4-Day Omo Valley Tribal Tour

Upon your arrival at Jinka Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and pick you up in a comfortable 4WD vehicle equipped with modern air conditioning and charging facilities. From here, we begin our journey south to Turmi, the heartland of the Hamar people.

On the way to Turmi, we’ll have the opportunity to meet members of the Banna and Hamar tribes along the roadside, offering early insight into the diverse cultures of the Omo Valley. If your travel falls on a Thursday, we’ll stop at Key Afer Market—the largest and most vibrant in the region. This colorful gathering brings together three major tribes, including the Bena, for trading, socializing, and storytelling. Be sure to check out the shaded café area under the trees, where locals gather to relax and chat.

Larger than the markets in Turmi or Dimeka, Alduba attracts a lively crowd from several surrounding tribes who gather to trade goods, share news, and socialize. One of the market’s highlights is the informal café area beneath the trees at the back—an authentic social hub where locals sit, drink, and chat in the shade. It’s an ideal place to observe the everyday rhythm of life in the Omo Valley.

y and Tuesday), one of the best places to see the Hamar people in action. Located about 30 km north of Turmi, this market includes a lively area for souvenirs and tribal crafts.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit a traditional Hamar village, spending time with one of the largest and most welcoming communities in the region. If the timing is right and the season allows, you may also witness the extraordinary Hamar bull-jumping ceremony—a rare and powerful rite of passage that occurs with little advance notice. We will spend the next two nights in Turmi, using it as a base to explore surrounding tribal areas. Upcoming highlights include visits to the Dassanech and Nyangatom (Bume) communities—both rich in tradition and cultural depth.

Start the day by crossing the Omo River and driving to the territory of the Nyangatom people—semi-nomadic agro-pastoralists living in remote areas near the South Sudan border. Their villages offer a rare glimpse into one of the Omo Valley’s least-visited cultures. Continue to Korcho, the most scenic Karo village perched on a bluff overlooking the Omo River. The Karo are masters of decorative body painting using white chalk, ash, and natural pigments—an art form tied to ceremony, identity, and beauty. Take time to explore the village, meet local families, and enjoy panoramic views before returning to Turmi.

ving along the Omo River near the Kenyan border. Explore their village to learn about their unique traditions and way of life. Afterward, head north to Jinka.

In the late afternoon, visit an Ari village nearby—known for their farming skills, pottery, and distilling. Enjoy a relaxed walk through the village and experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony with a local family.

Depart early for a drive through Mago National Park to reach the Mursi people, one of the most iconic tribes in Africa. The Mursi women are known for wearing large clay lip plates, while the men practice scarification as a rite of passage and form of beauty. After a respectful visit, return to Jinka for your afternoon flight to Addis Ababa, carrying with you unforgettable impressions from one of the world’s last truly living tribal regions.