4 Days Omo valley

Fly from Addis Ababa to Jinka, where you’ll be met by our local representative upon arrival. From the airport, begin your journey with a drive to Key Afar. If it is a Thursday, you’ll have the chance to visit the vibrant Key Afar Market—one of the largest in the Omo Valley—where multiple tribes such as the Tsemay, Hamer, and Bena gather to trade goods in a lively display of color, sound, and culture. Continue your exploration with a visit to the nearby Mursi tribe, known for their dramatic body adornments, particularly the large lip plates worn by women, which serve as symbols of identity, beauty, and status. After your cultural encounters, proceed to Turmi, where you will spend the night at a local hotel.

This morning, drive to the far south to visit the Dassanech tribe near the Omo River. The Dassanech are a semi-nomadic people known for their unique cultural practices and adaptive lifestyle in a harsh environment. After your visit, return to the Turmi area to visit the Hamer tribe, famous for their red ochre hairstyles, beaded jewelry, and traditional customs. If a bull-jumping ceremony—the initiation rite of passage for young Hamer men—is taking place, attending the ceremony will take priority, offering an unforgettable glimpse into tribal life and coming-of-age rituals. Overnight at a hotel in Turmi.

After breakfast, set out on a drive to visit the Karo tribe in the village of Kolcho, located along the banks of the Omo River. The Karo are particularly renowned for their intricate body and face painting, which they use for ceremonies and daily adornment. These patterns are not only artistic but also culturally symbolic, making the Karo among the most visually striking tribes in the region. After your visit, continue the drive back to Jinka, where you’ll check in for an overnight stay.

Begin the day with a morning visit to the Ari tribe, one of the largest ethnic groups in the Omo Valley. The Ari are skilled in farming, pottery, and blacksmithing, and their villages are lush with vegetation and gardens. If time allows, you may also visit the Omo Valley Research Center and Museum in Jinka, which offers an informative overview of the region’s diverse tribal cultures and anthropological significance. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa.