top of page
Image by Sammy Wong

South Omo Backpackers
7 day Group Tour

If you've ever tried backpacking in Ethiopia, you know it can be tough. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of adventure or the ease of group travel while meeting like-minded people, this tour is designed to be the perfect way to explore the southern region on a budget. This is the ultimate experience for travelers who want to step off the beaten path and immerse themselves in Ethiopia’s fascinating tribal cultures, with a special focus on the Hamar tribe.

​

You’ll visit five distinct tribes—Ari, Mursi, Caro, Dorze, and Hamar—while gaining a deeper understanding of the Hamar way of life, all while enjoying authentic, off-the-beaten-track experiences that you won’t find elsewhere. With 60% of the activities being exclusive to our tours, you'll be immersed in real cultural connections and unforgettable moments. Plus, you’ll enjoy some local nightlife and the opportunity to meet new friends along the way.

​

This tour is recommended for travelers aged 21–40 who are seeking a budget-friendly, authentic cultural adventure.

​

You can book this tour as a group or join one of our next available dates to join a group and meet new people!

Sand
Image by Nazariy Kovalchuk

Day 1: Arrival & Ari Tribe

  • Pick-Up: Your adventure begins when I pick you up at 1:45 PM from Jinka Airport and drive you to your accommodation for the night (either Orit Hotel or a local guesthouse depending on availability).

  • Ari Tribe: We’ll start with a visit to the Ari tribe in Jinka, known for their clay pottery. You’ll learn about their pottery-making process and gain insight into their craftsmanship.

  • Cultural Introduction: If time allows, we’ll stop by the South Omo Valley Cultural Museum before having a group dinner. Over dinner, I’ll teach you some basic Hamar phrases and discuss culturally respectful behavior during the trip.

  • Stay: Orit Hotel in Jinka

food

Day 2: Market Visit & Hamar Village

  • Drive to Turmi: After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Turmi. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Alduba or Dimeka markets to explore local crafts and learn about the significance of market days in Omo Valley life.

  • Cooking Experience: Lunch will be a unique, hands-on cooking class at my mother’s house. You’ll get involved in making injera (a sour pancake made from teff), and she’ll share her spice secrets. You’ll even take home a recipe and spice packets to try it yourself.

  • Hamar Honey Harvesting: In the evening, we’ll visit a Hamar village to witness the traditional honey-harvesting process. You’ll have the chance to see how they gather honey, taste it, and learn about its importance in Hamar culture.

  • Stay: Local guesthouse in Turmi

Image by Sammy Wong

Day 3: Jewellery Making & Local Lunch

  • Morning: Start the day by learning about Hamar jewelry-making traditions. We’ll sit under mango trees while your guide explains the evolution of Hamar jewelry, and you’ll have the chance to make your own piece or select a design for later crafting.

  • Traditional Lunch: Next, we’ll have lunch with a local Hamar family. You’ll get involved in the food preparation, helping to grind maize or sorghum and learning about local herbs like moringa. You’ll also assist in preparing traditional Hamar coffee (made from husks, not beans).

  • Relaxation: After lunch, take a break back at your accommodation before heading out to a nearby rock for the best sundowner spot in the region.

  • Optional: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the local honey wine and enjoy the evening socializing with your group.

17890411834011086_edited

Day 4: Abore Tribe & Hamar Goat Night

  • Morning Visit to the Abore Tribe: Today, we’ll drive an hour to visit the Abore tribe. Their unique attire and customs will provide fascinating contrasts to the Hamar, and we’ll learn about their traditions and culture.

  • Evening Goat Roast: Later, you’ll experience the Hamar goat-roasting ceremony. We’ll gather around a campfire with your Hamar hosts, watching them roast a freshly slaughtered goat. You’ll have the option to participate in the process or simply observe, while your guide explains the cultural significance of the event. The evening will include storytelling, star-gazing, and socializing with the family.

  • Stay: We’ll camp overnight in the village, sleeping under the stars in tents with basic facilities (toilets and hand-washing stations).

17858563153100174

Day 5: Bull Jumping (Seasonal) & Night Dancing

  • Morning: Rise early to the sound of cow bells and enjoy morning coffee with the Hamar family. Then, head back to your campsite for breakfast before another exciting day.

  • Bull Jumping: If the timing aligns with the rainy season (which can be unpredictable), we’ll witness the incredible Hamar bull-jumping ceremony. This traditional rite of passage is when a young man leaps over a herd of cattle, a key part of their journey into adulthood. If bull jumping isn’t available due to weather, we’ll arrange an alternative cultural activity.

  • Evangadi (Night Dancing): In the evening, we’ll attend the Evangadi (night dancing) ceremony, where the community gathers to celebrate the bull-jumping and other rites of passage through vibrant dances.

  • Optional: After the cultural experiences, we can explore the local nightlife in Turmi, where you can enjoy a drink in local pubs or the “nightclub.”

Traditional village of Konso, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ethiopia

Day 6: Hamar Farming & Konso Tribe

  • Morning at Hamar Farm: After breakfast, we’ll visit a Hamar farm just 15 minutes from Turmi. You’ll meet a local family and participate in a range of activities, from learning how to start a fire with a stick to playing a local flute-like instrument. You’ll also get to try slingshot techniques for bird control.

  • Drive to Konso: We’ll then drive 5 hours to Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique terraced farming, fortified settlements, and carved wooden statues. You’ll gain insight into their fascinating culture and history.

  • Stay: Overnight in a local guesthouse in Konso.

Crocodile

Day 7: Arba Minch & Crocodile Safari

  • Morning Drive to Arba Minch: After breakfast, we’ll drive 2 hours to Arba Minch.

  • Crocodile Safari: Upon arrival, we’ll take a small boat on a private crocodile safari, where you might also spot hippopotamuses.

  • Stay: Enjoy your evening at Ezana Guesthouse or a nearby lodge. Dinner with views of the lakes and surrounding landscapes will be a perfect way to relax.

17869275523134653

Day 8: Dorze Tribe & Departure

  • Dorze Tribe: In the morning, we’ll visit the Dorze tribe, known for their weaving techniques. You’ll learn how they make their famous woven garments, prepare food from the false banana tree, and sample their local dishes and alcohol.

  • Lunch & Departure: After lunch, I’ll drop you off at the airport in time for your 3:45 PM flight back to Addis Ababa.

Ready for your next adventure?

Pricing

Pricing varies depending on the group size and season. Please contact us for a personalized quote. However, to give you an idea, an all-inclusive South Omo Tour, the cost is £800 per person for groups of 4. Please contact us for pricing details for different group sizes.

​

What's Included:

  • Accommodation: Stay in comfortable local guesthouses.

  • One Night Camping in a Hamar Village: Experience authentic village life with one night of optional camping. This includes tents, mattresses, bedding, basic toilets, and hand-washing facilities.

  • Meals & Drinks: All food and non-alcoholic beverages are included.

  • Expert Tour Guides: A knowledgeable guide from the Hamar tribe will accompany you throughout the trip, offering deep insights into the culture and traditions of the Hamar people. You will also be guided by expert representatives from each tribe you visit.

  • Exclusive Experiences: Access to unique cultural experiences that no other tour company offers.

  • Transport: All transportation during the tour, provided by a safe and experienced driver in a minibus or car.

  • Sustainability: Carbon offsetting for the trip to reduce our environmental impact.

  • Local Charity Donation: A contribution to local charitable initiatives, supporting the communities we visit.

  • Memories to Last a Lifetime: Authentic, immersive cultural experiences that create unforgettable memories.

​

What’s Not Included:

  • International Flights: Flights to Ethiopia are not included in the price.

  • Internal Flights: Estimated cost of £100 if flying with Ethiopian Airlines, or £200 with other airlines. We can assist with booking internal flights.

  • Travel Insurance: You’ll need to arrange your own travel insurance.

  • Alcoholic Drinks: These are not included in the price.

  • Souvenirs: You may wish to purchase souvenirs from the local markets or communities.

  • Optional Services: Additional lodge services, such as massages or special treatments, are available at an extra cost.

bottom of page