Yama Ethiopia Tours is always ready to plan and escort your family's trip through the cultural villages of the South Omo Valley. Designed with families in mind, this nine-day journey combines the terraced landscapes and craft traditions of Konso, hands-on encounters with the Banna and Hamer communities near Turmi, hikes and village life with children's games, singing, and shared meals, and a relaxing day on the shores of Chamo Lake, before returning to Addis Ababa with a visit to Merkato market.
Itinerary
| Day | Day Activities | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Friday — Travel Day Travel day, en route to Addis Ababa. | — |
| Day 02 | Saturday — Addis, Arba Minch, Konso On arrival, your guide will be waiting at the parking area where guests exit with their luggage. Enjoy a city tour and drive into the Entoto Mountains to visit the historical Entoto Maryam Church and the nearby 19th-century 'palace' (a large villa) of Emperor Menelik. Drive back to the city for a good snack, then depart for Arba Minch — on arrival, the bus will pick guests up from the airport and drive to Konso. If time allows, guests can make an excursion to a nearby village; a visit to New York (Konso's famous eroded landscape) and the Konso chief can also be arranged on Day 3. | Kanta Lodge — Lunch: Kanta Lodge, Dinner: Kanta Lodge |
| Day 03 | Sunday — Konso Villages: Debana, Bushu and Busso Walk to visit pottery makers and continue on to a nearby church, taking in part of a church meeting. Walk to the bus and continue to a village with a weaver and blacksmith, walking through the village, playing pingpong, and visiting a field with Waka figures (carved wooden grave markers). Return to the bus and find a spot for a picnic under a tree, then drive to Busso to walk to the medicine man and sing with the children on the central square. | Kanta Lodge — Breakfast: Kanta Lodge, Lunch: Picnic, Dinner: Kanta Lodge |
| Day 04 | Monday — Drive to Turmi A long drive to Turmi, visiting the Banna tribe along the way and taking a hike through their village. Late arrival at Buska Lodge. | Buska Lodge — Breakfast: Kanta Lodge, Lunch: Key Afer, Dinner: Buska Lodge |
| Day 05 | Tuesday — Hike to Hamer Village Morning visit to Dimeka market, with lunch back at Buska Lodge. In the afternoon, take a long hike to a Hamer village and spend time in Bita. Evening activities include visiting local huts to drink coffee and taste local food, playing games with the children, and watching the Evangadi dance. | Camping — Breakfast: Buska Lodge, Lunch: Buska Lodge, Dinner: At the Campsite |
| Day 06 | Wednesday — Hamer Village and Hike Hike around the village, playing football with the children, learning each other's songs and words, and creating necklaces together with the women — guides bring materials to craft alongside the community. If possible, try activities such as grinding grain between two stones, or milking a goat or cow. Walk back to Buska Lodge, taking a different route where possible. | Buska Lodge — Breakfast: At the Campsite, Lunch: At the Campsite, Dinner: Buska Lodge |
| Day 07 | Thursday — Long Ride to Arba Minch Drive to Arba Minch, with lunch in Konso along the way. Aim to arrive at the lodge in good time so the group can rest, enjoy the view, and make use of the swimming pool. | Paradise Lodge — Breakfast: Buska Lodge, Lunch: Kanta Lodge, Dinner: Paradise Lodge |
| Day 08 | Friday — Chamo Lake A day on the lake — hiking to enjoy nature and spot zebras, and fishing at the shore alongside local fishermen. | Paradise Lodge — Breakfast: Paradise Lodge, Lunch: Picnic, Dinner: Paradise Lodge |
| Day 09 | Saturday — Return to Addis Transfer to Arba Minch airport and fly to Addis Ababa. After lunch at a good restaurant with a mixed choice of food, burgers, or snacks, visit Merkato and, if time allows, enjoy an extra excursion before dinner at a nice restaurant. End of the trip. | Departure — Breakfast: Paradise Lodge, Lunch: Addis Ababa, Dinner: Addis Ababa |