Tribes of the Omo Valley

Photo © Jerermy Woodhouse

Located in the far southwest of Ethiopia is the Omo Delta, one of the last great tribal regions left in the world. Living in this remote but accessible area are a vast number of tribal groups all within driving distance of one another. Living in voluntary isolation, their culture, dress and language has remained intact. Some 45 different languages are spoken, and tribes range from the many thousand strong Borena to the smaller Karo Tribe. With the recently constructed road stretching from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch this area is now open for exploration and tourism. To anthropologists, the Omo Valley is a living museum; to photographers the Omo Valley is a visually breathtaking experience.

Seven distinct groups of people live in this area. The Mursi are known for the clay lip plates that the women insert in their lower lips. The Hamar women wear thick copper necklaces, have braided hairstyles colored with red clay,and have high cheekbones. The Karo are highly decorated with chalk. The Konso are pastoralists and weavers. Visually stunning landscapes will be travelled through, ranging from mountains to savannah.

Visitation to the local tribes is a unique travel experience. Photographic opportunities range from documenting the daily life of the tribes, portraiture, scenic shots as well as the opportunity to enhance one's compositional skills. Until the 1970s, these tribes had no contact with the outside world and now you have the opportunity to know them. Traveling three photographers per Land Cruiser, eating the local food and staying at local accommodations makes for a special experience.

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Itinerary

Day 1:  Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at the airport you will be transported to the hotel. The group will have a meet and greet dinner and time to get over the long flight.
O/N Jupiter Hotel

Day 2:  Addis Ababa
We will spend the first day touring Addis Ababa.  It is the second highest city in the world, with an altitude of 8000 feet above sea level.  Acclimation is rarely a problem.  Addis Ababa sightseeing includes the National Museum which contains “Lucy” the 3.2 million year old hominoid, the oldest that has ever been found.  The Ethnographic Museum which contains an impressive array of religious crosses, triptychs and murals. The 9,840 feet high Entoto Mountains located to the north of the city. Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place for the last King of Ethiopia and the Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa offering a dazzling array of colors, aromas, textiles, produce and jewelry.
O/N Jupiter Hotel

Day 3:  Addis Ababa – Butajira – Arba Minch
In the morning we will be heading south to Arbaminch via the scenic route of Butajira and Hosaina.  En route, we will be able to visit the Unesco – registered Tiya Monuments.  These stelae were erected in the fourteenth century and appear to be grave markers.  Proceeding further through Wolait Sodo, we will be arriving in Arbaminch early evening.
O/N Paradise Lodge

Day 4: Arba Minch – Key Afer – Jinka
Early morning we will be heading to Jinka. At Key Afer we will be able to visit the weekly Benna market that attracts neighboring tribes. We will be able to photograph the local tribes as they interact with one another and conduct business. We will have an opportunity to bargain for local handicrafts. Arriving in Jinka in the early evening, free time can be spent walking through town.
O/N Eco-Omo Lodge.

Day 5: Jinka – Mago National Park – Jinka
Early morning we will be heading into Mago National Park, home of the Mursi Tribe. The Mursi women are known for the circular clay plates that they wear in their lower lip. The men are draped in blankets. Photographing this tribe is a challenge to any portrait photographer. Returning back to Jinka late afternoon we will visit the South Omo Research Center.
O/N Eco-Omo Lodge.

Day 6: Jinka – Dimeka – Turmi
In the morning we will drive to Turmi via Dimeka. We will explore the colorful weekly tribal market. Proceeding further and arriving in Turmi late afternoon.
O/N Eco-Omo Lodge.

Day 7: Turmi
During the day we will be visiting a local Hamer village in the surroundings of Turmi. The Hamer have high cheek bones wear thick copper necklaces and elaborate custom beads. A workshop on documentary photography will take place. The Hamer are very outgoing and easily engaged.
Lodging: Buska Lodge.

Day 8: Turmi
In the morning we will be proceeding to Korcho, home to the Kara Tribe. The Kara are best known for their body paintings. They use white chalk, charcoal, ochre and red earth. The women scarify their chest to beautify themselves. 
O/N Camping.

Day 9: Dus 
We will spend the day photographing the Kara Tribe in the villages of Dus and Labuke.. 
O/N Camping 

Day 10: Turmi 
Today you'll be heading back to Turmi. We will photograph and explore the villages where the Hamer Tribe resides. The women wear intricate goatskins and heavy metal collars that signify their marriage order. 
O/N Buska Lodge 

Day 11: Turmi – Arbore – Konso
In the morning we will be heading to Konso. En route, we will be visiting Arbore tribal village settled in the Weito lowlands parallel to Lake Stephanie. Arriving Konso at noon, we will spend the afternoon visiting local Konso villages; shooting their terraced farm fields, wooden totems, nine-clan community structures.
O/N Kanta Lodge 

Day 12: Konso – Dorze Haizo
Journey to Dorze Haizo, 40 miles north of Arba Minch. We will visit a local Dorze village and take a tour of their cone-shaped elephant looking bamboo huts, learn about their cotton weaving and “kocho” preparation – their staple food. Thursday is the weekly market day at Dorze Haizo and we will photograph the tribes conducting commerce.
O/N Paradise Hotel 

Day 13: Dorze Haizo – Addis Ababa
Today you will fly back to Addis Ababa from Arba Minch.
O/N Jupiter Hotel 

*Special Note: This itinerary is subject to change as we will try to attend the Hamer bull-jumping ceremony which means the itinerary will be altered.

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Optional Extension to Lalibela

Photo © Sharon Wellings

You may elect to take this tour before or after the scheduled Omo Valley Tour. Please contact us to make the necessary arrangements. See itinerary

Experiences

Photograph the lip plate wearing Mursi Tribe and visit them in the Mago National Park.

Shoot the Hamar bull jumping ceremony. A truly unique cultural event.

Visit the Kara Tribe who paint their bodies with chalk. Photograph this friendly tribe.

Photograph the Arbore Tribe. The women wear black shawls and colorful beads. 

City tour of Addis Ababa. Capture images of street scenes and markets.

Registration Form

Details

Dates 
Nov 5 - Nov 17, 2015

Photo Leaders
Jeremy Woodhouse & 
Holly Wimeth

FULL
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Fee
$6,600.00
from Addis Ababa
Includes one in-country flight
Single supplement: $275.00 
Couples discount: $350

Deposit
$1,000.00

Group Size
11

Hotels

Addis Ababa
Jupiter Hotel 

Jinka
Eco-Omo Lodge

Turmi
Buska Lodge

Konso
Kanta Lodge

Arba Minch
Paradise Hotel