Photography Expedition  to true remote Africa

The Exotic Tribes of the Omo Valley

8 Days 

Journey to the Omo Valley’s Remote Tribes, Where ‘Exotic’ Truly Comes to Life

Day 1: March 23: Arrive Addis Ababa

Arrive at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  Welcome to Ethiopia. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your local tour leader and transfer to Ramada Hotel. 

Addis Ababa, founded in 1886 by Menelik II, is situated at 2,500 meters (8000 ft) above sea level. It is the highest capital city in the world, after La Paz and Quito in South America. The city enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25C (77F). Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacarandas, interesting museums, and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the “Mercato”.

The rest of the day, relax in your comfortable  hotel and get ready for the unique adventure awaiting. 

Overnight at Ramada Addis  Hotel-Addis Ababa. 

 Day 2-3: March 24 & 25: Addis Ababa-Jinka-Omorate

Start your day with the rich aroma of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee and a delicious breakfast—welcome to the land of coffee!
Following our breakfast, we’ll head to Addis Ababa airport for our commercial flight to Jinka, where our drivers will be waiting to take us on a remarkable journey into the heart of the Omo Valley.

For the next two nights, we’ll stay in a riverside mobile camp nestled deep within the territory of the Geleb (Dassanech) people—a nomadic pastoralist community living along the banks of the Omo River. This rare and immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into their way of life, traditions, and their profound connection to the land.

During our time here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to witness—and photograph—the Dimi Ceremony, a sacred rite of passage that marks a young Dassanech girl’s transition into womanhood. This ancient tradition is a cornerstone of the community, preparing girls for their future roles in Dassanech society.

Led by revered elders adorned in animal hides, intricate hairstyles, and ostrich feathers, the ceremony is a captivating spectacle. They carry ceremonial sticks—symbols of wisdom and authority—as the community gathers to celebrate with rhythmic music, metal bells, shields, dance, and song.

The girls, decorated with vibrant natural body paint and symbolic hairstyles, are the heart of the ceremony. Rich in music, ritual, and ancestral blessings, the Dimi Ceremony can last for several weeks—continuing until the elders deem the girls fully initiated and spiritually ready.

This isn’t just a cultural event—it’s a living tradition. A powerful, deeply moving experience to witness in person, and an extraordinary one to capture through your lens in one of the most remote corners of Africa.

Mobile Camping –Omorate.

Day 4: March 26: Turmi-Hamer

We will  have one more early morning  session with the Desanech people. After our breakfast by the river side, we will drive back to Turmi. 

Turmi, home to the beautiful Nomadic Hamer Tribe living on the side of Keske River.  The Hamer, display an elaborate and diverse selection of body decorations. They are also identifiable for their high cheekbones, elaborate custom of beads, cowries and leather, and thick copper necklaces. The Hamar women are striking; wearing beautiful colorful beaded skins, ornate necklaces, and metal bangles around their wrist and ankles. We hope to arrive at the lodge for late lunch and be in time to visit Hamer village with good light for photography. 

For the next two nights, we will be based here at Turmi Village the center of the Hamer Tribes and other tribes living in the surrounding area. This will give us a great chance to attend different rituals including, Evangad and  Bull Jumping Ceremonies in some of the off-road tribal villages. From our base here, will help us great deal to create a wonderful photographic opportunity for the next three nights. This allows us to be flexible and capitalize on all the photographic opportunities in the area. During our stay in Turmi, we will visit the Erbore and Dassenech tribes.

Overnight:  Paradise Lodge

Day 5: March 27: Erbore –Hamer 

In the early morning, we will head to Erbore Village, home to a small community of nomadic pastoralists living near Chew Bahir (Salt Lake) in a low, hot, and flat region. The Erbore people reside in four small villages, and their name, meaning “land of the bull,” reflects their connection to the land. Renowned for their unique cultural practices, including intricate body paintings, decorations, and ornate beadwork on their elegant faces, the Erbore are among the most captivating tribes in the Omo Valley.

Late in the afternoon, we will look for cultural activities like Bull Jumping around the Hamer Villages.

Overnight:  Paradise Lodge

Day 6-7  March 28 & 29: The Exotic Suri Tribes 

We begin our day early, setting off for an unforgettable journey across the Omo River into the extraordinary land of the Suri people. After breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, we drive to Omorate airstrip, where our adventure takes to the skies. A scenic charter flight awaits—soaring over the majestic Omo River, offering breathtaking views of the rugged landscape below, dotted with remote villages that seem almost within reach. It’s a spectacular way to witness the beauty and isolation of this unique region from above.

Upon landing, we continue by road to Kibish, the heart of Suri territory, where the word “exotic” truly comes to life. We will check in to our mobile camp site which is set up near the village, ideally located for the explorations ahead. In the afternoon, after a light snack, we’ll take a walk down to the Kibish River. As the sun begins to set and the light softens, we’ll encounter the Suri along the riverbanks—offering an ideal opportunity to photograph their daily life in a magical natural setting.

For the next three days, we immerse ourselves in the world of the Suri, one of Africa’s most visually and culturally captivating tribes. Their bodies are painted with vibrant, intricate designs, and they wear striking headpieces crafted from wildflowers and elements of nature. Suri women are known for their clay lip plates—symbols of beauty and cultural pride, with larger plates considered more attractive within the community. Scarification, another form of artistic expression, is etched into the skin using thorns and razor blades—each mark telling a story of identity, courage, or passage.

Being here feels like traveling through time. The Suri live in a way that has remained untouched for generations, offering a rare window into an ancient culture that endures despite the fast pace of the outside world.

As nomadic pastoralists, Suri men often reside in cattle camps, sustaining themselves on a traditional diet of raw cow’s blood and milk. During our stay, we’ll visit these camps and surrounding villages to witness traditional ceremonies and cultural practices. Each day promises powerful photographic moments and the chance to connect deeply with one of Africa’s most remarkable tribal communities.

In this remote and awe-inspiring region, you’ll witness living history—rituals, symbolism, and a way of life that remains beautifully intact. It’s a rare privilege to experience such authenticity in the wild heart of Ethiopia.

Overnight: Mobile Camping-Kibish. 

Day 8: March 30:  Kibish-Mizan-Addis Ababa-Charter Flight 

In the morning, we will drive to Mizan to catch our private charter flight to Addis Ababa. The charter flight will save us two days of long drive. Upon arrival, we will meet our driver for the drive to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and to freshen up. 

In the evening, there will be a special Ethiopian farewell dinner party with traditional buffet and local drinks. There will also be a live cultural dance show of the different ethnic groups living in the country. There will not be any better way of ending a trip.  After the farewell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa Airport for the flight back home. End of the tour.