 |
Location[s]: |
Ethiopia,
|
|
Price: |
From USD 1,570.00 |
The Omo River Expedition
12 - 25 Days*
* Please Note: Along with the Omo River Expedition we offer a variety of other options in Ethiopia including the Blue Nile and Awash Rivers. We are also happy to assist with personalize itineraries for special interests, families and small groups.
The "African Queen" of river trips. The Omo is rated as one of the world’s great rafting rivers. It has it all: challenging whitewater, abundant wildlife, excellent birds, superb scenery, and some of the most unique unvisited people in Africa. It is a trip back in time, to another era, road-less and pristine, where the wildlife and traditional tribal groups carry on their lives, relatively untouched by the modern world. This trip is for the adventurous in spirit, for the lover of the wild; the river expedition that in 15 years has still not become a ‘tour.’
The incredible scenery along the Omo River ranges from sheer inner gorges, to columnar basalt amphitheaters with awesome views of distant peaks and innumerable side creeks and waterfalls. Side stream hikes to fantastic waterfalls, highland villages and markets. Swimming in clear pools, showering under falls, soaking in hot springs.
River trips with or without whitewater, are an ideal avenue to reach natural unspoiled places, and can make for wonderfully civilized camping too. We have been running the Omo continuously since 1982, and although the general population of international travelers may shy away from countries such as Ethiopia, our ongoing presence and our in-country staff assure that we’re aware of changing local conditions. In fact, Ethiopia is a safe and brilliant place to visit. It is among the least traveled places and therefore most rewarding travel experiences remaining on the planet.
Highlights:
Whitewater: From the first hour of the trip, a series of lively and challenging rapids spice the descent.
Scenery: Sheer inner gorges, columnar basalt amphitheaters, distant peaks, innumerable side creeks and waterfalls, lower Omo sunsets.
Wildlife: Hippos surfacing near the boats for a suspicious inspection, crocodiles basking in the sun, bushbuck silently taking an afternoon drink, mesmerized waterbuck staring as we float by, colobus monkeys flying through the trees, baboons barking from their cliffs. Sometimes even lions, leopards and wild dogs.
Vegetation: Giant euphorbias, fragrant jasmine, rare orchids, the desert rose, classic acacias.
Birdlife: A full complement of African water birds, plus forest and bush species. Fish eagles, Goliath herons, kingfishers, bee eaters, storks, kites, vultures...In the background, the soft lament of the emerald spotted wood doves, the bubbly purr of the white browed coucal and the raucous cawing of silvery cheeked hornbills.
Activities: Hiking up sidestreams to fantastic waterfalls, highland villages and markets. Swimming in clear pools, showering under falls, soaking in hotsprings. Fishing for the Omo catfish, which can exceed 5 feet and 50 pounds.
Exotic Tribes: Among the many tribes we encounter (mainly on the lower Omo River) are members of the Gemo, Gofa, Zala, Kulo Konta, Bode, Moors, Char, and Chug tribes. Each group has its distinctive dress and decoration: fantastic hairdos, enormous clay lip plates, ear plugs, bark cloth and beaded leather skirts. There are many chances to buy and trade for carved wooden head rests, artful baskets, musical instruments, or honey. Our interaction with these spectacularly decorated and friendly groups is something very special.
Comforts: Pleasant climate, great campsites, excellent cuisine featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products, bread, pies and cakes baked in a well embered Dutch oven. Eureka Timberline tents.
Crew An elite corps of river guides who know and love the African bush, led by experienced guides with an Amharic speaking naturalist, all with many years of experience in Ethiopia and East Africa.
Full Itinerary in Brief
Day 1 Arrive Addis Ababa, transfer to hotel.
Days 2-11 Upper Half
Day 12 Re-supply at the bridge near Soddo
Days 13-21 Lower Half
Day 22 Arrive Duse Village. Overnight.
Day 23 En route to Addis Ababa. Hotel
Day 24 Tour of Addis Ababa. Hotel.
Day 25 Flights out
Cost:
Full Trip: $ 3,790.00
Upper Half: $ 1,570.00
Lower: $ 2,780.00
|
Ethiopia 