9 DAYS SURI TRIBE AND OMO VALLEY ETHIOPIA PHOTO TOUR

Following breakfast, we’ll set off for Kibish. Our route takes us through Bebeka Coffee Plantation, the largest in Ethiopia, before continuing south to Dimma, a key transport hub for the Suri and Nuer communities. As we enter Suri territory, you'll notice the lush landscapes that are vital to their way of life. We’ll arrive in Kibish by late afternoon and set up camp beside the Kibish River. In the evening, there’s an opportunity to visit nearby Suri villages for photography and cultural immersion. Overnight camping at Kibish River Camp.

This day is dedicated to exploring Suri villages and learning about their culture through photography. The Suri are known for their intricate self-adornments, which include body painting, scarification, and natural decorations. They also engage in stick fighting, known as Saginay or “Donga,” a significant cultural practice that serves as a means for young men to attract partners or resolve disputes, demonstrating their bravery and resilience. If circumstances allow, we may witness this event today. Overnight camping at Kibish River Camp.

We’ll pack up early in the morning and journey towards Turmi in the lower Omo Valley. En route, we’ll visit Omo National Park, one of Africa’s most secluded national parks, where we’ll keep an eye out for wildlife as we approach the park headquarters. A packed lunch will be enjoyed along the way. Overnight at Paradise Lodge, Turmi.

On Monday, we’ll explore the Turmi market, where the Hamer people offer honey, snuff, food items, and handicrafts. This vibrant market provides excellent opportunities for street photography with its artistic stalls and traditional grain mills. In the afternoon, if conditions are favorable, we may witness a bull-jumping ceremony—an important rite of passage for boys transitioning into manhood by leaping over a line of cattle. Additionally, there may be a ritual where female relatives express their loyalty to the groom’s family by allowing themselves to be whipped by him with a stick—a symbolic gesture of love and commitment. If the bull-jumping ceremony does not take place, we will visit a Hamer village later in the day. Overnight at Paradise Lodge, Turmi.

We will leave Turmi at 5:00 AM and travel to Omorate, the homeland of the Dassanach tribe, who are thought to be descendants of the Turkana tribe from northern Kenya. Similar to many tribal communities in the area, they incorporate chain links and other discarded Western items into their decorative practices. You will visit a secluded Dassanach village located by the shores of Lake Turkana, where you'll have the chance to capture the distinctive way of life of this tribe through photography. A picnic breakfast and lunch will be provided at the site. In the afternoon, we will return to Turmi, where you will have the opportunity for a sunset photoshoot in a Hamer tribe village. Overnight accommodations will be at Paradise Lodge in Turmi.

We will depart from Turmi at 4:30 AM, heading into the picturesque Weito lowlands to visit an Arbore tribal village located at the northern edge of Mount Buska. The Arbore women are particularly stunning, known for their extremely dark skin and strong features. Before marriage, these women shave their heads and wear dark robes adorned with colorful beads. Their traditional huts are constructed from tree branches, providing a unique backdrop for photography. This visit offers a fantastic opportunity to capture breathtaking images against the stunning sunrise.   We will serve a picnic breakfast and lunch on location, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. After our visit, we will drive back to Turmi for an overnight stay at Paradise Lodge.

On this day, we will depart Turmi at 5:00 AM and drive to Kara Duse village, one of the friendliest villages of the Kara tribe. Located along the banks of the Omo River, this tribe is renowned for their creative and decorative body chalk painting. Many Kara women have pierced lips, adorned with nails and pins. Photographing along the Omo River provides a chance to capture images of children diving into the water, as well as iconic scenes of cattle and goat drives. We will serve a picnic breakfast amidst this vibrant setting. After our visit, we will return to Turmi for a lunch break before continuing our journey to Jinka. Overnight at Eco-Omo Lodge, Jinka.

On our final day, we’ll rise early to explore a nearby Ari village at sunrise. The locals are known for their friendliness, and many homes are brightly painted. The villagers engage in pottery making and grow sorghum, providing ample opportunities for photography. After enjoying a delicious lunch break in Jinka town, we’ll depart for Addis Ababa. This marks the end of our incredible adventure through the Omo Valley, filled with rich cultural experiences and unforgettable memories. Thank you for joining us on this journey