Things to do & places to visit in Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region, Ethiopia

Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region cover image

Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region #3 destination in Ethiopia 2023. The average rating score is 4.51 based on 2.817 traveler reviews, of 93 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Addis_Ababa, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 3:23.

Top things to do (32)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Explore Omo Valley (92 reviews)
- Excellent Omo Valley Adventure
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Cultural Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Photography Tours • Day Trips

We booked a 4D/3N tour of the Omo Valley with Explore Omo. Emanuel was great to work with in the planning stages. He joined us through the visits to our tribes and helped interact with the locals. He knows a lot of languages and a lot about the various tribes. He was accommodating and cognizant to the needs of our young kids. Our excellent driver, Kalu, was also very kind and helpful throughout. We had a great time and experience and would recommend Explore Omo to help craft a unique and memorable visit to the Omo Valley. See more..
5.0 Gamo Travel Tours (61 reviews)
- Fantastic organisation and knowledgable guides
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Private Tours

I travelled to Arba Minch and surrounding area and Omo valley tribes on a 5 day trip organised by Gamo travel tours as a party of 2. From the initial discussion about what our interests were with Wes, the personal attention to detail and approach to ensuring we had a wonderful trip was evident. In each village and market we visited, the wonderful culture of this area came to life, with expert guidance making it interesting and fun. Thank you Wes and team at Gamo! See more..
5.0 See Us Arba Minch (48 reviews)
- A team who will go above and beyond to help
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Cultural Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Photography Tours

All round excellent experience. We desperately needed transport from Hawassa to Arba Minch and I was fortunate to find Kassahun's details on a travel website. Despite failing to reach him the first time he called me back straight away the next day. No other hotel, website, tour group, taxi company etc were interested in helping whereas Kassahun was fantastic - agreeing for a driver to pick us up and do a tour, including to the Dorzai, on our drive. We wouldn't have made it without him! Our driver Yesak on the day was also excellent. The next day when the hotel couldn't help to organise any tours that we wanted to do, within an hour of calling, Kassahun again worked his magic and arranged a boat, a car, all park access and kind, understanding drivers. Couldn't recommend going through Kassahun any higher - he's friendly, interested, knows the region, and he organised everything for us at good prices. I hope to organise a hiking tour at some point soon. See more..
5.0 OMO VALLEY ORIGIN TOURS (43 reviews)
- Best guide in Omo Valley
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 7:00 PM Multi-day Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Bike Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Horseback Riding Tours • Day Trips

Travelling through the Omo Valley was amazing and a true experience. Bereket was very kind and informative and he provided confidence and secureness. Book OMO VALLEY ORIGIN TOURS and Bereket will guide you and make you have the best trip you could imagine! See more..
5.0 South Ethiopia Tribal Tour Organizer (40 reviews)
- Knowledgeable, down to earth, understanding and accommodating different needs of a group..kindda tour guide!
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Photography Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Taxis & Shuttles • Eco Tours • Gear Rentals • Boat Rentals • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We planned for a short 4day stay and left Addis without detailed plan. We met Debbe for dinner through a friend's recommendation to get a general idea about 40 springs. Damn, this guy knows how to narrate what to expect from different iternary and we were so convinced to travel out and made an appointment to leave town at 6am. Deal! And he was there on time, we went to Hamer, Konso, Dorze, all with very informative ride and a decent stay within communities. He is also from one of the tribes, Dasenetch, so he is also part of the tour, we couldn't have asked for more especially given we were time bound. I decided to stay back from our group to do a Netch Sar and dorze hike on a budgeted trip and added 2 and half days, he managed to plan according to my needs. I recommend Debbe for anyone who is ready to be in the most surreal place in Ethiopia, the South, and experience the perfect touch of God! See more..
5.0 Lalo Tours Ethiopia (36 reviews)
- Highly recommended
Multi-day Tours • Private Tours

I would highly recommend Lalo to any photographer/traveller who is planning a trip to this country. The trip was really well organized but at the same time Lalo was very flexible and ready to change plans and camping places when required. Lalo listens to what you have to say and always does his best to get you in the right spot. His knowledge of the area and people is excellent. He has many local contacts and was very good at providing local guides and dealing with photographic subjects. The presence of Lalo and his team with their kindness and consideration really made the trip a pleasure. I would travel with Lalo Tours again any time. Mariantonietta Peru - Photographer See more..
5.0 Zani Ethiopian Tours (35 reviews)
- Messay the Amazing
Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

The best Guide and support staff you could wish for. We. spent over 2wk with Messay and crew (see photo).Landing at Addis Ababa we were met by Messay who rush us off to lunch and around the city, back to Bole for our flight to Gambela. During the trip we were up before dawn for the light and Messay led us to several villages, were we saw body panting, and a stick fight . From Gambela we drove to Jinka and on in to the Omo valley bush. We were treated to bulling jumping and hosts of photo opts. At each tribe Messay arranged a tribe member to help the intro into there lives. An eye opener for 2 white boys from the west. If you want the real this is it, Messay will custom your trip to staying in the villages in tents or hotels. Carter M Phillips See more..
5.0 Binu Ethiopia Tours (34 reviews)
- Exciting boat trip with Biniam
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Eco Tours • Photography Tours

We went on a boat trip to Lake Chamo in February 2021 to spot some crocodiles and hippos. Biniam was our guide, he was very nice and knowledgable, he explained us a lot of things not only about the lake and its wildlife but about Ethiopia in general. We enjoyed our trip very much, I'm planning to retourn next year and meet him again. See more..
5.0 View Ethiopia Tour (34 reviews)
- RECOMMENDED!!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Photography Tours

Miraaf was a great Tour Guide, he taking good care of us and explain everything clearly, from the culture, history, etc. On our travel, we visit Doze Village and National Park for Crocodiles, and he arranges everything in advance so it was efficient in time. It was a great experience. Thank you. See more..
5.0 Degu Omo Valley Tours (32 reviews)
- Incredible experience
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Bike Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Photography Tours • Day Trips

The experience was incredible. Degu took care of us at every moment. We visited 7 tribes and felt very welcome in each of them. Degu had everything planned in advance and for 5 days we didn’t have to worry about anything. Life changing experience to be with the tribes and live with them for a couple of days. They treated us like family and had meals with us. We could attend a bull jumping ceremony and learn their culture from the elders and the children. Totally recommend this tour and Degu as a guide. We have 0 complains. Thank you Degu!! See more..
5.0 Omo River Tours (31 reviews)
- Unforgettable trip
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Photography Tours

We spent five days in Omo River Valley and we couldn't hope to find a better guide than Aron. He is extremely competent, kind and helpful in so many ways. We booked with him a few days before arriving and, despite the short notice, he organized everything for us impeccably: from the jeep, the skilled driver and the peaceful lodge in Turmi to delicious restaurants, perfect itinerary and experiences. Thanks to his deep knowledge of the area and the tribes, we could make the most of our time there, visiting villages out of the common touristic routes, having authentic and moving interactions especially with kids and women, enjoying their warm hospitality and getting to know their culture and way of life. He also very flexibly changed some programs in the schedule to allow us to go to a bull jumping ceremony that he heard would take place the same day. It was an amazing experience that we will not easily forget, as we will not forget the rest of this amazing trip with Aron. See more..
5.0 Mamaru Ethiopian Tours (29 reviews)
- A unique experience in south Ethiopia
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Photography Tours

We travelled as two couples for a special trip in southern Ethiopia and mainly among the tribes in the Omo Valley. Mamaro and Gobi ,the excellent driver, met us immediately after landing in Addis Ababa and we started driving south. The trip was a once in a lifetime experience for us. We arrived on the Timket Holiday and Mamaro gave a traditional white scarf to each of us, so at the holiday events we felt like we belonged to the community. Mamaro planned the trip so that we were lucky to watch the coming of age ceremony at the Hamer tribe, a ceremony in which the man jumps over the bulls. The celebration lasts for two days. We stayed in a lodge which was next to the place of the celebrations and we got to see everything up close . Every tribe has something special that characterizes him and Mamaro took us to many tribes in the Omo Valley .He was very attentive to our requests, very considerate, friendly, punctual, and together with the excellent driver, we had an amazing trip that we will never forget. We got to know an interesting way of life and very far from our familiar one. Thank you Mamaro for everything. We will keep memories for ever. It was our pleasure to have this uniqe trip with you. See more..
5.0 Omo-Turkana Tours (29 reviews)
- Amazing Experience with an awesome guide and driver
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Cultural Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Photography Tours

We travelled around the Omo Valley for 7 days with Melak Tadesse, guide and Salomon, driver. What a great experience!!! The kindness, seriousness and experience of both guys made of this one of my best trips to Africa. I use to travel every year in a different region/country since 2011. Melak knows the right people in every village we visited. You should know that you must have the assistance of a local man in each village. The local guide together with Melak, both, will make possible the best contact with the tribe. Melak is a very special person, the kids in every tribe we visited seemed to love him and village chiefs to respect him! I have to say that trip with Melak and Salomon really exceeded all my expectations. And honestly he offered the best rates I found around! I wouldn't hesitate one second to go with him again! See more..
5.0 Omo Valley Adventure Tours (26 reviews)
- Great tour guide of Arba Minch
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Motorcycle Tours • Eco Tours

In January, we traveled to Arba Minch. Adity and a driver picked us up from the hotel in the morning and drove us on a lovely journey to a mountain in Arba Minch. There, we went to the Dorse village and got to interact with the locals, which was a fascinating experience. Adity had interesting anecdotes to tell and was highly knowledgable about the region and the local way of life. We visited the crocodile market in the afternoon, which is located on an island in a lake not far from Arba Minch. I spotted the largest crocodiles I've ever seen when we arrived at the island after a pleasant boat ride! We were able to get fairly near to them, which was a thrilling moment. If you want to experience the nature and culture of Arba Minch, I would definitely recommend to go on a tour with Abity, he is a trustworthy guy and very knowledgeable about the area See more..
5.0 Asu Ethiopian Tours (26 reviews)
- Professional guide
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Cultural Tours • Private Tours • Photography Tours • Day Trips

I recommend the guide Asu, we went on a trip with him for 3 days, Asu has a lot of knowledge about the tribes and even speaks the languages, Asu is also part of the Hamer tribe, he took us to a very authentic experience during the trip and especially in the ceremony of the Hamer tribe. He is very professional. Thank you very much for a trip full of experiences and memories. See more..
5.0 King Solomon Tours (22 reviews)
- This guide knows how to make you happy
Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Traveling around the world, you’d like to get across close with the local population, their customs and culture, and a bridge to that can be a good guide who speaks English, has contacts with all regions of the country and has extensive experience in tourism. We were very lucky with the guide, his name is Solomon Bekele as he has all of the above. Solomon turned out to be the most organized guide offering an interesting program and reasonable prices. Our tour was both in the south and in the north of the country, and everywhere we felt like we were behind a strong back. I’d highlight one feature of Solomon, he feels people, their mood and desires and tries to do everything to make the trip to Ethiopia interesting and unforgettable. And so it happened to me, Ethiopia left its mark on my heart. I will definitely return to Ethiopia and would highly recommend Solomon to everyone. See more..
5.0 Go Ethiopia Tours (22 reviews)
- One of a kind experience
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We have made a trip with Solomon and the driver Kalu from Arba Minch to Jinka for 5 days. Both Solomon and Kalu delivered very professional , yet personalized and reliable service, they are punctual and nothing was too much of a trouble . We felt safe and taken good care of. This trip became our favorite part of our Ethiopian tour and can be highly recommended. Omo valley is a unique place and an opportunity to get one of a kind experience . Solomon helped to take pictures , arranged for us to attend a bull jumping ceremony , made recommendations and really did his best for us to enjoy the trip . He cared and took into account our opinions . If you need a guide for Omo valley we can highly recommend Solomon. See more..
5.0 Abreham Omo Valley Tours (20 reviews)
- Amazing experience!!!
Taxis & Shuttles • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours

we meet Abreham company in jinka city after we arrive from jinka Airport we meet more than 5 tour guide and tour company bout we choose Abreham company because he is more knowledgeable and have good heart for evreryone he just give an idea how to go to the tribal area and he was explan about the tribal culture then we discussed to go with him , we was visit more than 5 tribes and 2 tribal market and he took as the most popular tribal area for example = we visited mursi tribe and Hamer tribe and Bena and karo tribe and dassenach tribe and ari and we visit the most biggest tribal market in turmi village , his activities on each village was so excellent and the all tribe and the all town people are known him so that was so easy for as to contact to people and the tribes on the tour we was company one night in Hamer village that was excellent and we was drink local coffee with the tribes and have a tribal dance there and we was so happy as well in all the village and we also painting our pace and body in karo village. and I highly recommend Abreham company for every one who want visit omo Valley Ethiopia and here is his contact details Email: [email protected] Phone/whatsapp: +251941069066 See more..
5.0 Degu Ashenafi (20 reviews)
- Incredible and authentic local experience
Cultural Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

Incredible experience. Degu is one of the best guides I have meet. Nice person and so professional. I did the nine days tour in Omo Valley and it was awesome. I will come back soon. Degu help you with everything, authentic local experience. See more..
5.0 Banti Omo Valley Tours (18 reviews)
- An Undiscovered World
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Photography Tours • Day Trips

Visiting this fascinating place was one of my dreams.. This time i did visit with Bante Tours.. It was fantastic.. Every thing was arranged..i visited 4 tribes in 4 days.. The whole experience was amazing.. The guide was cool guy The driver Elyas was polite and helpful.. The trip made me realize new worlds i didnt know about.. Its a whole new experience.. Thanks for this wonderful experience. See more..
5.0 Discover Omo (17 reviews)
- Absolutely fabulous, 5 star service
Open now - 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Photography Tours

Discover Omo with the owner and the local guide Biniyam is just amazing person. He actually lives partly in Jinka and he is very well known, respected and trusted by everyone we have met around Omo Valley and Arba Mynch and also among the tribes we have seen. The places he chose for us to stay was top of the line that Omo Valley has offered, the food he offered us in local places was very tasty and clean, and he prepared some honeymoon suprises for us in the our car and for dinner places. All out tour for 6 days was extremely well organized and sometimes freely adjusted according to our needs when necessary. He was also a great friend for us with the driver he chose Andun, we became drinking buddies :))

I would strongly recommend Biniyam and his tour company Omo Travel to everyone, a place you can truly trust. And definately 5 star service :) See more..
5.0 Golden Ethio Riding (16 reviews)
- The best experience in Ethiopia!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Bike Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Photography Tours

Without doubt Ethiopia trip was one of the best experience! I would love to say Big Thank you to Dagi and our driver Suri for organizing everything for us. We did 7 days Omo Valley trip. Everything was smooth starting from the first day from the airport till the last day of the trip. Dagi was very knowledgeable, he answered to thousands of our questions! He was passionate to show the beauty of the country and people! Dagi made an effort to bring us to the Bull Jumping ceremony in Hamer Tribe even it wasn't planned that day. It was unforgettable experience!!! And we're so grateful for that! In every village Dagi helped us with advices about the best way of interacting with tribes. Playing with the kids, joking with local people he made a friendly and warming atmosphere in all places we've stopped. I would highly recommend to contact this company if you planning to visit Ethiopia. Dagi is a great guide! And he will help you to fall in love with Ethiopia! See more..
5.0 Esho Omo Valley Tours (15 reviews)
- Amazing time with Esho in Omo Valley
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Bike Tours • Day Trips

Amazing time with Esho tailored to our needs. The highlight of our tour was when we joined a Bana bull jumping ceremony and spent time with the family preparing from the morning. Other great activities included a visit to a Bana village, to the Mursi tribe, to Omorate, to Konzo, to Dorze where it was Easter celebration. Highly recommended! See more..
5.0 Omo Delta Tours (15 reviews)
- Incredible experience in omo valley with Babi
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Photography Tours

Me and my friends travelled to the Omo Valley with great guide, and we had the opportunity of visiting the Hamer, Daasanech, Banna, arbore and Mursi tribes, as well as colorful local markets. We also had the privilege to attend a bull jumping ceremony. All throughout the trip, Babi proved to be an absolutely incredible guide and organiser, by far the best we experienced in Ethiopia and perhaps the best we have ever experienced. Extremely kind, flexible, funny, knowledgeable, laid-back and respectful, babi has the unique ability to make you feel immediately at ease from the very first moment you met him. If you're looking for wonderful experience I would absolutely recommend Babi and Omo Valley Tours to anyone travelling to the Omo Valley. See more..
5.0 Open Ethiopia Tours (11 reviews)
- Come out of the common place and experience unforgettable adventures!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We were with Mesai Seifu, owner of Open Ethiopia Tours, and his team for almost a month together getting to know and living Ethiopia. Whoever wants to live an adventure outside the canned tourist standards, look for this company and this country. Unforgettable! See more..
5.0 Round Omo Valley Tour (10 reviews)
- Omo Valley Ethiopia
Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Walking Tours • Motorcycle Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

I traveled through Southern Ethiopia with Round Omo Valley Tours in January 2023 and visited 10 different tribes. The organization was perfect, with each day being unique. Our guide Sileshi and driver Buchiye made this experience in Ethiopia unforgettable. They were very professional but also they treated us like family; telling us about their culture and knowledge and sharing with us amazing fresh Ethiopian food. I highly recommend Omo Valley Tours for their professionalism. They share their culture and knowledge with passion and they will make sure you enjoy your trip in Ethiopia. See more..
5.0 Bereket Tadesse (10 reviews)
- 5 days tour un Omo Valley with Bereket
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

We had a 5 days tour with Bereket in Omo Valley area. Regarding organisation, everything was well organized, the car was comfortable, we stayed at good accomodations and we had the best driver possible. We managed in particular to assist to a Hamer bull jumping ceremony and to visit the Mursi tribe. They also took us to some less famous tribes and to some local tribal markets which was an amazing experience. Bereket is very passionate about his country. We spend 5 great days together with Bereket and his driver sharing some great stories, great meals, local tej and some very good local beers. Bereket was very responsive and communication on whatsapp before the trip was excellent. I would definitely recommand Bereket for a trip to southern Ethiopia. See more..
5.0 Mamush tour ethiopia ( Omo valley and north ethiopia ) (8 reviews)
- tour in Omo Valley
Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Private Tours

Me and my husband were in Omo Valley in November. The place is wonderful, the people was incredible, always smiling. We had a great time and this area of Ethiopia was a real surprise. We were very lucky because we had a very good guide and driver Mamushe. He knows everyone and any minor inconvenience has been solved excellently. My husband was not very well two days and he helped him. Then we asked if there was a chance to see the "Bull Jumping" ceremony. He immediately activated and with a small change to the itinerary we managed to do the whole tour but also to attend the ceremony !!! If you intend to go to Ethiopia contact him without problems, he is very good and we also had a lot of fun The name is Mamushe and his e-mail is [email protected] See more..
5.0 Ethiopia Culture Tours (7 reviews)
- With Gratitude
Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Boat Tours

Thank you Ayeto and the team of Ethiopia Culture Tours for these moments of exchanges, they are still very fervent in my mind and body. Thank you for granting us access to your land, your life and your community. I have learned so much during our trip and I’m still shy about posting the photographs we made in the Omo Valley with the Suri people specially after their livelihoods based on the river’s natural flood cycle have been threatened for years now by a massive hydroelectric. Many groups such as the Hamar, Turkana, Chai and Suri have lived in the Omo Valley for centuries and have developed techniques to survive in a very challenging environment. Learning about their daily surviving practices in situ is a unique experience. See more..
5.0 Exotic Ethiopia Local Tour and Travel (7 reviews)
- Omo valley
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Ras Amane was an incredible guide. Respectful , intuitively flexible and a spiritual magical human being! I arrived by myself from a loud Addis Abebe capital city Not knowing what to expect in a little Jinka town. My goal was to cover Omo valley tribal communities in 3 days , Plus I kindly requested to film some shots inside Jinka town itself, meeting locals. Ras Amane was very helpful and we laughed a lot going through different adventures. Meeting his family was one of unforgettable memories. Comparing our calendars, Ethiopian New Year date is in September , but Ras Amane organized a coming New Year special celebration for me on 31 December 2020...This moment i would never forget! Viva dear soul! This year was super kind to me in all aspects ‍♀️ See more..