13-Day Ethiopia Omo Valley Photographer Tour

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

Arrival and Addis Ababa Guided city tour

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Begin exploring Addis Ababa with a drive to Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the capital. Visit the National Museum to see the famous fossil remains of Lucy, explore Holy Trinity Cathedral, and discover Ethiopia’s cultural heritage at the Ethnological Museum, formerly part of Emperor Haile Selassie’s palace. Finish the day at Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets.

Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Cassiopeia Hotel

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

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Addis Ababa to Jimma drive

After breakfast, drive southwest through Ethiopia’s beautiful highlands toward Jimma. Enjoy scenic views of the countryside, coffee-growing areas, and traditional Gurage villages. Stop along the way to experience local village life and admire the landscapes surrounding the Gibe River before continuing to Jimma.

Overnight in Jimma.

Main Destination:

Jimma (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Cassiopeia Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Jimma to Mizan

Travel toward Mizan through the lush landscapes of the Kaffa region, an area closely associated with the origins of coffee. Enjoy views of green forests, rural settlements, and traditional villages. Learn about the local communities and their connection to the region’s natural environment.

Overnight in Mizan.

Main Destination:

Mizan Teferi (Town)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Salayish The Grand Hotel and Spa

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

+12 Photos

+11 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mizan to Kibish

After breakfast, drive toward Kibish through the remote and scenic landscapes of southwestern Ethiopia. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of the countryside, pass traditional villages, and discover the cultural diversity of the Bench Sheko region. There will be opportunities to stop for photographs, observe local lifestyles, and appreciate the natural beauty of this less-visited part of Ethiopia. Continue through the peaceful rural landscapes toward Kibish, a remote area known for its proximity to the Suri (Surma) communities.

Arrive in Kibish later in the day and settle into your campsite, preparing for the following day’s cultural experience and village visits.

Overnight camping in Kibish.

Main Destination:

Kibish (Lower Omo Valley)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Surmia communities

Spend the day visiting Surma, also known as Suri, communities around Kibish. Learn about their distinctive cultural traditions, body painting, traditional adornments, and rural lifestyles. The Suri are particularly known for their elaborate body decoration and, among some women, traditional lip plates.

Enjoy opportunities to photograph village life respectfully and learn about the community’s cultural heritage.

Overnight camping in Kibish.

Main Destination:

Omo National Park (Lower Omo Valley)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Omo NP (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kibish to omo National Park and Nyangatom

After breakfast, drive toward Omo National Park, enjoying the remote scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife, including birds and, with luck, larger mammals. Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing toward the Nyangatom communities near the Omo River.

Learn about local traditions and daily life in this fascinating borderland region.

Overnight camping near Nyangatom.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Nyangatom-Karo Village -Turmi

Explore the Nyangatom communities and learn about their traditional way of life. Continue toward the Omo River to visit the Karo people, known for their intricate body painting and distinctive cultural traditions. Enjoy the dramatic river scenery before driving to Turmi.

Overnight in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Turmi Lodge

• Budget lodge located in Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Omorates and the Dessanch and hammer tribes

After an early breakfast, drive to Omorate, near the Kenyan border, to visit the Dassanech communities. Cross the Omo River by local boat, where applicable, and explore the village to learn about traditional lifestyles and local customs.

Return to Turmi for lunch before visiting a Hamar village in the afternoon. Discover the community’s distinctive hairstyles, beadwork, body decoration, and cultural traditions.

If a bull-jumping ceremony or another traditional celebration is taking place during your visit, you may have the opportunity to witness it. These ceremonies depend on local arrangements and cannot be guaranteed.

Overnight in a hotel in Turmi.

Main Destination:

Omorate (Lower Omo Valley)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Buska Lodge

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Turmi -Keyafar -Jinka

If your visit falls on a Thursday, travel to Key Afer to experience the lively weekly market, where people from several communities gather to trade goods and socialise.

Depending on the market day and local attendance, you may encounter people from the Benna, Tsemay, and Ari communities, offering an opportunity to observe regional trade and cultural exchange.

After exploring the market, continue toward Jinka, with possible stops in nearby villages depending on the time available.

Overnight in a hotel in Jinka.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Jinka Resort

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Jinka -Mago National Park-Jinka

After breakfast, drive to Mago National Park to visit a village inhabited by the Mursi community, one of the best-known cultural groups in the Omo Valley. The Mursi are recognised for their distinctive traditions, including lip plates worn by some women, traditional body decoration, and unique cultural practices. Spend time learning about their daily lives, customs, and relationship with the surrounding environment.

Enjoy the opportunity to observe village life, take photographs respectfully, and gain a deeper understanding of the community’s cultural heritage and traditions.

In the afternoon, return to Jinka. Depending on the time available and local arrangements, visit a nearby Ari village to discover traditional weaving, pottery, agriculture, and other local crafts. Learn how these skills are passed down through generations and remain an important part of everyday life.

Overnight in Jinka.

Main Destination:

Mago National Park

Best Time To Go June to February (Little rainfall)

High Season October to January (It might be busier)

Best Weather

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Jinka Resort

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Jinka -Arbore -konso

After an early breakfast, drive toward the villages of the Arbore community, passing through the landscapes of the southern Omo Valley.

The Arbore people have distinctive cultural traditions, including traditional songs, dances, and ceremonies. Depending on local arrangements, you may have the opportunity to learn about their customs and daily activities.

Continue through the Weyto area, where you may see members of the Benna community, before driving toward Konso.

Overnight in a lodge in Konso.

Main Destination:

Konso (Cultural Village)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Jinka Resort

• Budget hotel located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Konso -Arba Minchi -Dorzy

Begin the morning with a visit to a Konso village to explore the community’s remarkable cultural landscape. The Konso are known for their traditional stone terraces, carefully managed agricultural land, and distinctive settlement patterns. Their cultural landscape is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue to Arba Minch for a boat trip on Lake Chamo, where you may see hippos, large Nile crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds.

After lunch, drive to the nearby Dorze highlands to visit a traditional Dorze village. Discover the community’s distinctive, beehive-shaped houses and learn about traditional weaving and the preparation of kocho, a staple food made from the fermented parts of the false banana plant.

In the evening, enjoy an introduction to Dorze cultural traditions, with the possibility of traditional songs and dances depending on local arrangements.

Overnight in Dorze.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Arba Minch

• Mid-range hotel located in Arba Minch (City)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Dorze-Addis Ababa -Departure

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Addis Ababa, passing through the scenic landscapes of southern Ethiopia. Stop along the way for refreshments and photographs, with opportunities to experience local towns and countryside.

Depending on your schedule and the available time, visit the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Tiya, known for its remarkable engraved stelae.

Continue to Addis Ababa for a farewell dinner before transferring to Bole International Airport for your departure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner 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.