Photography Expeditions to Omo Valley

The Omo River Valley in southern Ethiopia is undoubtedly one of the most unique regions in the world. Within this small geographic area reside at least 30 distinct ethnolinguistic groups, whose lifestyles, until very recently, did not vary much from those of their ancestors. Elaborate body painting, scarification, women with clay lip plates, elaborate headdresses of clay and feathers help distinguish one tribe from one another. This part of Ethiopia, extending into northern Kenya, is incredible for both its cultural diversity and the isolation of its inhabitants for centuries past.
As influences from the outside world inevitably encroach on this fascinating land, the people of the Omo Valley will face many challenges regarding their culture and way of life.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Addis Ababa to Jinka

Stop At: Jinka, Jinka, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region
After pick up from the airport you will have an option of visiting National Museum or open market Merkato.
Then in the afternoon you will flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka, we will meet our driver at the airport then drive to Ari village to visit.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight: JInka-Lodge

Day 2: Visiting the Mursi Tribe in Mago park and drive to Turmi

Stop At: Turmi, Turmi, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region
Early morning drive to Mago National Park, from here, visit the Mursi highlands where the most illustrious of Ethiopia’s unique tribes lives. The Mursi are known all over the world, for their decorative lip plates that adorn the lower lips of the Mursi women. The plates stretch the lower lip beyond imagination and the women’s beauty, pride and desirability is determined in direct proportion to the size of the plate. Photography their culture and tradition.
In the afternoon Back to Jinka for your lunch.In the afternoon we will continue driving through the Omo Valley region to Turmi via Dimeka for visiting the Hamer tribes. Before Hamer on the way we will stop market at Alduba market if it is Thursday The Hamer tribe is one of the largest groups in the Valley. They are known for the fine pottery they produce as well as their remarkable hairstyling. Most dramatic of all are the clay hair buns with ostrich feathers that the men don when they have killed a fierce animal.

Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight: Turmi-Lodge

Day 3: Visiting Karo tribe-Turmi

Stop At: Karo- Korcho, Ethiopia
This day in the morning we will drive to visit the Karo ethnic group, experts in body painting, using clay and locally available vegetable pigments to paint fantastic patterns on each other’s faces, chests, arms and legs. These designs have no special symbolic significance, but are created purely for fun and aesthetic effect, each artist vying to out-do their fellow artists. Karo men also sculpt and shave their hair into extravagant shapes, with special ochre “caps” of hair usually containing several ostrich feathers.
After we reach back to Turmi, we may have a chance to photograph bull jumping rehearsal or Ceremony.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight: Turmi-Lodge

Day 4: Visiting Omorate/ Dasanesh tribe

Stop At: Omorate, Ethiopia
This morning we will rise early and drive the to the edge of Omo river. We will cross the river by canoe to the village of the Dassanech tribe. The Dassanech tribes are a Semi-nomadic tribe numbering approximately 40,000. Their clans stretch across Sudan, Kenya and Southern Ethiopia. They are known for their very unique and ornate hair buns. After photographing the tribe we will drive back to Turmi relax the afternoon or out to photograph the town of Turmi.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Turmi: lodge

Day 5: Drive to Arba minch visit Lake chamo

Stop At: Arba Minch, Arba Minch, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region
This day in the morning we will drive to Arba minch, in the afternoon after 3 pm we will have a boat trip on clear blue waters of Lake Chamo to see the crocodiles, hippos & aquatic bird species. The northern shores of Lake Chamo are famous for its large crocodiles, which can be seen in great numbers lounging in the heat. We can also photograph birds like African fish eagle, flamingos, herons, storks, kingfishers and so on..
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight: Haile Resort-Arba minch

Day 6: Visiting Dorze village and fly back to Addis Ababa

Stop At: Dorze Village, Arba Minch Ethiopia
In the morning we will driving 40kms northwest of Arba Minch to Guge Mountains to visit the Dorze and Chencha villages. Once warriors, the Dorze have now turned to farming and weaving to earn a living. They speak an Omotic tongue and the Dorze name is synonymous with the best woven cotton cloth. Also, the Dorze beehive-shaped houses are constructed entirely of organic material and has its own small garden surrounded by beds of spices, cabbage and tobacco.
After having lunch; we transfer to the Arba Minch Airport and fly back to Addis Ababa. We will arrive in Addis Ababa in late afternoon and transfer to the Hotel and have a room as a day use for wash/change and get ready for the evening flight. You might be interested for the last minute souvenir shopping at the markets. In the evening, we will go out to one of the best cultural restaurants for the Farewell Dinner at a traditional restaurant with live traditional dances program. Then, departure.
Duration: 8 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.