Best way to explore Ethiopia - Omo Valley
If you could only do one thing, visit Omo Valley
If you’re planning to travel to Ethiopia and only have one or two weeks, spend your time in Omo Valley. While Addis Ababa is likely where you’ll fly into, and there are many other rich parts of the country, Omo Valley is by and far the most interesting place to visit.
Omo Valley is a hidden gem located in southern Ethiopia, known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. This remote region is home to a number of indigenous communities, each with their own unique traditions and way of life.
The diverse array of indigenous communities make Omo Valley one of the most unique, and preserved regions in the world — it’s like stepping back in time. These communities include the Mursi, known for their distinctive lip plates, the Hamar, known for their bull jumping ceremonies, and the Karo, known for their intricate body painting. The tribes don’t see many tourists, but they do see some and are generally aware of tourism.
How to get around
Tribes are dispersed miles away from one another, in areas that can’t be found on a map — you need local knowledge to find them, and a friendly face to approach them. That’s why, if you're planning a trip to Omo Valley, we recommend going on a private tour with Binu Ethiopia Tours. Ben, the tour guide, established relationships with the various tribes, who will welcome you when you arrive. He will also customize the experience based on local ceremonies, markets, and your desired ways to stay in the region.
You may want to camp out with one tribe, or rest in a local boutique hotel (of course we recommend you stay with at least one tribe to fully experience a day in their life). Either way, Ben will set it up for you. You’ll also be accompanied by a private driver throughout your trip. And, since each tribe speaks a different language, Ben will arrange a translator so that you can ask questions and engage with each tribe.
In addition to its rich culture, Omo Valley is also known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. The region is home to a number of national parks and wildlife reserves, including Mago National Park, Omo National Park, and Konso Cultural Landscape. A private tour with Binu Ethiopia allows you to visit these protected areas and see a variety of animals, such as hippos, crocodiles, and more.
One of the benefits of going on a private tour with Binu Ethiopia is the personalized attention you will receive. Ben has a basic itinerary for 5 and 10 day tours, but feel free to ask him for any changes.
What to know about the tribes in advance
The tribe members of Omo Valley typically don’t leave the region. They simply don’t have access to money or transportation. In fact, you may see some walking for 24 hours just to get to a weekly market to exchange goods. So, while they are aware of the outside world, especially as they meet tourists who show them pictures of it, they don’t have access to many basic things that you and I may take for granted. We recommend bringing a few basic gifts for the locals.
The children will love you. If they know you are friendly, they will run up to you in a playful manner. Bring pens (yes, they love pens), wrapped candy, and tiny toys to give away. Adults will appreciate bar soap.
You should also have a vague idea about the tribes in advance. Some of the tribes in Omo Valley include the Mursi, the Hamar, the Karo, the Dassanech, the Hamer, the Bana, the Ari, the Bodi, the Surma, and the Konso. Here are the cliff notes on the tribes:
The Mursi are known for their distinctive lip plates, which are inserted into the lower lip and can be as large as 20 cm in diameter.
The Hamar are known for their bull jumping ceremonies, where young men must jump over a line of bulls to prove their strength and courage. They are also known for their distinctive hairstyles and clay huts.
The Karo are known for their intricate body painting, which they use to tell stories and express their cultural identity.
The Dassanech are known for their nomadic lifestyle.
The Bana are known for their use of honey as a currency.
The Ari are known for their colorful clothing and intricate beadwork.
Regardless of the tribes that you see on the trip, you will be able to take photographs. Some individuals will ask for money for photos.
Supporting the local economy
In addition to the convenience and personalized attention of going on a private tour with Binu Ethiopia, you to support the local economy. Binu Ethiopia is a locally-owned and operated tour company, so your money goes directly to supporting the local community. At the48dots, we believe that tourism helps so many people, and that’s why, if you book with Ben, we’ll reward you with the48dots travel points so that you can redeem them on future travel.
How to book
5 day trip
Sample itinerary
DAY 1: Konso tribe village
DAY 2: Mursi village + game viewing Mago National Park
DAY 3: Dassenche tribe
DAY 4: Karo tribe village
DAY 5: Hamer tribe bull jumping ceremony
10 day trip
Sample itinerary
DAY 1: Arbore tribe
DAY 2: Semi Afro-pastoralist communities of Ari tribe
DAY 3: Kwegu (Muguii) tribe
DAY 4: Karo tribe village
DAY 5: Visit the Nyangatom tribe
DAY 6: Camp out in the Mursi territory
DAY 7: DAY 7: Drive to Bashada to visit a converted Orthodox Church
DAY 8: Visit Tsamako
DAY 9: Camp and explore the wildelife
DAY 10: Meet a the chief the Konso compound (Kalla Gezahagn)