TRIBAL LIFE EXPEDITION TO THE LOWER OMO RIVER, November 5 - 18, 2015

Overview

Located in the far southwest of Ethiopia is the Omo Delta, one of the last great tribal regions left in the world. Living in this remote but accessible area are a vast number of tribal groups all within driving distance of one another. Living in voluntary isolation, their culture, dress and language has remained intact. Some 45 different languages are spoken, and tribes range from the many thousand strong Borena to the smaller Karo Tribe. With the recently constructed road stretching from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch this area is now open for exploration and tourism. To anthropologists, the Omo Valley is a living museum; to photographers the Omo Valley is a visually breathtaking experience.

The villages of the Lower Omo Valley are home to some of Africa’s most fascinating ethnic groups and a trip here represents a unique chance for people to encounter a culture markedly different from their own. Whether it’s wandering through traditional Daasanach villages, watching Hamer people performing a Jumping of the Bulls ceremony or seeing the Mursi’s mind-blowing lip plates, your visit here will stick with you for a lifetime. This is quite a beautiful region, too. The landscape is diverse, ranging from dry, open savannah plains to forests in the high hills and along the Omo and Mago Rivers. The former meanders for nearly 800km, from southwest of Addis Ababa all the way to Lake Turkana on the Kenyan border.

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Itinerary*

Day 1: Nov 5 – Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at the airport you will be transported to the hotel. The group will have a meet and greet dinner and time to get over the long flight.
Lodging: Jupiter Hotel

Day 2: Nov 6 – Addis Ababa
We will spend the first day touring Addis Ababa.  It is the second highest city in the world, with an altitude of 8000 feet above sea level.  Acclimation is rarely a problem.  Addis Ababa sightseeing includes the National Museum which contains “Lucy” the 3.2 million year old hominoid, the oldest that has ever been found.  The Ethnographic Museum which contains an impressive array of religious crosses, triptychs and murals. The 9,840 feet high Entoto Mountains located to the north of the city. Trinity Cathedral, the final resting place for the last King of Ethiopia and the Merkato, the largest open-air market in Africa offering a dazzling array of colors, aromas, textiles, produce and jewelry.
Lodging: Jupiter Hotel

Day 3: Nov 7 – Addis Ababa – Butajira – Arba Minch
In the morning we will be heading south to Arbaminch via the scenic route of Butajira and Hosaina.  En route, we will be able to visit the Unesco – registered Tiya Monuments.  These stelae were erected in the fourteenth century and appear to be grave markers.  Proceeding further through Wolait Sodo, we will be arriving in Arbaminch early evening.
Lodging: Paradise Lodge

Day 4: Nov 8 – Arba Minch – Key Afer – Jinka
Early morning we will be heading to Jinka. At Key Afer we will be able to visit the weekly Benna market that attracts neighboring tribes. We will be able to photograph the local tribes as they interact with one another and conduct business. We will have an opportunity to bargain for local handicrafts. Arriving in Jinka in the early evening, free time can be spent walking through town.
Lodging: Eco-Omo Lodge.

Day 5: Nov 9 – Jinka – Mago National Park – Jinka
Early morning we will be heading into Mago National Park, home of the Mursi Tribe. The Mursi women are known for the circular clay plates that they wear in their lower lip. The men are draped in blankets. Photographing this tribe is a challenge to any portrait photographer. Returning back to Jinka late afternoon we will visit the South Omo Research Center.
Lodging: Eco-Omo Lodge.

Day 6: Nov 10 – Jinka – Dimeka – Turmi
In the morning we will drive to Turmi via Dimeka. We will explore the colorful weekly tribal market. Proceeding further and arriving in Turmi late afternoon.
Lodging: Eco-Omo Lodge.

Day 7: Nov 11 – Turmi
During the day we will be visiting a local Hamer village in the surroundings of Turmi. The Hamer have high cheek bones wear thick copper necklaces and elaborate custom beads. A workshop on documentary photography will take place. The Hamer are very outgoing and easily engaged.
Lodging: Buska Lodge.

Day 8: Nov 12 – Turmi
In the morning we will be proceeding to Korcho, home to the Kara Tribe. The Kara are best known for their body paintings. They use white chalk, charcoal, ochre and red earth. The women scarify their chest to beautify themselves. 
Lodging: Camping.

Day 9: Nov 13 – Dus 
We will spend the day photographing the Kara Tribe in the villages of Dus and Labuke.. 
Lodging: Camping

Day 10: Nov 14 – Turmi 
Today you'll be heading back to Turmi. We will photograph and explore the villages where the Hamer Tribe resides. The women wear intricate goatskins and heavy metal collars that signify their marriage order. 
Lodging: Buska Lodge

Day 11: Nov 15 – Turmi – Arbore – Konso
In the morning we will be heading to Konso. En route, we will be visiting Arbore tribal village settled in the Weito lowlands parallel to Lake Stephanie. Arriving Konso at noon, we will spend the afternoon visiting local Konso villages; shooting their terraced farm fields, wooden totems, nine-clan community structures.
Lodging: Kanta Lodge

Day 12: Nov 16 – Konso – Dorze Haizo
Journey to Dorze Haizo, 40 miles north of Arba Minch. We will visit a local Dorze village and take a tour of their cone-shaped elephant looking bamboo huts, learn about their cotton weaving and “kocho” preparation – their staple food. Thursday is the weekly market day at Dorze Haizo and we will photograph the tribes conducting commerce.
Lodging: Paradise Hotel

Day 13: Nov 17 – Dorze Haizo – Addis Ababa
Today you will fly back to Addis Ababa from Arba Minch.
Lodging: Jupiter Hotel

Day 14: Nov 18 – Transfer to the Airport 

*Special Note: This itinerary is subject to change as we will try to attend the Hamer bull-jumping ceremony which means the itinerary will be altered.

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Trip Details
Tour Cost $6,600, Trip Deposit $1,000 
Single Supplement $275 where possible
Maximum Group Size 11
1 SPOT OPEN

Trip leaders
Herb Leventon & Jeremy Woodhouse. This trip is limited to only 8 participants. 

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All Photos © Jeremy Woodhouse

Tour fee includes

• Private accommodations
  
• Pick up and return from airport
  
• 10 nights in named hotels as indicated and available and two night's camping
  
• In-country air flight
  
• Full breakfast, lunch and dinner; soft drinks, and bottled water provided throughout trip
  
• All sightseeing and entrance fees
  
• English speaking tour guide and photography instructor
  
• All photography fees to tribe members
  

Tour fee does not include

• International air fare
• Gratuities to drivers
  

Why this tour?
This tour is geared to the photographer who enjoys exploring unique cultures and adventure photography. If you are looking for all of the creature comforts of home this may not be the tour for you. Group cohesion, adaptability, a sense of humor and a curious mind are all important. Past participants have found this expedition a highlight of their days behind the lens. At the conclusion of this trip, you the photojournalist will be able to tell the story of a culture that most only see in magazines or on television.