Here is an example of a budget backpacker 4-day tour departing from Arba Minch. Please keep in mind - this itinerary is a sample of what you may want to visit, it is fully customisable to you and your interests!
The dates and order that you visit each village may change depending on what day of the week you arrive in the Omo Valley. There are markets in different areas of the valley on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays where local tribes come to trade and sell goods. Bemnet Tours will plan your trip around these market days to ensure that you can experience them for yourself.
Arrive in Jinka and head to the Keyafer area to meet the Mursi tribe, known for their iconic lip plates, body scarification, and striking adornments.
Explore the colorful Keyafer Market, where Ari and Banna tribes trade livestock, handmade crafts, and everyday goods.
In the evening, travel to a nearby Banna village for a deep cultural experience.
Enjoy a traditional dinner and engage in local music, dance, and storytelling around the campfire.
Overnight: Camping in Banna village
Journey to Korcho Village, home to the Karo people, famed for their decorative body painting and dramatic views overlooking the Omo River.
Spend time interacting with the community and witnessing their way of life.
Continue to Turmi, the cultural heartland of the Hamar tribe, celebrated for their braided hairstyles, intricate beadwork, and traditional customs.
Optional: Attend a bull-jumping ceremony, a powerful rite of passage if available (additional cost).
Unwind in the evening at a peaceful campsite or local guesthouse.
Overnight: Camping in Turmi (guesthouse available upon request)
Visit the bustling Dimeka Market, the region’s largest Saturday market, attracting Hamar, Karo, and Dassanech tribes.
It’s a perfect spot for photography, cultural interaction, and shopping for unique handmade souvenirs.
Return to Jinka in the afternoon, passing through scenic valleys and rural villages.
Evening free to relax or enjoy the atmosphere of this small highland town.
Overnight: Budget Guesthouse in Jinka
Explore an Ari village near Jinka, where you'll learn about coffee cultivation, blacksmithing, pottery, and traditional farming practices.
This final stop offers a glimpse into one of the region’s most industrious and vibrant communities.
Depart from Jinka, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through South Omo.
End of Tour