Cultural · Historical
8-Day Lalibela & Omo Valley
Lalibela’s churches, then the Rift Valley lakes, the Dorze and the Mursi and Karo of the south.
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Season
- September to March and June to July
- Group Size
- Private or group
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
7 nights, designed around the hours that matter
The perfect pairing for travellers short on time. Fly to Lalibela for its rock-hewn churches, then return south through the Rift Valley (Abijatta-Shalla, the Dorze highlands and Lake Chamo) to Jinka, Mago National Park and the Mursi, and the Karo villages above the Omo River.
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest. Depending on your arrival time, you may begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital with a short city introduction, or take time to relax and recover from your journey before starting your exciting Ethiopian adventure.
Day 2
Fly to Lalibela & Visit the Rock-Hewn Churches
After breakfast, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your flight to Lalibela. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After lunch, begin your exploration of Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Carved entirely from solid volcanic rock during the 12th and 13th centuries, these extraordinary monolithic churches are among Ethiopia’s greatest historical and religious treasures. The churches are divided into three main groups and connected by a network of underground tunnels and passageways. During your afternoon visit, explore the first and third church clusters, discovering six magnificent churches, each with its own unique architectural design, religious significance, and fascinating history.
Day 3
Fly to Addis Ababa – Drive to Ziway
Wake up early and visit the final group of Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches, including the famous Church of Saint George, a masterpiece carved in the shape of a cross from a single block of rock. After the visit, return to your hotel for breakfast and checkout. You will then be transferred to Lalibela Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in the capital, meet your driver and begin your scenic journey south through the beautiful Ethiopian highlands toward the lakeside town of Ziway. Enjoy the changing landscapes along the way, passing through fertile countryside and rural villages as you continue toward the Great Rift Valley, where you will spend the night in Ziway.
Day 4
Abijatta-Shalla – Dorze Village – Arba Minch
Begin the day with a visit to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, a beautiful natural area known for its two contrasting lakes: the deep volcanic waters of Lake Shalla and the shallow, alkaline waters of Lake Abijatta, which attract a variety of bird species, including flamingos. Continue your journey south through the scenic landscapes of the Southern Ethiopian highlands, with a stop for lunch in Wolaita Sodo. From there, travel into the Gughe Mountains to visit the Dorze people, famous for their unique beehive-shaped traditional houses, colorful weaving traditions, and skilled craftsmanship. Enjoy an authentic cultural experience as you explore the Dorze village, learn about their traditional way of life, and discover their farming practices and local handicrafts. Continue your drive to Arba Minch, a beautiful lakeside town located between Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya, where you will spend the night.
Day 5
Lake Chamo – Jinka via Weyto & Key Afar
This morning, enjoy a scenic boat excursion on Lake Chamo, one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful Rift Valley lakes. During the trip, look out for large Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species along the shoreline and surrounding wetlands. After the boat excursion, continue your journey south toward Jinka, traveling through changing landscapes and remote rural communities. Along the way, pass through the towns of Weyto and Key Afer, both well known for their vibrant traditional tribal markets. If your visit coincides with market days, you may have the opportunity to experience these lively gatherings, where different ethnic groups come together to trade livestock, agricultural products, traditional crafts, and colorful local goods. Continue to Jinka, the gateway to several of the Omo Valley’s fascinating indigenous communities, where you will spend the night.
Day 6
Mago National Park – Mursi Tribe – Turmi
After breakfast, begin your journey through Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people, one of the most distinctive indigenous communities of the Omo Valley. The Mursi are renowned for their unique cultural traditions, including the famous lip plates, intricate body decorations, and traditional way of life. After this memorable cultural encounter, continue your drive to Turmi, the heartland of the Hamer people. Along the way, stop at Dimeka Market, held every Tuesday and Saturday, where different ethnic groups from the surrounding areas gather to trade livestock, agricultural products, traditional crafts, and colorful goods. The market offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the diversity and daily life of the Omo Valley communities. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Evangadi night dance, a vibrant Hamer cultural celebration featuring singing, dancing, and social gatherings under the stars. This authentic experience provides a deeper connection with the traditions and customs of the local community.
Day 7
Karo Tribe – Jinka – Addis Ababa
Depart Turmi and travel toward the remote Omo River villages of Murulle, Kolcho, and Dus to visit the Karo people, one of the smallest ethnic groups in the Omo Valley. The Karo are renowned for their exceptional artistic traditions, including elaborate body painting, intricate scarification, and beautifully decorated ceremonial attire. Enjoy time in the village to learn about their unique culture, traditional lifestyle, and close connection with the Omo River environment. This authentic cultural encounter offers a rare glimpse into one of Ethiopia’s most fascinating indigenous communities. After the visit, return to Jinka for lunch and transfer to Jinka Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival in the capital, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 8
Addis Ababa City Tour – Departure
Begin your final day with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, where you will discover Ethiopia’s rich cultural diversity, traditional lifestyles, and heritage through fascinating exhibits. Continue to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Addis Ababa’s most important religious landmarks and the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie. From there, drive up to the Entoto Hills for breathtaking panoramic views of the capital and visit the historic Entoto Maryam Church, an important site in Ethiopia’s modern history. Along the way, stop at Sheromeda Traditional Cloth Market, where you can see beautiful handmade Ethiopian textiles, traditional clothing, and local craftsmanship. After lunch at the historic Taitu Hotel, continue your exploration with a visit to Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can experience the vibrant energy of Addis Ababa’s daily life and local commerce. In the evening, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine, coffee ceremony, and live cultural performances. After this special cultural experience, you will be transferred to Bole International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Ethiopian journey.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
- 7 nights of accommodation: Eco-lodges & 3-Star Hotels
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Entrance fees to all sites and churches in the itinerary
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Photography fees in Omo Valley villages (paid locally)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
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Runs September to March and June to July · Private or group · A quote made for your journey
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