Addis Ababa in 4 Days for Friends - Guided visits to Hamar village near Turmi
In Collaboration with Vowland Ethiopia tour . Updated on February 13, 2026.
The Omo Valley (Lower Omo) is home to a number of tribal communities and ancient archaeological sites. This 4-day itinerary visits Jinka and Turmi as bases for meeting Hamar, Kara (Karo), Dassanech and Mursi communities, with short drives between towns and guided village visits. Accommodation is in local lodges in Turmi and Jinka. Domestic flights are used between Addis Ababa and Jinka.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Vowland Ethiopia tour , inspired by the tour 4 Days cultural Omo valley tribe tour . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visits to Hamar village near Turmi
- Dassanech community visit on the Omo River
- Kara (Karo) village encounter and traditional face painting
- Mursi people visit near Mago National Park
- Overnights in Turmi and Jinka to support local guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Jinka, transfer to Turmi and late-afternoon Hamar village visit. Overnight in Turmi.
Fly Addis Ababa to Jinka
Domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka (Baco) Airport. Guide meets you on arrival at Jinka airport.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at Bole International Airport at least 60–90 minutes before domestic check-in.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and flight details in your hand luggage for quick check-in.
- Bring a small daypack for the Jinka–Turmi drive; larger luggage will be transported in the vehicle.
Drive Jinka (airport) to Turmi (via Jinka, Keyafer, Aldubba, Dimeka)
Guide and driver transfer you by 4WD from Jinka Airport to Turmi. Route passes through small towns; on market days you may stop if the guide recommends.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sun protection and a hat—parts of the route are open and exposed.
- Market days in the region are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; ask the guide if a market stop is possible.
- Keep cameras accessible but always ask permission before photographing people in villages.
Arrival buffer & rest in Turmi (lunch / freshen up)
Time to check in (local lodge), have lunch and rest before the afternoon village visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry local cash (Ethiopian birr) — ATMs are limited in small towns and cash is preferred for small purchases.
- Freshen up and change into modest clothing before visiting villages out of respect for local customs.
- Ask the lodge staff about cold/hot water availability and electricity hours to plan charging devices.
Late-afternoon visit to a Hamar tribe village
Guided visit to a Hamar (Hamer) village near Turmi for a cultural exchange and observation of local daily life. Timing in late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for guidance on photographing people; many communities appreciate a polite request first.
- Wear comfortable shoes—village paths are uneven and dusty.
- Bring small, culturally appropriate gifts only if pre-arranged with the guide; otherwise small purchases at local stalls support communities.
Check in - Turmi lodge (overnight)
Evening check-in and overnight at local Turmi lodge (listed in materials as EMERLAND Lodge / local equivalent).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your room and wake-up time with lodge staff the evening you arrive.
- Keep valuables locked in your room and carry a small torch for nights where lighting can be limited.
- Respect lodge quiet hours so other guests and local wildlife can rest.
Day 2
Day trip south to Omo Rate to meet the Dassanech people by the Omo River, return to Turmi for lunch and optional market or ceremony attendance. Overnight in Turmi.
Turmi - Omo Rate (Dassanech) overview
Morning departure for Omo Rate to meet the Dassanech tribe who live along the Omo River near the Kenya border.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a refillable water bottle; unlimited water is provided in the tour but bring a small bottle for the village visit.
- Layer clothing for hot days and cooler mornings near the river.
- Bring insect repellent for river-side stops, especially at dawn and dusk.
Drive Turmi → Omo Rate and Dassanech village visit (return to Turmi for lunch)
Approximately 75 km south on asphalt toward the Omo River to Omo Rate for a guided visit with the Dassanech community. Return to Turmi for midday lunch. On market or ceremony days the guide will advise participation.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect unsealed or mixed road surfaces beyond the main asphalt—secure cameras and valuables inside the vehicle during transit.
- If you plan to buy handcrafted items, inspect them ahead of purchase and carry small local change.
- Be prepared to follow your local guide's instructions for respectful interaction with community members.
Midday rest / optional Hamar market or ceremony time
After return to Turmi there is time for lunch and, if available, visiting a Hamar tribal market or attending a scheduled ceremony (market/ceremony dependent on local calendar).
Tips from local experts:
- Market days vary by village—check with your guide to confirm whether a market is open today.
- Carry small-denomination notes; vendors may not accept large bills.
- Avoid photography of ceremonies unless explicitly permitted by community leaders.
Overnight - Turmi lodge (EMERLAND Lodge or local equivalent)
Return to the Turmi lodge for dinner and overnight.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm dinner timing with the lodge as meal hours can be earlier in remote areas.
- Charge devices during the day; electricity may be intermittent at night.
- Keep a small towel and toiletries handy—some lodges have limited hot-water availability.
Day 3
Visit Korcho / Kara (Karo) village for cultural exchange (face/body painting), return to Turmi for lunch, then transfer to Jinka for overnight.
Turmi → Korcho / Kara (Karo) village - overview
After breakfast depart to the Kara (Karo) village on the Omo River bank to meet the Kara people and observe traditional body and face painting.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to have your face painted, discuss expectations and materials with the guide beforehand.
- Wear older clothing for any participatory face/body painting activities.
- Be respectful and follow the guide's lead when interacting with elders and families.
Drive to Korcho village, Kara (Karo) cultural visit, return to Turmi then proceed to Jinka
Approx. 65 km west of Turmi to Korcho village on the Omo River shore. Meet Kara people, observe and (if agreed) receive traditional face painting. Return to Turmi for lunch then continue to Jinka town later in the afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a small towel and wet wipes for cleaning up after face/body painting activities.
- Confirm daylight driving times with your guide—some roads are best traveled in daylight only.
- Let your guide handle purchases or donations to ensure they reach the correct family or community.
Arrival buffer / rest in Jinka
Check in at Jinka and rest before evening at the lodge.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform lodge staff of your expected arrival time so they can prepare dinner if required.
- Keep copies of any receipts and permits for park or community visits as the guide may request them.
- Use this time to charge devices and confirm next morning's meeting time at the lodge reception.
Check in - Eco Omo Lodge (Jinka) or similar
Overnight at a local Jinka lodge (listed in Bokun materials as Eco Omo Lodge).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your early-morning pick-up time for the next day's activity with lodge reception.
- Keep a small flashlight or headlamp in your room for early departures.
- Respect communal areas and local staff; many lodges support community projects.
Day 4
Early departure to visit the Mursi tribe near Mago National Park, return to Jinka and continue to Jinka Airport for a domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Tour ends on arrival in Addis.
Flight Jinka → Addis Ababa (domestic)
Domestic flight from Jinka (Baco) Airport to Addis Ababa. This activity is the documented flight segment; the flight typically departs after the morning village visit and transfers.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your Jinka departure time with the guide the evening before; domestic flight times can change.
- Keep boarding documentation and ID readily available for airport check-in at Jinka.
- Plan to arrive at Jinka Airport at least 45–60 minutes before the scheduled domestic departure.
Early morning visit to the Mursi tribe (Mago National Park area)
Depart early for a 50 km drive to visit the Mursi community near Mago National Park. Interact with Mursi families and observe traditional dress, including the lip plate worn by some women. Return to Jinka to transfer to the airport.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress modestly and avoid showing excessive skin; follow your guide's advice for respectful behaviour.
- Photography of some Mursi people (especially portraits) may require permission or a small agreed fee; ask the guide to negotiate.
- Early departures mean cool mornings—bring a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground.
Arrival Addis Ababa — tour end (airport drop-off)
Arrival at Addis Ababa (Bole) International Airport. End of the 4-day Omo Valley cultural tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow extra time for post-flight immigration and baggage collection at Bole International Airport.
- If you continue travel within Ethiopia, reconfirm any onward transfers with your local contact upon arrival.
- Keep copies of all travel and medical documents together for quick reference after arrival.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 4 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 10 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Break, Culture, Hotel |
