4-Day Omo Valley Tribal Tour with Mursi, Kara and Desanech Visits

4 Days Round trip from QHP4+3HW Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore a Mursi village known for its iconic lip plates
02 See the Kara tribe's intricate body and face painting traditions
03 Cross the Omo River by boat to visit a Desanech village near Lake Turkana
04 Experience Hamer village culture and possible seasonal activities
05 Spend time with remote Omo Valley tribes on both sides of the river

Travel into the remote Omo Valley to encounter some of the last remaining authentic tribes on the African continent. This journey takes you to both the east and west sides of the Omo River, where you will visit tribal villages, spend time intermingling with local communities, learn about their lifestyle, attend ceremonies and rituals, and take photos. Alongside its unique culture, the tour also offers an experience of Ethiopia's amazing landscapes and natural beauty.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Jinka, Turmi, Mago National Park, Omorate

Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Fly to Jinka and Visit a Mursi Village

Today, you will fly to Jinka. Upon arrival at Jinka Airport, the Eyayaw Tours team will be waiting for you at the airport exit, and then you will drive to Mago National Park to visit a Mursi village. The Mursi are undoubtedly the most celebrated residents of South Omo and are a distinctive group of pastoralists. They are best known for their unique form of decoration - lip plates.
Women of the Mursi wear circular clay plates on their lower lip, and the bigger a woman can wear, the greater her value when she gets married. After driving back to Jinka, you can enjoy the nice setting of the lodge.

Day 02

Drive to Turmi via the Kara Tribe

This morning, you will drive to Turmi to visit the Kara tribe, who reside on the shore of the Omo River. The Kara are masters of body and face painting, which they practice daily.
Before their rituals and dances, they carefully paint their faces and bodies, as well as the faces of their friends, using various coloured soils, minerals, plant pigments, flowers, white chalk, and black charcoal. Men are decorated with red clay hair buns that they have prepared for days.

Day 03

Omorate Excursion and Hamer Village Visit

In the cool morning, you will drive to Omorate to visit the Desanech (Geleb) tribal village by boat after crossing the Omo River. The Desanech are nomadic pastoralists found across the western bank of the Omo River, south of Lake Turkana, very close to the Kenyan border.
Late in the afternoon, you will drive to a Hamer village. The Hamer display an elaborate and diverse selection of body decorations. They are also identifiable by their high cheekbones and elaborate custom of beads, cowries, leather, and thick copper necklaces. In the same village, you might enjoy seasonal cultural activities.

Day 04

Return to Addis Ababa and Farewell Dinner

Early in the morning, you will drive to Jinka Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
Enjoy the scenic drive along traditional villages, countryside life, and the wonderful nature of the south.
In the evening before departure, you will be invited to a farewell dinner at one of the best traditional restaurants in Addis, where you can taste a variety of Ethiopian meals and watch folkloric dancers representing the Ethiopian people.
Then transfer to Bole Addis Ababa Airport for your flight home or to your hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from QHP4+3HW 5 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All entrance fees and licences as per the program
Accommodation based on a twin/double bed
Two domestic flights
Meals on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
English-speaking local guide
Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 wheel drive
Driver and his costs
Photography and village entrance fees
Boat trip over the Omo River
Scout

What's Not Included

Accommodation in Addis Ababa
Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses such as souvenirs
Tips for the tour guide and his team
Travel insurance (medical costs, return transport, cancellation costs)
Costs for any program changes due to external influences such as weather or politics
Other expenses not listed as included