller than this, a driver‑guide
(english‑speaking) plus local guides at each location will accompany the group. Vehicles used
are 4WD (4 people per vehicle, plus the driver)
at a glance
DAY 1DRIVE FROM ADDIS TO ARBAMINCH, (450KM) VIA HOSSANA
DAY 2BOAT TRIP ON LAKE CHAMO, DRIVE TO JINKA
DAY 3MURSI VILLAGE VISIT, JINKA MUSEUM, DRIVE TO TURMI
DAY 4KARO AND HAMER VILLAGES
DAY 5RETURN TO ARBAMINCH, VIA KONSO TRIBAL VILLAGE
DAY 6DORZE VILLAGE, TO LAKE LANGANO
DAY 7RETURN TO ADDIS ABABA, TRIP CONCLUDES ON ARRIVAL
what’s included
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners
3 star hotels wherever possible on twinshare basis
private 4WD transport
local guides in each location (English speaking guide throughout for 6 or more
guests)
driver‑guide plus local guides for each location (for 5 or less guests)
entry fees as per itinerary
boat trip on Lake Chamo
Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the
adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the
local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of
cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have
chosen a policy not to ask for such payments.
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Drive from Addis to Arbaminch, (450km) via Hossana
The name of Addis Ababa, in Amharic, means “new flower”. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is
located at 2,500 meters above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain.
2 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 2/26/2016 3:46:13 PM
hidden tribes of ethiopia
Visit the fascinating tribes of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia
It enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25°C. You will need to
fly in a day prior to the trip departure; Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the world and
the altitude may fatigue you easily... so take it easy when you arrive. If you have time in Addis Ababa
before/after the trip you can undertake a tour of this fascinating city, and visit the National Museum,
take in the city’s wide, tree-lined streets or the bustle of the “Mercato” (market). This colourful
market has an array of fascinating goods and curios, providing a great place for exploration and
people watching. Throughout the city there are shops that sell typical artisan wares, materials and
antiques.
This morning we depart Addis Ababa at 08:00hrs. Please be ready in the lobby of the hotel specified
on your tour voucher at 07:30hrs. There is a long drive to Arbaminch via Hossana (450km). This is
the region inhabited by the people of the Guragie, who were once nomads but are now farmers.
A long section of the road offers magnificent views of Lake Abaya, surrounded by mountains. The
lake has volcanic origins and is almost pink in color. Overnight Paradise Lodge or Swaynes Hotel (or
similar).
meals: L,D
DAY 2Boat trip on Lake Chamo, drive to Jinka
This morning we enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo - one of the best in Ethiopia. There is a chance to
spot many hippos and large concentrations of giant crocodiles. Water birds abound and the scenery
is truly unforgettable. The lake is about 32km long and provides a lush wetland habitat for many
species of flora and fauna. In the afternoon we drive to Jinka (250km, 5-6 hr drive). Overnight Jinka
Resort (or similar)
meals: B,L,D
DAY 3Mursi village visit, Jinka Museum, drive to Turmi
Today our journey begins with an excursion to a Mursi village (approx 66km from Jinka). The Mursi
are one of the original ethnic groups in Ethiopia. They live in very low huts made of straw leaves. The
women like to wear terra cotta jewellery on their enormously stretched lower lips and ear lobes. The
men are famous for their hairstyle. Then we visit the Jinka Museum, which contains the Southern
Omo Research Centre’s permanent cultural collection and continuing research of the various ethnic
groups and provides an in-depth overview into the people and traditions of the Omo Valley. This
afternoon we drive to Turmi (120km), one of the largest towns in the region. Overnight Buska Lodge
or Turmi Lodge (or similar)
meals: B,L,D
DAY 4Karo and Hamer villages
This morning we begin with a memorable excursion to the Karo Tribe (approx 63km drive), who
are very famous for their body painting. The Karo people use clays and locally available vegetable
pigments to trace fantastic patterns on each other’s faces, chests, arms, and legs. Karo men, as with
neighbouring tribes, are also famous for their unique hairstyle. In the afternoon we visit a Hamer
village. The Hamer tribe (also called Hammer or Hamar) is one of the largest groups in the Valley. The
Hamer cultivate millet, vegetables, tobacco and cotton as well as raising cattle and goats. They are
known for the fine pottery they produce as well as their remarkable hairstyling. Most dramatic of all
are the clay hair buns with ostrich feathers that the men don when they have killed a fierce animal.
These hair buns stay on for 3-6 months at a time. The women wear beaded necklaces and iron coils
around their arms and decorate their skin with cowry shells. These decorations indicate the wealth
and prestige of a woman’s husband. We return to Turmi in the evening. Overnight Buska Lodge or
Turmi Lodge (or similar)
meals: B,L,D
DAY 5Return to Arbaminch, via Konso tribal village
As we have seen already, Ethiopia has a huge diversity of ethnic groups and today we will witness
the distinguishing behaviour of another of these. We travel north to Arbaminch (approx 270km), en-
3 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 2/26/2016 3:46:13 PM
hidden tribes of ethiopia
Visit the fascinating tribes of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia
fast facts
Countries Visited:
Ethiopia
Visas:
Please check visa requirements with
your reservations consultant*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Private Groups:
Private group options are
available for this trip*
Singles:
A single supplement is available for this trip*
Leader:
Expert local guides for each section
Brochure Reference:
Africa, Middle East
*Ask our staff for more information.
route visiting a Konso tribal village - a World Heritage listed site of cultural significance. Invariably
built on hilltops as protection from the lowland tribes, traditional Konso villages are surrounded by
high stonewalls and encompass separate compounds, with outlying terraced agricultural fields. You
will be fascinated by the unique architectural aspects, largely unchanged cultural heritage and social
cohesion of the village, and how it has adapted to its harsh environment. Another highlight is the
famous ‘wagas’ - a funerary tradition where magnificent carved wooden sculptures were created in
honour of Konso warrior heroes who have killed an enemy or animal, and often grouped to represent
the man, his wives and his adversaries. Overnight Paradise Lodge or Swaynes Hotel (or similar)
meals: B,L,D
DAY 6Dorze village, to Lake Langano
We visit a Dorze village this morning (approx 30km drive). One of the smaller ethnic groups, the
Dorze are known for their textile weaving and bee hive shaped huts. In the afternoon we drive to the
shores of Lake Langano, a freshwater lake popular with locals and tourists alike for its wildlife and
water sports. Overnight Sabanna Resort (or similar)
meals: B,L,D
DAY 7Return to Addis Ababa, trip concludes on arrival
This morning there is time to relax by the lake. After lunch we drive back to Addis Ababa (approx
210km), passing more Rift Valley Lakes on the way. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa this evening (at
approx 18:30hrs) trip arrangements conclude. We will be dropped off at central hotels or at the
airport (one group drop-off only). Transfers to the airport at any other time can be arranged for
additional cost. Accommodation in Addis can also be arranged for additional cost. Please ask your
consultant for details.
meals: B,L
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
suggested extensions
Ethiopia Explorer
Gorilla Adventure
Serengeti Explorer
Zanzibar Retreat
Kenya & Tanzania Safari in Comfort
Amboseli and Tsavo Excursion
Kenya Safari Extension
country information
Ethiopia, the ‘Horn of Africa’, is situated just north of the Equator in north‑eastern Africa. Long
known as Abyssinia, it stands between the cultures of the Mediterranean and the tribal people
of Africa and boasts the origins of humankind. Ethiopia is one of the largest countries in Africa
in both area and population, with an area of 1,235,000 square kilometres it is around twice
the size of Kenya or France. The population is approximately 82 million – with the densest
population in the fertile central highlands. Much of Ethiopia is still wild, and fosters a naivety
and freeness of spirit. It has been able to keep its own strong independent character and not
be marred by the ways of the colonists, still retaining ancient cultures untainted by western
influences. It is this uniqueness that gives Ethiopia such a magnetic appeal. Its people
have an incredible resilience and show a true pride in their culture and civilisation which is
apparent in their many colourful celebrations. Nearly 90% of all Ethiopians are engaged in
farming and cattle‑raising and live in the countryside. The peripheral inhabitants of Ethiopia
lead a nomadic and pastoral way of life, whereas the central highlands support farming
communities. The Christian highland peoples have followed a biblical, moral and civil code
4 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 2/26/2016 3:46:13 PM
hidden tribes of ethiopia
Visit the fascinating tribes of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia
responsible travel
The environments we travel through are
fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to
minimise the impact of our presence. World
Expeditions were the proud recipients of
the inaugural Australian National Travel
Industry’s Environmental Achievement award
for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This
detailed guide to responsible and sustainable
travel is provided to all World Expeditions
clients before they travel. Please ask your
consultant if you have not received your copy
of our award winning book. Alternatively,
you may like to download a copy from our
website www.worldexpeditions.com
trip grading
Adventure touring
Although there is no commitment to
extended walking on this journey we
nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on
the active’. There are regular early mornings
and late evenings throughout the trip and we
therefore advise that any physical training
you complete before undertaking the trip
will be to good effect. The fitter you are the
more this will enhance your experience.
adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that
you are flexible, positive and eager to
take on all the challenges that arise. If you
are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant or travel agent.
of behaviour for over 16 centuries. Experience Ethiopia’s rural culture and traditions and take
in the diversity of this remote land and its incredible people. This remarkable land holds an
awe‑inspiring journey.
climate
Ethiopia, although almost on the equator, experiences a temperate climate and sometimes
temperatures below freezing (in the Simien Mountains) due to its high altitude. Throughout the
highlands, where we will be travelling for the majority of this trip, the climate is moderate and
daytime temperatures rarely exceed 25 degrees C. Particularly in December and January, the
temperature drops at night to around 10 degrees C. The hottest months are April and May,
just before the main rains. Although Ethiopia has its famous slogan of “Thirteen Months of
Sunshine“ a year ‑ referring to the thirteen months of the Julian calendar ‑ there are two rainy
seasons a year: the irregular short rains from late January to early March and the long rains
that stretch from June until mid September. In the highlands, especially on the escarpment,
you must also be prepared for quite strong winds. One of the most ideal times to visit Ethiopia
is between October and January, when the rains have ceased and most of the plants are
green from having received a large amount of moisture.
a typical day
Being relatively close to the equator, Ethiopia has almost twelve hours of constant daylight no
matter what time of year you visit. With the sun rising at 6:30am and setting at 6:45pm, most
of our days start early so as to be at our hotel by sunset. The program for each day will vary,
according to whether we are travelling, visiting local villages or both.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian
diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please
ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to
your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen
adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or
alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with
special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a
peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for
the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food
allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.
accommodation on the trip
All accommodation is on a twin share basis, unless single rooms are requested and paid for in
advance. All rooms have ensuite bathroom. In Addis Ababa we use a 3‑4 star hotel. Outside
of the capital the accommodation can be basic. We will use the best available properties in
these instances.
5 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 2/26/2016 3:46:13 PM
hidden tribes of ethiopia
Visit the fascinating tribes of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia
important note pre and post tour accommodation
These trip notes represent the most
current information for this itinerary, and
may supersede any information in the
current brochure, including but not limited
to the itinerary and price. The itinerary
should be seen as a guide only. This
itinerary may change at any time due to
inclement weather, forces of nature and
other circumstances beyond our control.
This trip concludes on Day 7 in Addis Ababa at approximately 18:30hrs. Please plan your
onward journey accordingly. We strongly suggest you do not book a flight before 21:30hrs on
Day 7. Alternatively you may prefer to arrange an extra night in Addis Ababa and fly at your
leisure the following day.
what you carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location
and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as
sunscreen, lip balm etc.
equipment required
A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking.
vehicles & safety
During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose
and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety
may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have
seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus
transfers or specialised transport such as ‘tuk‑tuk’s’ could be another. Where seat belts are not
provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times.
what’s not included
international flights
airport and departure taxes
visa
arrival and departure transfers in Addis Ababa
bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
travel insurance
tips
info nights
World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These
special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced
and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or
register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to
register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
private groups
The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for
many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can
organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even
work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from
itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today.
6 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 2/26/2016 3:46:13 PM
hidden tribes of ethiopia
Visit the fascinating tribes of the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia
subscribe to our e-newsletter
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adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our
website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.
social networking
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WorldExpeditions
trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There
are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space
on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure
services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The
demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can
assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our
team at your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non
refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or
if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your
booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also
help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get
you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that
you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip.
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