ETHIOPIA

OVERVIEW

 

Ethiopia, Journey to the Land of Origins
Along the African Rift Valley to meet the last Omo Valley Tribes

​

This a journey out of the modern world into one of the last great tribal regions left in the world. We will follow the Great Africa Rift and its numerous lakes populated by hippos, crocodiles, pink flamingos and amazing birdlife until Lower Omo Valley. A travel experience through visually stunning landscapes, ranging from mountains to savannah.

 

Living in isolation, a vast number of tribal groups are within driving distance of one another. Each tribe has its own unique language, clothing, hairstyle and bodily ornamentation. Lifestyle has barely changed since centuries. People still live in simple makeshift huts, dress with animal skins and drink from calabashes. At the villages, we will have time to discover each other with respect as there is so much more individual beauty to be found beyond our cultural differences. We will search out the numerous markets, as the market is not only a place for buying and selling, but for gatherings between tribes and socializing.

 

This trip is about connecting with the people – with the tribes – whose traditions are being tested by a fast-changing world, while simultaneously experiencing ancient and beautiful cultures that may not be here in the near future.

​

​

ABOUT YOUR HOST ANNA TESHU

I was born in Brussels, Belgium. My mother tongue is French and I speak fluent English. I speak also some Spanish, Dutch and German. I love traveling and meeting people from all around the world - so far I have travelled over 60 countries. As travel photographer, I produce work for magazines and have been featured in several travel guide books.

​

My very sociable, easygoing, Ethiopian husband was born in the village of Tiss Abay (which means Nile Smokes) just beside the Blue Nile Falls. He studied Tourism and has worked as tourist guide and travel agent for many years showing guests the best of Ethiopia. His mother tongue is Amharic but he speaks fluent English and French and some Spanish, Dutch, Japanese and German.

​

​

ITINERARY

​

DAY 1 The great African Rift Valley
Arrival at Addis Abeba airport. Meeting with your guide and welcoming breakfast with your first Ethiopian coffee from the Land of Origins. Drive along the Great Rift Valley, that great tectonic fault line which cuts across East Africa. Superb panorama over the valley dotted with numerous lakes perfect for boat tour. Visit Ziway lake to see hippos as well as birds - marabouts, cormorants, ibis, herons - all live here.
Overnight in Ziway, Hailé Resort or similar.

 

DAY 2 Dorze Tribes
Today we continue our road to the southern fertile lands with their fields of bananas, cereals and tobacco, crossing the territories of Weilayta, Sodo and Alaba. Head to Gughe Mountain chain entering into the territory of the Dorze tribes. Their beehive- shaped houses are among the most distinctive traditional structures to be seen anywhere in Africa. Visit the village and experience Kocho staple food preparation, cotton weaving and their daily activities. Explore
the Dorze market where women trade fruits, vegetables, spices, clothes, scarves, fabrics and tobacco, while the men meet around Araki, a local alcohol, reputed to be the best one.
Overnight Dorze Lodge or similar.

 

DAY 3 Konso Tribes

We will drive to the Konso Territories in a landscape of gentle hills. Visit to Konso fortified villages. These walled hilltop settlements can only be reached via a limited number of steep footpaths. The Konso celebrate brave men by
unique carved sculptures called Wagas. Featuring the hero, his wives and the enemy he defeated they are on public display in the villages. Overnight Konso, Korbeta Lodge or similar.

​

 

DAY 4 Meeting at the Tribal Markets

Visit to Dokatu Market, 2 km west of Konso. From its hilltop location, it offers great views over the Rift Valley. In the market, you will find crops, along with traditional skirts, cheka (local beer) and Etan (incense). The weekly Key Afar market is next. It's one of the most colorful markets, visited by Hamer, Benna, Tsemai and Ari tribes.
We continue through bushy savannah to the small town of Jinka.

The Ari tribe that live here benefit from this green and fertile
region that allows them to cultivate cereals, coffee and fruits. They also harvest honey, which is often used as a bargaining tool. Their homes are decorated with beautiful murals made by the women.
Overnight Jinka, Eco Omo lodge or similar.

 

 

DAY 5 Mago National Park and the Mursi tribes

Today we'll first see Mago National Park where Bushbuck, Dik Dik, Baboons and Colobus monkeys can be seen. Then we drive to the Mursi tribe, known for body scarification and women wearing lip plates. Stop at the South Omo Museum and Research Center for more information about the tribes. Our road runs through a dry and wild environment, where extensive stockbreeding predominates. Turmi, a little town, is a Hamer tribe stronghold. The semi-
nomadic pastoralists subsist on cattle breeding and cultivation of sorghum, millet, tobacco and cotton.
Overnight Emerald Lodge or similar.

 

​

​