9-Day Omo Valley Photography Expedition to Suri Surma

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Fly Addis Ababa to Jinka

Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel to freshen up. Afterward, visit the South Omo Research Center and Ethnological Museum for an insightful preview of the diverse tribal groups of the Omo Valley. If time allows, explore the vibrant evening market of the Ari people, offering a colorful introduction to local culture and daily life.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive from jinka - Mursi-Turmi

Our expedition begins early with a drive to a Mursi village, about 66 km from Jinka. Meet the Mursi, known for their striking lip plates and extended ear lobes. After an immersive photography session and lunch, continue the journey toward Turmi for the next cultural experience.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Drve Turmi korchodos-Turmi

Early morning, drive to Korcho to meet the Karo people on the banks of the Omo River, famed for their elaborate body painting and scarification. Return to Turmi for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the largest Hamer village for rich cultural and photographic experiences.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Drive from turm-kangate-kibish

After breakfast, drive to Kibish in the heart of Suri (Surma) land, crossing the Omo River via the new Kangaten bridge. This remote western side remains untouched and rich in wildlife as we pass through Omo National Park. The day is mostly driving, aiming to reach the Suri for an evening photo session. O/N camping.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Suri surma photography

The Suri remain among the least-visited tribes due to their remoteness, yet they are the most sought-after by photographers. They create stunning visual art through intricate body painting, bold scarification, and elaborate adornment using flowers and natural materials.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kibish-kakuta village

Early departure to Kakuta to visit and photograph the Bume (Nyangatom). Camping here offers close insight into one of the Omo Valley’s warrior tribes. Women wear heavy colorful bead necklaces and ochre-styled hair, while men display clay hair buns, ostrich feathers, and scarification marking bravery.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kakuta village-Turmi

Continue driving to Turmi, the central town of the Hamar tribe. On arrival, enjoy a relaxed afternoon break before transferring to Buska Lodge. Settle in, enjoy the night at the hotel, and rest well for the next morning’s tribal photography expedition.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Turmi-Desanech village -Jinka

After breakfast, drive to Omorate and cross the Omo River by small boat, followed by a short walk to the Dassanech (Gelab) village, known for their body painting and scarification traditions. Return to Turmi, and in the afternoon we may attend a Hamer bull-jumping ceremony if it is happening nearby.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Jinka fly Back Addis Ababa

Return to Jinka, visiting the weekly tribal market of Dimeka (Saturday) or Keyafer (Thursday), where Ari, Tsemai, Hamar, and Benna people come together to trade, socialize, and share news. Continue to Jinka Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa, enjoy final shopping, a farewell dinner, and then transfer to the airport.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.