Tribes of the Omo Valley, EthiopiaCheck out our latest Omo Valley Trip here: Click here
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. |
ExperiencesVisit Ethiopia and 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. DetailsDates:
January 5 2017 - January 17 2017 Photo Leader: Trevor Cole Fee: $6700 (includes all meals, photo fees, internal flights) Couples Discount: $400 Not included: International plane fare, gratuities to drivers/guide Registration Form Group Size: 9 Deposit: $1000 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE |
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 - Fri 6th Jan : Addis Ababa - Arbaminch Flight
At 9:45am, the group will be driven to the airport for the short flight to Arba Minch. Departing Addis Ababa at noon we will arrive at 1:05pm. After a lunch break and trip overview at the picturesque Paradise Lodge, we will spend the afternoon photographing the people and shops in this peaceful southern city. The sunset from the terrace of the Paradise Lodge overlooking Nechisar National Park, Chamo and Abaya Lakes makes for a great end of day shoot. Overnight at Paradise Lodge.
Day 3 - Sat 7th Jan : Arbaminch - Chamo Lake - Dorze Haizo - Arbaminch
Starting off at 8:00AM, we will go on a two hour boat trip on Chamo Lake one of the seven Rift Valley lakes in the region where we will be able to see hippos, nile crocodiles, pelicans and a variety of birdlife. Men in dugout canoes fish with spears and nets. After an early lunch in Arba Minch, we will proceed to Dorze Haizo. The village is located uphill 23 kms north of Arba Minch in the Gughe Mountain chain. Here, you will be able to capture images of their village, cone-shaped bamboo huts, cotton weavers and observe Kocho staple food preparation made out of Enset trees. We always end our visit by tasting their locally brewed drink. Afterwards we will visit the vibrant weekly tribal market at Chencha, 7kms further from Dorze Haizo. The stalls sell home goods and the woman can be photographed smoking pipes, men in old army hats and lots of local color. A landscape photography opportunity exists on the way down from the mountainous village market. Overnight at Paradise Lodge.
*This being the Ethiopian Christmas holiday, an early morning visit to local churches may allow us to capture some stunning images. The high priests chanting, women walking with devotional candles, men chanting in unison and people draped in white robes with colourful umbrellas, is a photo opportunity waiting to happen.
Day 4 - Sun 8th Jan : Arba Minch - Konso - Arbore - Turmi
At 7:30am, the group will drive to Konso where upon arrival we will visit a traditional dirt and mud village. It is one of the nine UNESCO-registered World Heritage sites in Ethiopia. Here, you will be able to photograph their terraced farm fields, the symbolic Waka totem poles and have a general insight into their nine-clan community structure with photo shoot opportunities enroute as well as within the villages we will be visiting. We will wander the paths through this very rural village. The people are excellent terrace agriculturalists.
Proceeding further into the scenic Weito lowlands, we will be visiting an Arbore tribal village located at the northern edge of Mount Buska. The Arbore women are absolutely stunning, they have extremely dark skin and strong features. Prior to marriage the women have their heads shaved. They wear dark robes, colorful beads and their huts are fabricated from tree branches. We will work on our portraiture skills in this village. Arriving in Turmi late in the afternoon, we will be spending the night at the Buska Lodge which will be our base for the next few days. These round shaped tukul lodges have porches and are on the bank of a stream. If you like shooting star trails this is your mecca as there is little light pollution.
Day 5 - Mon 9th Jan : Turmi
During the day we will be visiting two local Hamer villages in close proximity. The Hamer women have high cheek bones, wear thick copper necklaces and elaborate custom beads. The Hamer are very outgoing and easily engaged. Many of the men wear feathers in their hair and dress in dark green blankets. Monday, being one of the weekly market days we will be able to photograph them buying food, coffee grinds and conducting commerce. The local teens play bingo, wheel of fortune and skee ball and to join in is always a fun experience. The craft market in Turmi is extensive and one of the best in the Omo. Overnight at Buska Lodge.
Day 6 - Tue 10th Jan : Turmi - Korcho - Dus - Turmi
Departing Turmi at 5:15AM, our photography group will head towards Korcho and Dus, two of the three villages of the Kara tribe. Settled on the banks of the Omo River, this tribe is known for their creative and decorative body chalk painting. We will visit the local school and photograph these outgoing and curious kids. Many of he Kara women have pierced lips and insert nails and pins. Our first stop will be in Korcho village. Photographing on the bank of the Omo River can yield iconic images. We will continue on the unpaved, pot hole strewn and rough dirt track to Dus village. Early afternoon, we will photograph the ceremonial, communal dance performed by the people of Dus. Epic Photo Tours will be donating bags of grain as a donation and the dance is how they say thank you. The Kara of Dus pride themselves as the best dancers in the Omo. We will also photograph these warm and inviting people on the banks of the Omo and in the shade, under the large umbrella like trees. Evening at the Buska Lodge in Turmi.
Day 7 - Wed 11th Jan : Turmi - Kangaten - Turmi
Starting off from Turmi at sunrise we will be heading to Kangaten, home to the Nyangatom tribe that historically are said to be a split group from the Toposa tribe of South Sudan. Settled on the other side of the Omo River, we will be crossing the Omo River where we will be able to access and visit remote tribal villages. The teenage boys are lively and like to play much of the day. The women are topless and wear many strands of heavy beads, the girls are playful and love to have their images taken. Mid-afternoon, we will return to Turmi where we will spending another night at the Buska Lodge.
Day 8 - Thu 12th Jan : Turmi - Omorate - Key Afer - Jinka
Departing Turmi at 6:00AM, we will be heading to Omorate, home of the Dassanach tribe who are said to be descendants of Bantu.Like many of these tribal groups they use chain links and other western ‘cast offs’ as decorative objects. Crossing the newly constructed Omo River bridge and driving further for 12kms, we will be able to photograph a remote Dassanach tribal village, just 11kms from the shores of Lake Turkana. We will photograph the women cooking by fire, grinding corn meal and the men with their flock. This will be the first time that this tribal group is included in our photo tour program.
The afternoon will be spent photographing at the Bena tribe market at Key Afer. It is a lively market that attracts the Hamer, Ari, Tsemai and local Bena tribe. Photo opportunities include portraiture and market activity. Women selling chickens, men selling honey and bee pots, teenagers flirting, women gossiping and men shaving each others hair are easily photographed. Arriving Jinka late afternoon, we will be lodging at the Eco Omo Hotel .
***While in the Jinka area we will be on the look out for the ritualistic bull jumping ceremony. Our itinerary will be altered so that we can attend this unique event. The event includes women dancing and blowing horns, men whipping the women on their backs and the actual bull jump. A tribal rite of passage for young men!
Day 9 - Fri 13th Jan : Jinka - Mago National Park - Jinka
At 5:30am, we will head 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 (and a sense of humour is required!) We will hire models and stage photo shoots while here. The group can wander freely and our experienced local guide will be assisting you at all times.We will make the drive back to Jinka and eat lunch at a restaurant that is always a group favorite. We will visit Omo Child Center www.omochild.org in the afternoon. The director will give us a tour and we will have a question and answer period. The kids can be photographed and visiting Omo Child is always an emotional experience. Lodging will be at the Eco Omo Lodge which has a patio where the group can have cold beer or hot coffee after this long day.
Day 10 - Sat 14th Jan : Jinka - Weito - Arbaminch
Today we will be photographing an Ari tribal village which is a 30 minute drive from Jinka. These people are not painted or decorated but an excellent representation of rural southerm Ethiopia. Past photography groups have visited the school and donated school supplies. The group will also visit the only museum that is on the itinerary, South Omo Research Center. The Jinka market is a hub of activity and street photography is easily done here. The people are warm and to wander here is pure Ethiopian joy. The Paradise Lodge in Arba Minch is our final destination
Day 11 - Sun 15th Jan : Arbaminch - Halaba Kulito - Awassa
Departing after breakfast we will be heading to Awassa, en route visiting Oromo settlements around Halaba Kulito. These attractively decorated grass-topped huts, the daily scenario of donkey caravans laden with yellow jerry cans strolling for hours to nearby water pumps are easily photographed.
After lunch at Shashamane, we will be able to visit the Rastafarian Community House, ancestors of whom were allowed to settle in Ethiopia by Emperor Haile Selassie in the '50s from Jamaica. Proceeding further and arriving in Awassa early afternoon, we will have a free afternoon. We will lodge at the well appointed Haile Resort Hotel, conveniently and attractively located on the shores of Lake Awassa (one of the seven Rift Valley lakes in Ethiopia). This hotel is one of the finest in Ethiopia and is owned by Haile Gebre Selassie, one of Ethiopia’s most successful athletes. For those who want local flavor the drivers are always very happy and willing to take you to a local hot spot after dinner.
Day 12 - Mon 16th Jan : Awassa – Ziway - Addis Ababa
After breakfast we will be visiting Amora Gedel, the daily fish market located on the shores of Lake Awassa. Here, you will be able to photograph a variety of birdlife as well as tilapia fishing. We will then drive to Addis Ababa through the Rift Valley lakes region. With a lunch stop at Ziway, we will be arriving in Addis Ababa in the early afternoon and check into the Jupiter Hotel. After resting and freshening up, we will have our farewell dinner at 2000Abesha Restaurant. It is here where we will be able to taste the best of Ethiopian cuisine while watching live traditional music and dance performances from different parts of Ethiopia. Overnight at Jupiter Hotel.
Day 13: Addis Ababa-Homeward Bound
Transportation will be provided to the airport which is 15 minutes away from the hotel
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 - Fri 6th Jan : Addis Ababa - Arbaminch Flight
At 9:45am, the group will be driven to the airport for the short flight to Arba Minch. Departing Addis Ababa at noon we will arrive at 1:05pm. After a lunch break and trip overview at the picturesque Paradise Lodge, we will spend the afternoon photographing the people and shops in this peaceful southern city. The sunset from the terrace of the Paradise Lodge overlooking Nechisar National Park, Chamo and Abaya Lakes makes for a great end of day shoot. Overnight at Paradise Lodge.
Day 3 - Sat 7th Jan : Arbaminch - Chamo Lake - Dorze Haizo - Arbaminch
Starting off at 8:00AM, we will go on a two hour boat trip on Chamo Lake one of the seven Rift Valley lakes in the region where we will be able to see hippos, nile crocodiles, pelicans and a variety of birdlife. Men in dugout canoes fish with spears and nets. After an early lunch in Arba Minch, we will proceed to Dorze Haizo. The village is located uphill 23 kms north of Arba Minch in the Gughe Mountain chain. Here, you will be able to capture images of their village, cone-shaped bamboo huts, cotton weavers and observe Kocho staple food preparation made out of Enset trees. We always end our visit by tasting their locally brewed drink. Afterwards we will visit the vibrant weekly tribal market at Chencha, 7kms further from Dorze Haizo. The stalls sell home goods and the woman can be photographed smoking pipes, men in old army hats and lots of local color. A landscape photography opportunity exists on the way down from the mountainous village market. Overnight at Paradise Lodge.
*This being the Ethiopian Christmas holiday, an early morning visit to local churches may allow us to capture some stunning images. The high priests chanting, women walking with devotional candles, men chanting in unison and people draped in white robes with colourful umbrellas, is a photo opportunity waiting to happen.
Day 4 - Sun 8th Jan : Arba Minch - Konso - Arbore - Turmi
At 7:30am, the group will drive to Konso where upon arrival we will visit a traditional dirt and mud village. It is one of the nine UNESCO-registered World Heritage sites in Ethiopia. Here, you will be able to photograph their terraced farm fields, the symbolic Waka totem poles and have a general insight into their nine-clan community structure with photo shoot opportunities enroute as well as within the villages we will be visiting. We will wander the paths through this very rural village. The people are excellent terrace agriculturalists.
Proceeding further into the scenic Weito lowlands, we will be visiting an Arbore tribal village located at the northern edge of Mount Buska. The Arbore women are absolutely stunning, they have extremely dark skin and strong features. Prior to marriage the women have their heads shaved. They wear dark robes, colorful beads and their huts are fabricated from tree branches. We will work on our portraiture skills in this village. Arriving in Turmi late in the afternoon, we will be spending the night at the Buska Lodge which will be our base for the next few days. These round shaped tukul lodges have porches and are on the bank of a stream. If you like shooting star trails this is your mecca as there is little light pollution.
Day 5 - Mon 9th Jan : Turmi
During the day we will be visiting two local Hamer villages in close proximity. The Hamer women have high cheek bones, wear thick copper necklaces and elaborate custom beads. The Hamer are very outgoing and easily engaged. Many of the men wear feathers in their hair and dress in dark green blankets. Monday, being one of the weekly market days we will be able to photograph them buying food, coffee grinds and conducting commerce. The local teens play bingo, wheel of fortune and skee ball and to join in is always a fun experience. The craft market in Turmi is extensive and one of the best in the Omo. Overnight at Buska Lodge.
Day 6 - Tue 10th Jan : Turmi - Korcho - Dus - Turmi
Departing Turmi at 5:15AM, our photography group will head towards Korcho and Dus, two of the three villages of the Kara tribe. Settled on the banks of the Omo River, this tribe is known for their creative and decorative body chalk painting. We will visit the local school and photograph these outgoing and curious kids. Many of he Kara women have pierced lips and insert nails and pins. Our first stop will be in Korcho village. Photographing on the bank of the Omo River can yield iconic images. We will continue on the unpaved, pot hole strewn and rough dirt track to Dus village. Early afternoon, we will photograph the ceremonial, communal dance performed by the people of Dus. Epic Photo Tours will be donating bags of grain as a donation and the dance is how they say thank you. The Kara of Dus pride themselves as the best dancers in the Omo. We will also photograph these warm and inviting people on the banks of the Omo and in the shade, under the large umbrella like trees. Evening at the Buska Lodge in Turmi.
Day 7 - Wed 11th Jan : Turmi - Kangaten - Turmi
Starting off from Turmi at sunrise we will be heading to Kangaten, home to the Nyangatom tribe that historically are said to be a split group from the Toposa tribe of South Sudan. Settled on the other side of the Omo River, we will be crossing the Omo River where we will be able to access and visit remote tribal villages. The teenage boys are lively and like to play much of the day. The women are topless and wear many strands of heavy beads, the girls are playful and love to have their images taken. Mid-afternoon, we will return to Turmi where we will spending another night at the Buska Lodge.
Day 8 - Thu 12th Jan : Turmi - Omorate - Key Afer - Jinka
Departing Turmi at 6:00AM, we will be heading to Omorate, home of the Dassanach tribe who are said to be descendants of Bantu.Like many of these tribal groups they use chain links and other western ‘cast offs’ as decorative objects. Crossing the newly constructed Omo River bridge and driving further for 12kms, we will be able to photograph a remote Dassanach tribal village, just 11kms from the shores of Lake Turkana. We will photograph the women cooking by fire, grinding corn meal and the men with their flock. This will be the first time that this tribal group is included in our photo tour program.
The afternoon will be spent photographing at the Bena tribe market at Key Afer. It is a lively market that attracts the Hamer, Ari, Tsemai and local Bena tribe. Photo opportunities include portraiture and market activity. Women selling chickens, men selling honey and bee pots, teenagers flirting, women gossiping and men shaving each others hair are easily photographed. Arriving Jinka late afternoon, we will be lodging at the Eco Omo Hotel .
***While in the Jinka area we will be on the look out for the ritualistic bull jumping ceremony. Our itinerary will be altered so that we can attend this unique event. The event includes women dancing and blowing horns, men whipping the women on their backs and the actual bull jump. A tribal rite of passage for young men!
Day 9 - Fri 13th Jan : Jinka - Mago National Park - Jinka
At 5:30am, we will head 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 (and a sense of humour is required!) We will hire models and stage photo shoots while here. The group can wander freely and our experienced local guide will be assisting you at all times.We will make the drive back to Jinka and eat lunch at a restaurant that is always a group favorite. We will visit Omo Child Center www.omochild.org in the afternoon. The director will give us a tour and we will have a question and answer period. The kids can be photographed and visiting Omo Child is always an emotional experience. Lodging will be at the Eco Omo Lodge which has a patio where the group can have cold beer or hot coffee after this long day.
Day 10 - Sat 14th Jan : Jinka - Weito - Arbaminch
Today we will be photographing an Ari tribal village which is a 30 minute drive from Jinka. These people are not painted or decorated but an excellent representation of rural southerm Ethiopia. Past photography groups have visited the school and donated school supplies. The group will also visit the only museum that is on the itinerary, South Omo Research Center. The Jinka market is a hub of activity and street photography is easily done here. The people are warm and to wander here is pure Ethiopian joy. The Paradise Lodge in Arba Minch is our final destination
Day 11 - Sun 15th Jan : Arbaminch - Halaba Kulito - Awassa
Departing after breakfast we will be heading to Awassa, en route visiting Oromo settlements around Halaba Kulito. These attractively decorated grass-topped huts, the daily scenario of donkey caravans laden with yellow jerry cans strolling for hours to nearby water pumps are easily photographed.
After lunch at Shashamane, we will be able to visit the Rastafarian Community House, ancestors of whom were allowed to settle in Ethiopia by Emperor Haile Selassie in the '50s from Jamaica. Proceeding further and arriving in Awassa early afternoon, we will have a free afternoon. We will lodge at the well appointed Haile Resort Hotel, conveniently and attractively located on the shores of Lake Awassa (one of the seven Rift Valley lakes in Ethiopia). This hotel is one of the finest in Ethiopia and is owned by Haile Gebre Selassie, one of Ethiopia’s most successful athletes. For those who want local flavor the drivers are always very happy and willing to take you to a local hot spot after dinner.
Day 12 - Mon 16th Jan : Awassa – Ziway - Addis Ababa
After breakfast we will be visiting Amora Gedel, the daily fish market located on the shores of Lake Awassa. Here, you will be able to photograph a variety of birdlife as well as tilapia fishing. We will then drive to Addis Ababa through the Rift Valley lakes region. With a lunch stop at Ziway, we will be arriving in Addis Ababa in the early afternoon and check into the Jupiter Hotel. After resting and freshening up, we will have our farewell dinner at 2000Abesha Restaurant. It is here where we will be able to taste the best of Ethiopian cuisine while watching live traditional music and dance performances from different parts of Ethiopia. Overnight at Jupiter Hotel.
Day 13: Addis Ababa-Homeward Bound
Transportation will be provided to the airport which is 15 minutes away from the hotel