The Omo River Valley in south western Ethiopia remains to this day a largely unspoiled area, home to a number of unique tribal communities that have lived in the region in much the same way for hundreds of years. These tribes, who for a long time lived in complete isolation, include the Karo, Geleb, Hammer, Bume and Mursi, among others, and all carry their own distinctive features and practises.
The Mursi and Surma tribes have become particularly famous for the large lip plates worn by the women and the fierce stick fighting that the men partake in. The Karo and Hammer tribes are well known for their amazing body paintings and the Konso tribe for their attractive terracing systems. The southern part of this region is home to the Dorze people, and in the old Dorze village of Chencha you will still find their beehive shaped houses made from bamboo and the leaves of enset, false banana trees.
Many of the tribes have in recent years opened their villages to tourists. As tourist attractions, these villages may have lost some of their appeal and charm, though a number of them are authentic settlements providing a genuine insight into the culture and way of life of the tribes that inhabits them. Market towns such as Arba Minch, where different the tribal communities gather to trade, are equally revealing of the measure of day to day life in this poorest region of the country.
Though most famous for its tribes, the Omo River Valley is also notable for its wildlife. In this region you'll find the safari parks of Omo and Mago. These parks receive very few visitors and are sadly lacking in good accommodation (there are basic campsites), but they offer reasonably good game viewing for those intrepid safari-goers willing to make the effort to reach them - leopard, cheetah, lion, buffalo, oryx and giraffe can all be spotted in Omo National Park.
In and around the Omo River Valley, Ethiopia
It is generally recommended that you visit a number of the Omo tribes as their traditions and general appearance vary greatly. It is also worth visiting a weekly market at one of the local towns or villages - these are often lively gatherings where you can purchase local crafts.
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