JIMMA 8 DAYS WESTERN ROUTE TOUR

JIMMA 8 DAYS WESTERN ROUTE TOUR

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JIMMA ◐ TOUR CODE: OVET-015 ☀ DURATION: 08 DAYS ◐ TRANSPORTATION: LAND & AIR ☀ DESTINATION: JOURNEY TO JIMMA, KIBISH AND SURMA TRIBE OF ETHIOPIA

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DAY 02: DRIVE TO JIMMA

Start driving to Jimma, 346km; Most of the territory is inhabited by the Oromo people. The Oromo are an ethnic group found in Ethiopia, in northern Kenya, and to a lesser extent in parts of Somalia. With 30 million members, they constitute the single largest ethnic group in Ethiopia and approximately 34.49% of the population according to the 2007 census. Their native language is Oromoiffa which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family.

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DAY 03: DRIVE TO MIZAN TEFERI

Heading to Mizan Teferi, 240km; This is the place where coffee is believed to have originated. In fact the name itself “Coffee” might have derived from the name of this old region called “Kaffa”. Morning visit to the famous Aba Jifar II palace. Abba Jifar II was king of the Gibe Kingdom of Jimma (reigned 1878 – 1932). He was the son of Abba Gomol and Queen Gumiti. After the visit in Jimma; drive through on one of the largest and the oldest natural forest Ethiopia and also large tea.

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DAY 04: DRIVE TO KIBISH

Continue driving to Kibish 200km; The first part of this area is covered by dense pluvial rainy forest with different indigenous trees. The Agnuak people reside in the Dima district which is very near to Sudan. The Anuak are a river people whose villages are scattered along the banks and rivers of southeastern Sudan and western Ethiopia, in the Gambela Region.

On the way you will visit Bebeka coffee plantation, the Ethiopia’s largest old coffee plantation.Where they cultivate organic coffee trees, tea, spice as well as rubber trees.Short break for visit coffee farm from nursery to the coffee processing techniques.

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DAY 05: OVERNIGHT VISIT SURI TRIBES VILLAGE

Start exploring Suri (surma) tribe’s villages; Suri’s live in a remote corner of south-western Ethiopia, virtually untouched by the modern world. According to Suri oral tradition, came to their present territory near Mount Naita about 200 years ago from the banks of the Nile River. The Surma have a sky god named Tuma. The Suri also believe in spirits and use medicine mento undertake sacrifices or prayers and directly send them to Tuma. Another belief of the Suri is the rain maker.

Piercing and lip plates are a strong part of the Suri culture. At the point of puberty most women have their bottom teeth removed in order to get their lower lip pierced. Once the lip is pierced, it’s then stretched and a lip plate is then placed in the hole of the piercing.

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DAY 05: OVERNIGHT VISIT SURI TRIBES VILLAGE

Start exploring Suri (surma) tribe’s villages; Suri’s live in a remote corner of south-western Ethiopia, virtually untouched by the modern world. According to Suri oral tradition, came to their present territory near Mount Naita about 200 years ago from the banks of the Nile River. The Surma have a sky god named Tuma. The Suri also believe in spirits and use medicine mento undertake sacrifices or prayers and directly send them to Tuma. Another belief of the Suri is the rain maker.

Piercing and lip plates are a strong part of the Suri culture. At the point of puberty, most women have their bottom teeth removed in order to get their lower lip pierced. Once the lip is pierced, it’s then stretched and a lip plate is then placed in the hole of the piercing.

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DAY 07: DRIVE BACK TO JIMMA

Returning back, to Jimma via Mizan Teferi. In Jimma you can take a refreshing time on your own: swimming, walking, shopping and feeling the city.

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DAY 08: DRIVE BACK TO ADDIS ABABA

The morning after breakfast drive back to Addis Ababa. Evening a fare well dinner then departure back to home.

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This itinerary is flexible, and will likely change in order to coordinate visits with weekly market days and other special events. We try to always coordinate with local tribes to bring guests to the iconic Bull Jumping Ceremony, as well as popular market days, where many South Omo Valley tribes attend to barter and exchange goods. This is a great opportunity to mingle with the people, many of whom travel long distances on foot to attend.

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