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4 Days 3 Nights
Daily Tour
16 people
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This journey is ideal for travellers looking to explore Ethiopia’s south, featuring its breath-taking landscapes and distinct tribes of the Omo Valley, all within a limited timeframe. This tour can easily be integrated with any other itineraries in Ethiopia. Omo Valley Southern Ethiopia.
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Depending on the flight schedule, it’s preferable to drive to Keyafer, the town of the Banna tribe, via Koko, which is 20 km from Jinka. Thursday is market day for the Banna and Ari tribes, offering a vibrant experience. After enjoying some time at the market, we will continue our drive to Turmi, the capital of the Hamer people, passing through Dimeka.
Accommodation: Buska Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Omorate, the administrative center of the Dassanech tribe. Remember to bring your visa and passport with you. Upon arrival in Omorate, make sure to pay the entrance fees and obtain tickets for a boat trip across the Omo River. Afterward, take a 10 to 20-minute walk to reach the Dassanech village. The name "Dassanech" in the local language means "people of the Delta" due to their proximity to the Omo Valley. Their traditional dance is similar to that of the Maasai Mara in Kenya and Tanzania. The Dassanech people engage in flood retreat cultivation, pastoralism, and fishing. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to witness the Bull jumping ceremony, if it is taking place. This ceremonial event, known as Ukule Bulla, signifies a young Hamer man's transition into adulthood by leaping over a line of cattle. This act qualifies him for marriage, cattle ownership, and starting a family. As part of the ceremony, the man's female relatives voluntarily request to be whipped, with the girls encouraging the young men (Maza) to continue the tradition through singing and pleading. In the evening, if available, attend the traditional dance ceremony known as Evangadi. Evangadi involves night dances held periodically, typically associated with crop harvest, full moons, peace, and stability. Unmarried women and men come together during these ceremonies to socialize, dance, and foster relationships. Accommodation will be provided at Buska Lodge, with breakfast included in your meals.
After breakfast, we will continue our drive to explore the Karo (Kara) tribe, the smallest tribe in the South Omo Valley, with a population of about 1,500 as of 2020. The Karo tribe is known for their body painting and resides on the eastern bank of the Omo River, north of the Dassanech tribe. Dimeka serves as the administrative center for the Hamer tribe, housing government offices and functioning as the market town for the Hamer people. Here, not only the Hamer people gather, but also members of various tribes, including the Karo, Banna, and Ari, who come to trade different commodities. Accommodation: Eco Omo Lodge or equivalent Meals: Breakfast
After enjoying breakfast, venture to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi Tribe. The Mursi reside in a remote area nestled between the Mago and Omo Rivers. They primarily rely on livestock herding but also partake in some agricultural activities. Recognized for their height and unique appearance, Mursi men wear blankets draped over one shoulder, while women don elaborately crafted goatskin attire. Additionally, Mursi women are known for adorning large lip plates. After spending a few hours among the Mursi, return to Baco Airport for a flight back to Addis Ababa, marking the conclusion of the tour.
On Day 2 (Friday), you will visit Omorate, the headquarters of the Dassanech tribe. Ensure you bring your passport and visa, as you will need them to enter the village. It’s also advisable to pack comfortable walking shoes for the 10-20 minute trek to the Dassanech village after crossing the Omo River by boat.
During the tour, especially on Day 2 (Friday), you may have the opportunity to attend the Bull Jumping ceremony, which is a crucial rite of passage in Hamar culture. Additionally, you can experience traditional dance ceremonies like Evangadi in the evenings, which celebrate events such as crop harvests and full moons. The vibrant cultural displays will provide insight into the traditions of the local tribes.
Yes, you will have several opportunities to visit local markets throughout the tour. On Day 1, you will visit the Banna market in Keyafer, and on Day 3 (Saturday), you will explore the market in Dimeka, where you can see various tribes, including Karo, Banna, and Ari, engaging in trade and cultural exchange.
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