10 Days Upper And Lower Omo Valley Photo Expedition
Discover one of Africa’s most culturally rich regions on this immersive photography journey through the Omo Valley. This 10-day expedition takes you deep into the Upper and Lower Omo Valley, home to some of Ethiopia’s most fascinating indigenous communities and dramatic landscapes.
Photograph the iconic lip plates of the Mursi, the intricate body painting of the Karo, and the vibrant traditions of the Hamar and Banna people. Capture powerful portraits, cattle camps at golden hour, colorful local markets, and authentic village life along the banks of the Omo River.
Designed for photographers, this expedition offers intimate cultural encounters, guided access to remote villages, and stunning natural backdrops — from savannah plains to river valleys. Whether you're a professional or passionate hobbyist, this journey provides extraordinary opportunities to document traditions that remain deeply rooted in heritage.
A rare and unforgettable photographic adventure into the heart of Ethiopia.
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa - Mizan Teferi (Flight)
After arriving in Addis Ababa, take a domestic flight to Jimma, the largest city in southwestern Ethiopia and historic capital of the former Kaffa Province, known as the birthplace of Coffea arabica. After lunch, drive to Mizan Teferi, passing scenic landscapes of forests, coffee, tea, and spice plantations, with stops for photography along the way.
Overnight at Mizan Salaysh Hotel.
Day 2: Mizan Teferi to Kibish (Suri Tribe)
Travel through southwestern Ethiopia, passing Bebeka Coffee Plantation and Tulgit to reach Kibish for three nights of village camping.
Photograph the remote Suri, known for cattle herding, body painting, scarification, and clay lip plates. Their traditional lifestyle and vibrant customs provide unique photography opportunities.
Overnight in Kibish.
Days 3 : Kibish area (Surma Tribe)
Spend a full day exploring and photographing the remote Suri. A highlight is witnessing the traditional stick fighting, or Donga, where painted, unmarried men duel with six-foot hardwood poles. Winners are celebrated and carried to a group of girls, who may choose a suitor, making participation more important than victory itself.
Overnight camping in Kibish.
Day 4 : Kibish – Bodi
At 6:00 AM, drive to Bodi Village, home to the pastoralist Bodi people of the Omo Valley, north of the Mursi. Bodi women wear a lip plug rather than a lip plate, inserted only after bearing two or three children. Coated with butter and red ochre, the plug marks maturity and serves as a community identity symbol.
Overnight camping in Gura Village.
Day 5: Bodi - Turmi
Break camp after an early visit to the Bodi and drive to Turmi in Eastern Omo. Visit the Turmi market, and if possible, witness the Hamar bull-jumping ceremony. Hamar women wear metal necklaces, beads, and red-ochre-styled hair, while men decorate their hair with clay, making the tribe exceptionally photogenic.
Overnight at Buska Lodge /paradise lodge
Day 6: Turmi - Omorate - Turmi
We drive to Omorate to visit a remote Dassanech village, close to the Kenyan border. Here, we visit their villages and photograph daily life. This is an arid area with very fine silt soils deposited by the Omo river in the past. After our visit to the Dassanech we go to Dimeka market and in the late afternoon we proceed back to Turmi, perhaps stopping at a Hamar village to get the best of the light in the golden hour.
Overnight in Buska Lodge /Paradise lodge
Day 7 : Turmi - Kara
Start early, driving east to Dus, the second village of the Kara tribe, located on the banks of the Omo River. The Kara are known for creative body chalk painting, and many women pierce their lips, adorning them with nails, flowers, or pins.
Photograph village life, riverside scenes, and, if lucky, the ceremonial communal dance. Return to Turmi in the afternoon.
Overnight at Buska Lodge or camping in a Hamar village.
Day 8: Turmi – Arbore - Konso
Depart Turmi at 7:30 AM and drive to Arbore, at the northern edge of Mount Buska. Arbore women are striking, with shaved heads before marriage, dark robes, colorful beads, and huts made of tree branches and reeds.
Continue to Konso and visit Gamole Village, a UNESCO-listed stone-walled village in the basalt hills, known for its fortified architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Overnight Kenta lodge.
Day 9: Konso - Arbamunch
Today after breakfast, drive from Konso to Dorza via Arbaminch you will explore to the local Dorze Village.
The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. And in the afternoon drive back to Arbaminch and take the afternoon flight to Addis.
Overnight Haila Resort
Day 10: Addis - Home
After breakfast late in the morning, We go to the airport. Flight Arbaminch to Addis Ababa.
Afterwards, we will have a farewell dinner at one of the famous cultural restaurant called Totote Kitfo, then drop you back to the airport.
