12-Day Omo Valley Ethnic Photography Adventure

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour

Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel before beginning a guided city tour of Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to see the famous fossil remains of Lucy and explore Ethiopia’s rich archaeological heritage. Continue to Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, where colorful daily life offers excellent street photography opportunities. In the afternoon, enjoy panoramic views of the city from Mount Entoto while learning about Ethiopia’s history and culture. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Triple-E Hotel and Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

+4 Photos

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly from Addis Ababa to Jimma

After breakfast, take a domestic flight to Jimma, a historic town surrounded by lush forests and coffee-growing landscapes. Upon arrival, begin the scenic drive toward the remote southwest regions of Ethiopia, passing traditional villages and beautiful countryside. Along the route, stop for photography opportunities featuring rural Ethiopian life and dramatic landscapes. Your guide will introduce you to the cultural diversity of the region as you travel deeper toward the Omo frontier. Overnight in the Jimma area.

Main Destination:

Jimma (Town)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Jimma

• Mid-range hotel located in Jimma (Town)

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+5 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Jimma to Mizan Teferi

Travel deeper into southwest Ethiopia on a beautiful drive toward Mizan Teferi. The route passes lush forests, coffee plantations, rivers, and remote settlements rarely visited by tourists. Meet local communities along the way and experience authentic daily life in rural Ethiopia. Overnight in Mizan Teferi.

Main Destination:

Mizan Teferi (Town)

Accommodation:

Salayish The Grand Hotel and Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Mizan Teferi (Town)

+12 Photos

+11 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Mizan Teferi to Kibish

Today’s expedition takes you into one of Ethiopia’s most remote and untouched regions. Journey through rolling hills, river valleys, and isolated tribal settlements while enjoying spectacular landscapes. Encounter local communities and witness traditional lifestyles in the deep southwest frontier. Arrive in Kibish for an overnight camping or lodge stay.

Main Destination:

Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kibish to Surma Region

Continue toward the fascinating Surma tribal region, one of Ethiopia’s most unique cultural destinations. The Surma people are famous for elaborate body painting, scarification, and lip plates worn by women. Spend the afternoon visiting villages and beginning immersive cultural photography sessions with local families. Overnight in the Surma region.

Main Destination:

Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Full-Day Exploration of the Surma People

Dedicate the day to exploring the traditional lifestyle of the Surma people. Photograph cattle herding, body painting, ceremonial gatherings, traditional hairstyles, and everyday village life. Learn about Surma customs, beliefs, and social traditions while engaging respectfully with the community. Overnight in the Surma region.

Main Destination:

Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Drive to Turmi & Visit Hamer Village

Depart the Surma region and travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Omo Valley toward Turmi. Along the route, enjoy scenic views, traditional villages, and encounters with nomadic communities. Visit a Hamer village known for colorful beadwork, unique hairstyles, and rich cultural traditions. Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

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

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+10 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Dassanech & Karo Tribes

Travel toward the lower Omo River to meet the Dassanech people, semi-nomadic pastoralists living in arid lowlands near the Kenyan border. Continue to Karo villages famous for artistic body painting and riverside settlements overlooking the Omo River. The Karo are among the most photogenic communities in Ethiopia, offering excellent portrait opportunities. Return to Turmi for overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Emerald Lodge Turmi

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Mursi Village & Drive to Erbore

Depart early for a visit to a traditional Mursi village in the southern Omo region. The Mursi women are internationally recognized for their clay lip plates and distinctive cultural traditions. Spend time photographing village life while learning about their customs and lifestyle. Continue through scenic landscapes toward Erbore for overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Erbore

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• The park

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Konso & Drive to Arba Minch

Visit the UNESCO-recognized Konso cultural landscape, known for terraced agriculture and traditional stone-walled villages. Explore Konso culture, wooden grave markers, and the community’s unique social organization. The region provides outstanding opportunities for cultural and landscape photography. Continue north to the beautiful lakeside town of Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Wubete Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Visit Lake Chamo & Dorze Village

Begin the day with a boat excursion on Lake Chamo, home to crocodiles, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy wildlife photography against the dramatic scenery of the Great Rift Valley. Later, visit the Dorze people in the Guge Mountains, famous for elephant-shaped bamboo houses and weaving traditions. Overnight in Arba Minch.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Wubete Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Forty Springs & Return to Addis Ababa

Visit the lush Forty Springs forest area, the natural attraction from which Arba Minch takes its name. Enjoy a peaceful walk among tropical vegetation, groundwater springs, and birdlife before transferring to the airport. Fly back to Addis Ababa and enjoy free time for shopping or relaxation. In the evening, attend a traditional Ethiopian cultural dinner with music, dance, and local cuisine.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

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

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