Live With the Hamar: A Rare Cultural Journey Into Ethiopia’s Omo Valley
+ Bale Mountains Extension
At a Glance
✧ Tour Length: 7 Days OR add 5 day Extension to make 12 days
✧ Dates: 9th - 15th May 2027 Extension until 20th May
✧ Accommodation: Individual private rooms with en suite. Local guesthouses most nights, upscale lodge x 2 nights, Hamar village camping optional x1 night,
Bale mountains camping x2 nights
✧ Price: £2,249 per person for 7 nights
£1,249 Bale 5 Day extension
✧ Inclusive of: accommodation, all meals, drinks, all transport including internal flights, entrance fees, guides, carbon offset, charity donation, water filtration bottle complimentary.
See full details of inclusions below.
★★★★★ Reviewed Tour
"I came away feeling incredibly grateful and moved by the whole experience. I would wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone wanting a meaningful and unforgettable way to experience Ethiopia."
Samantha M. - Google Review, July 2026
A 7-Day Small-Group Journey Through South Omo, with an Optional 5-Day Bale Mountains Adventure: Cultural Encounters & Untamed Ethiopia
Experience Ethiopia: Through Its People
Most people only scratch the surface of the South Omo Valley. This is your chance to get under the skin of remarkable culture and traditions shaped by generations of knowledge. Look beyond the photographs and spend time getting to know the people, families and communities who make this region so special.
South Omo Valley Experience
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Get hands-on with Hamar life, from traditional cooking and jewellery-making to farming skills and fire-making
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Join Geta's family in their home to learn how to make injera, prepare traditional Ethiopian food and share a meal together
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Sleep under the stars (optional) to wake up in a traditional Hamar home and being invited to share morning coffee with your hosts
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Experience the atmosphere of a traditional weekly market and, when available, witness the unforgettable bull-jumping ceremony
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Travel through Konso's terraced landscapes, search for crocodiles on Lake Chamo and visit the highland beehive shaped houses of the Dorze people
Bale Mountains Extension (5 Days)
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Search for Ethiopian wolves on the spectacular Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa's highest landscapes
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Walk through ancient forests and mountain wilderness, looking for endemic wildlife and discovering Ethiopia's remarkable biodiversity
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Camp beneath the stars in the Bale Mountains, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the highlands
How this is different
Our journeys are built on real relationships, not staged encounters. Through years of friendship and collaboration, we create opportunities for guests and hosts to learn from one another, while ensuring local people are fairly paid and directly benefit from tourism.
Jump to:
Trip overview
Day 1 – Addis Ababa → Jinka → Turmi · Flight south, scenic countryside drive & honey wine welcome
Day 2 – Turmi · Ethiopian cooking with Geta’s family, Hamar farming skills, fortune-telling with an elder & sunset views
Day 3 – Turmi (Hamar Life) · Traditional jewellery-making or wood carving, shared family meals, Hamar hairdressing & optional village sleepover
Day 4 – Turmi · Hamar coffee rituals, lively weekly market, lunch with a local Hamar woman, bull-jumping ceremony (if available) & traditional night dancing
Day 5 – Turmi → Konso → Arba Minch · UNESCO-listed stone terraces, Konso culture & lakeside sundowners
Day 6 – Arba Minch · Crocodile boat safari on Lake Chamo, Dorze village life, traditional weaving & local food
Day 7 – Arba Minch · Jungle walk to the 40 Springs, colobus monkeys, freshwater swimming & freshly caught fish lunch. Flight to Addis.
EXTENSION
Day 8 – Arba Minch → Hawassa (Bale extension, Day 1) · Scenic Rift Valley drive, lakeside relaxation & private boat ride spotting hippos and African fish eagles
Day 9 – Hawassa → Bale Mountains (Extension Day 2) · Journey into the highlands, wildlife spotting, guided forest walk & first night camping beneath the stars
Day 10 – Bale Mountains (Extension Day 3) · Sanetti Plateau, Ethiopian wolf spotting, dramatic afroalpine landscapes & the misty Harenna Forest
Day 11 – Bale Mountains (Extension Day 4) · Guided highland trekking, visit a small waterfall, mountain scenery & overnight in Dinsho
Day 12 – Bale Mountains → Addis Ababa (Extension Day 5) · Scenic journey out of the highlands, flight back to Addis & celebratory Ethiopian cultural dinner
Click for full itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Addis Ababa
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Arrival Day: You should arrive the day before your tour starts. Usually you’ll arrive in the evening, and take the shuttle transfer to your hotel.
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Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your accommodation. We will give you our top recommendations of where you should explore whether you're in Addis just for the evening or for a day or two before the tour starts. Alternatively, we can arrange a city tour for you. But make sure you use your time to rest well to prepare for the exciting adventure ahead!
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Accommodation: Basic hotel in Addis
Day 1 - Journey into the South Omo Valley
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Travel Down South: After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll head to the airport for your 10am flight to Jinka, arriving in time for lunch. You'll be welcomed off the flight by Geta and your tour will begin!
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Lunch & Journey to Turmi: Enjoy lunch in Jinka before driving approximately 3 hours to Turmi. The first half of the journey is on tarmac roads, followed by a scenic dirt road through the countryside.
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Arrival & Dinner Briefing: Arrive in Turmi by evening and settle into your accommodation. Over a traditional dinner, you’ll receive an introduction to Ethiopia, the Hamar people, and our ethical travel approach in the South Omo Valley.
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Evening – Honey Wine Welcome: Visit Geta’s mother’s home to taste her homemade Tej (Ethiopian honey wine) — said to be the best in town — as a warm welcome to the region and a toast to new friends!
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Accommodation: Guesthouse in Turmi
Day 2: Daily Life Skills: Cooking & Farming
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Morning - Lunch – Ethiopian Cooking Class: Join Geta's mum and sisters at their home for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to pour injera, the iconic Ethiopian sour pancake, beyonetu sauces and then share your well-earned lunch with the family. Take home the recipe and spice packets to recreate it yourself.
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Afternoon – Hamar Farming: Visit Geta's Hamar friends at their farm to learn about crop cultivation, fire making, and learn to slingshot!
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Hamar Elders: Meet our family friend, a Hamar elder who can tell fortunes and learn about Hamar’s amazing ways to tell fortune, predict the future or diagnose spiritual reasons for your illnesses. Have your fortune told/ past diagnosed too. Learn about Hamar spiritual beliefs such as how to protect their village from drought and how to curse someone who has wronged you!
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Evening – Sunset & Dinner: Head to our secret sunset viewpoint for magical views and enjoy dinner in town.
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Accommodation: Guesthouse in Turmi
Day 3: 24 hours living like Hamar
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Morning – Jewellery Making or Wood Carving: Under the trees, learn how to make traditional beaded jewellery with Kuna or how to carve a wooden HAmar stool with Welke . Make your own or have them create a design for you, while learning about it's cultural meaning.
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Afternoon – Cook & Share a Meal: Join your Hamar host family to prepare and enjoy a local lunch. Help grind grain, pick moringa leaves, and brew traditional coffee from husks. An alternative meal is available if needed.
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Hamar Hairdressing: Join Hamar men or women (depending on who needs their hair-do updating!) as they show how they create their unique hairstyles
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Optional – Village Sleepover: Sleep in a tent with a foam mattress and basic facilities, or go fully traditional and sleep on a cowskin inside a Hamar house, or return to your guesthouse accommodation.
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Accommodation: Camping in Hamar village or Guesthouse in Turmi
Day 4: Market and Bull Jumping
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Morning – Hamar Coffee Time: Wake up to village sounds and share bhuno (Hamar coffee) with a local family – a key social ritual. Return to your accommodation for a shower, breakfast, and your phone if you digital detoxed.
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Market Day – Gaba Rorro: Explore the big weekly market with Kuna to see local essentials and browsing local handicrafts.
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Lunch – With Kuna in Turmi: Share a meal with Kuna, a Hamar woman living in town, and hear her interesting life story.
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Afternoon – Bull Jumping (if available): After a full briefing and take-home handout, witness a powerful coming-of-age ritual as a young boy leaps over bulls to become a man. Exclusive to us, you will receive a full briefing based on our years of research of the ceremony so you can understand the months of preparation before and process after this pivotal moment. Take home a handout so you can remember the details of this fascinating ceremony.
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Accommodation: Guesthouse in Turmi
Day 5: Konso & Travel to Arba Minch
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Morning – Journey to Konso: We’ll set off early for a 4-hour drive to Konso, traveling on a mix of tarmac and dirt roads. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes as we approach this fascinating cultural region.
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Konso Visit: Explore the Konso people’s remarkable stone terraces and fortified settlements, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy lunch then learn about their unique carved wooden statues and traditional games.
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Afternoon – Travel to Arba Minch: After Konso, continue on a 2-hour tarmac drive to Arba Minch, known as the “City of 40 Springs.”
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Evening – Dinner, Sundowners & Overnight in Arba Minch: Savor a delicious locally caught fresh fish dinner and enjoy the view over the lakes with a sundowner.
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Accommodation: Lodge in Arba Minch
Day 6: Crocodiles and Dorze TRIBE
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Morning – Crocodile Boat Safari: Head out onto Lake Chamo for a boat safari, where you’ll have the chance to spot enormous crocodiles basking on the shores and a variety of birdlife.
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Lunch: Have lunch at your lodge
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Afternoon – Dorze Tribe: Head to a highland Dorze village to see their unique beehive-shaped huts, learn about traditional weaving, sample kocho, a local food made from enset (false banana) and even share some shots if you're brave! Warning - joining in with their dancing can be too hard to resist!
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Dinner: Enjoy local dinner in town
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Accommodation: Lodge in Arba Minch
Day 7: Springs, Jungle, Relaxation (Departure to Addis for some)
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Morning – Exploring the 40 Springs: Head out early to discover the natural springs that give Arba Minch (meaning “40 springs”) its name. Walk through the jungle, spotting wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys and warthogs along the way. Take a dip in the cool, fresh spring water or sit with your toes in the stream as fish gently nibble your toes.
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Lunch – Fresh Fish Feast: Stop for the freshest fish lunch, caught that very morning.
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Afternoon – Relax & Depart: Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge, reading or swimming. If you are ending your trip here, take the 5pm flight back to Addis.
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Accommodation: Lodge in Arba Minch (if staying for extension) or Hotel in Addis (if finishing after 7 days)
Day 8: Hippo spotting in hawassa
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Morning – Scenic Drive North: We’ll set off early for a 4.5 hour journey to Hawassa, driving through the lush southern Rift Valley. Stop for lunch en-route.
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Afternoon – Arrival in Hawassa: Arrive in this lakeside city in the late afternoon. Settle into your hotel and relax by the shores of Lake Hawassa.
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Late Afternoon – Hippo Spotting Boat Tour: Enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Hawassa, where you can spot hippos, African fish eagles, and local fishermen working with ancient techniques.
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Evening – Dinner & Overnight in Hawassa: Savor fresh grilled tilapia at a local lakeside spot frequented by locals and surrounded by the bizarre Marabou Storks. Optional - head into town for local nightlife.
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Accommodation: Small hotel in Hawassa
Day 9: INTO BALE NATIONAL PARK
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Morning – Journey to Bale: Drive approximately 4.5 hours to Bale Mountains National Park, travelling through changing landscapes as you climb into the Ethiopian highlands. Meet your expert Bale guide, chef and horses, which will carry the camping equipment for your mountain adventure.
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Lunch – In Dinsho: Stop for lunch in Dinsho, the gateway to Bale Mountains
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Afternoon – Explore Bale Mountains National Park: Drive into the park, taking in the beautiful highland scenery and keeping your eyes open for wildlife along the way. Take a gentle walk through the nearby juniper and Hagenia forests, where you may spot endemic mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, warthogs and colourful highland birds.
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Evening – Dinner & Overnight Camping in Dinsho: Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and an evening around the campfire
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Accommodation: Camping in Bale Mountains (hotel upgrade available upon request)
Day 10: Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest Adventure
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Early Morning – Into the Afroalpine World: Set off early for the dramatic Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa’s highest and most otherworldly landscapes, sitting above 4,000m. Explore the vast afroalpine landscape, keeping your eyes open for the elusive Ethiopian wolf, giant mole-rats and soaring Lammergeiers. Learn about the extraordinary wildlife that survives in this high-altitude environment, with stops to take in the panoramic views across the moorlands.
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Midday – Picnic in the Mountains: Enjoy a picnic lunch
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Afternoon – Descend into Harenna Forest: Drive down the other side of the escarpment into the misty, green world of Harenna Forest. Discover ancient trees, wild coffee plants and rare primates like the Bale monkey.
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Evening – Dinner & Overnight in the Highlands: Settle in for another evening in the mountains, enjoying warm food and time around the fire
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Accommodation: Camping in Bale Mountains (hotel upgrade available upon request)
Day 11: Trekking & Wildlife in Bale Mountains
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Morning – Guided Highland Trek: Spend the morning exploring the beautiful highland landscapes on foot with your local guide. Walk through open grasslands and mountain forests, enjoying the fresh air, sweeping views and opportunities to spot endemic wildlife in its natural habitat.
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Midday – Picnic in Nature: Take a break for a relaxed picnic lunch in the mountains, surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the national park.
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Afternoon – Visit to the Waterfall: Enjoy a scenic walk to a beautiful waterfall in the Bale Mountains, taking in the surrounding landscapes and the fresh mountain air. Spend time exploring the area and appreciating the natural beauty of this lesser-visited part of Ethiopia.
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Evening – Return to Dinsho: Head back to Dinsho after a final day in the mountains, with time to relax and reflect on your Bale adventure.
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Accommodation: Hotel in Dinsho
Day 12: Bale Mountains to Addis Ababa
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Morning – Return to Addis: Enjoy breakfast before beginning the journey out of the Bale Mountains and back towards Addis Ababa. Fly from Robe to Addis.
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Afternoon/Evening: Arrive back in Addis Ababa and check into your accommodation.
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Evening - Cultural Show: We’ll wrap up the trip with a traditional celebration dinner at a cultural restaurant. It's a place loved by locals and travellers alike, you can't stop a smile from the dance performances from all over Ethiopia. It’s the perfect finale! Then we will sadly have to drop you either to the airport or hotel
This marks the end of your guided tour with us, giving you time to explore Addis independently, we can arrange a city tour for you or you can head home
You'll return home with unforgettable memories of Ethiopia, from the warmth of Hamar village life to the wild beauty of the Bale Mountains, and a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary diversity of this country.
What do previous guests think?
Not your typical South Omo tour.
While most tours move quickly from tribe to tribe, offering brief visits and surface-level glimpses, we take a different path. Our deep, respectful partnership with the Hamar people invites you into authentic experiences built on real trust, connection, and learning. We're a believer that everyone does their best until they know better and then they do better. We believe tourism can do better, and we hope more journeys will follow this model in the future.
Typical South Omo Tours:
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Visit many tribes quickly, little depth
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Focused on photos, not real experiences
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Surface-level, sometimes inaccurate information
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Voyeuristic — tourists watch but don’t engage
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Heavy use of single-use plastics
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No carbon offsetting or sustainability focus
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Short, rushed interactions with locals
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Tourist groups often overwhelm villages
Our Hamar Immersion Tour (incorporated into this Tour)
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Deep connection with one tribe (Hamar)
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Hands-on cultural experiences (cook, dance, craft)
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Accurate knowledge passed on from Hamar people
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Respectful, non-intrusive, meaningful exchanges
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Low-plastic, eco-conscious operations
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Full carbon offsetting and tree planting
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Slow travel approach — quality over quantity
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Small groups for genuine, low-impact experiences
Not your typical tour company:
Pricing
Experience the best of the South of Ethiopia, inclusive of the below for £2,249 per person for the 7 Day South Omo trip and £1,249 for the 5 day Bale Mountains Extension.
What’s Included ✔️
Choose your adventure: spend 7 days exploring the South Omo Valley, or extend your journey to 12 days with an unforgettable adventure in the Bale Mountains.
✦ 7-Day South Omo Tour: 8 nights' accommodation, all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, activities, guides, transport and 2 internal flights from Addis Ababa to Jinka and Arba Minch to Addis Ababa.
✦ 12-Day South Omo + Bale Mountains Tour: Everything in the 7-day tour, plus 5 additional days exploring the Bale Mountains, including Hawassa, guided mountain walks, wildlife spotting, 2 nights camping, 2 nights in hotels and your return flight from Robe to Addis Ababa.
✔️ Included in Both Options
✔️ Accommodation: Private rooms in locally owned guesthouses and lodges, generally with en-suite bathrooms. The Bale extension includes 2 nights camping in the mountains - this has no shower or toilet facilities.
✔️ All Meals & Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Included throughout your chosen itinerary.
✔️ Expert Local Guides: Travel with Geta, your experienced English-speaking guide, alongside knowledgeable local guides.
✔️ All Transport & Included Internal Flights: Private ground transport and the internal flights specified in your chosen itinerary. (internal flights are included if you fly internationally with Ethiopian airlines, if you do not a surcharge will apply)
✔️ Exclusive Cultural Experiences: All activities and entrance fees listed in your itinerary, including time with Hamar families, traditional crafts, local markets and cultural ceremonies.
✔️ Community Support: A portion of your payment goes directly towards local community projects.
✔️ Carbon Offsetting & Tree Planting: We offset your trip's carbon emissions and plant a tree for every traveller.
✔️ Complimentary LifeStraw Water Bottle: Helps filter bacteria and parasites from suitable freshwater sources.
✔️ Respectful Photography Guidance: Advice on asking permission and photographing people respectfully.
✔️ 24/7 In-Country Support: Personal assistance from Fiona, a British travel expert based in Ethiopia.
✔️ Pre-Trip Travel Advice: Packing lists, safety advice and cultural guidance, with the opportunity to ask questions by email or phone.
What’s Not Included ❌
❌ International Flights
❌ Travel Insurance - recommended
❌ Alcoholic Drinks
❌ Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, massages, accommodation upgrades, personal purchases and optional extras.
❌ Tips: At your discretion. We’ll explain local tipping customs before your trip.
Key information
Dates:
7 Day South Omo Tour: 9th - 15th May 2027
5 Day Bale Extension: 16th - 20th May 2027
Payment schedules
May 2027 departure:
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£249 deposit at booking (secures your spot)
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£1,000 by 30th March 2027
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£1,000 by 30th April 2027
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Total: £2,249
Bale Extension - May 2027 departure:
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£249 deposit at booking (secures your spot)
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£500 by 30th March 2027
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£500 by 30th April 2027
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Total: £1,249
Number of places left: 9
Discounts available:
Earlybird: The first 2 people to book on the tour will have their accommodation paid in Addis for an additional night - either the night before the trip starts or the night after it ends.
Group discount: Please enquire for a discount for couples/friends/family who would like to share a room
Please note: Our group trips are designed for small groups and we aim to run all scheduled departures. In rare cases where numbers are very low, we may adjust dates or offer alternative options so that every trip runs smoothly and sustainably.
This isn’t just a holiday - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to chance to connect with a culture at a turning point, before modernization changes its way of life forever.
Ready for an adventure?
Enquire below:
Who is running this trip?
Geta Desta
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Your guide throughout the whole trip
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Expert 5* reviewed guide
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English fluent
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Born + raised in South Omo Valley
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Lived in the UK 7+ years
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Travel lover
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Supported by regional local guides
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Co-Founder of Ethical Ethiopian Experiences
Fiona Clarke
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Your point of contact before your trip
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Lived between Ethiopia + UK for 12 years
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You will likely meet her in Turmi
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Available for queries via phone, Whatsapp or email
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African Studies MA
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Co-Founder of Ethical Ethiopian Experiences
Kuna Bita
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You will meet Kuna in Hamar
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Grew up in Hamar
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Only female guide in Hamar
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Good English
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Loves hosting and sharing her culture
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Expert jewellery maker
Who is this trip for?
This journey is made for travellers who care deeply about ethical, immersive, and authentic experiences.
You’re not here to tick boxes - you want to connect with real people, learn their traditions, and leave a positive impact.
You’ll feel at home among the Hamar, Dorze, and Konso communities because this trip is built on the trust and respect we have spent the last decade building - you’ll be genuinely welcomed by the people you meet and they are excited to meet you.
We know you may sometimes worry about missing “everything” in Ethiopia, or about the cost of a small, personalised trip. That’s natural. But our approach gives you the depth you can’t get on a rushed tour - a chance to really experience life in these communities, compare cultures meaningfully, and take part in hands-on learning like cooking, crafting, and ceremonies.
Ideal travellers for this trip:
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Prefer small groups of 10 or fewer, with the freedom to be active or opt out and rest
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Value safety, clean accommodation, and authentic food
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Are aged 25 – 65, travelling solo or as a couple/ friends
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Seek connection, awe, adventure, and a sense of discovery
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Care about making their travel ethical and meaningful, giving back rather than exploiting
You’re here because you want more than sightseeing.
You want to come home changed, having shared real life with people you can learn from - and having done it in a way that’s thoughtful, responsible, and unforgettable.
This journey isn’t for everyone — it’s for travellers who want to experience Ethiopia deeply, ethically, and authentically.
Who is this trip not for?
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This is not the trip for everyone, and that's okay!
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This isn’t for travellers who want to tick off every tribe, stick rigidly to a schedule, or prioritise price over depth.
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It’s not for those who can’t adapt to local rhythms, want only familiar international food for every meal, or hope to photograph people without connecting first.
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This journey is real life - immersive, hands-on, and sometimes unpredictable - for those willing to be flexible, open, and fully present.
FAQs
These are the questions previous travellers have asked the most - but if your question isn't here, do reach out!
Is this trip safe?
Yes. We have designed the trip to ensure that all activities take place in Ethiopia’s politically stable green zones. For more information on safety see here and/or get in touch.
Your guide carries a first-aid kit, has emergency contacts in every location, and only travels on safe roads.
For minor illness, we know good local doctors.
The vehicles you travel in are modern, with seatbelts and are reguarly maintained.
Terrain includes tarmac and dirt roads; the longest drive at a time is about 4 hours (mostly dirt roads).
Malaria is present though, we recommend preventative medicine and up-to date vaccinations.
What is the accommodation like?
You’ll mostly stay in local guesthouses with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms. Modern, clean, usually with hot water and power (occasional outages may occur).
Two nights are in Ethiopian-style luxury lakeside lodges, these are the best that Ethiopia has to offer, however, it should be noted that it cannot be compared to Western luxury hotels, as tourism infrastructure in Ethiopia is not well developed.
In Hamar villages, you can choose a tent, sleep on a cowskin inside a Hamar home, or return to the guesthouse.
In the Bale mountains, you will be camping, tents, foam mattresses and sleeping bags will be available. There is no pillow provided and there are no showers or toilets in your campsites. Your guide will show you where you can use the toilet in the bush privately. There is the option to upgrade to hotels in Dinsho if you would prefer, just let us know.
Couples or friends can share rooms for a discount.
What about food?
Meals are authentic Ethiopian cuisine, with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan options (please let us know in advance) and most allergy needs accommodated with advance notice. Some international food is available in Hawassa, Arba Minch, or on request in Turmi. Food hygiene is our top priority - we select reputable places and provide handwashing stations; guests are encouraged to bring sanitiser.
How does logistics and transport work?
Internal flight from Addis Ababa to Jinka is included; we meet you at the airport with your name card and contact info. All local transfers are provided. Group size is 10 or fewer, ensuring personal attention and flexibility.
What if plans change?
While disruptions are rare, we adapt the itinerary to give you the best experiences possible — substituting activities or shifting schedules if needed.
What if I have specific dietary needs, mobility limits, or special requests?
We can accommodate most dietary needs if notified in advance. The trip requires some flexibility on timing, terrain, and daily pace; if you have severe mobility limitations or back issues, please check with us.
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
While disruptions are rare, we adapt the itinerary to give you the best experiences possible — substituting activities or shifting schedules if needed.
Will I fit in if I'm travelling solo?
Many of our guests travel solo, and the small group size (maximum 10) creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Most travellers are in their 30s–60s and share an interest in culture, learning, and meaningful travel and are always a great bunch!
Who will be guiding the trip?
Your journey is led by Geta, who will be with you throughout. Geta has years of experience leading tours across Ethiopia. Geta grew up in the Hamar region and will introduce you to friends and family he has known his whole life, so you'll feel like you're joining the extended family, rather than intruding. Geta is in the unique position of having lived in the UK for 7 years and travelled across Europe, South East Asia, Mexico and East Africa, bringing an understanding of tourism and your culture that can be hard to grasp when you haven't left the region.
Geta will work alongside experienced local guides in other regions, who know the communities personally and help translate language, customs, and everyday life.
Geta will often be supported in Hamar by Kuna, the only female guide and our longtime friend. She will give you more insight into women's life in Hamar and you'll love her stories. Geta and Kuna's relationships with the Hamar and other communities are what make this journey possible.
Why does this tour cost more than a standard omo valley photo tour?
This journey is designed to be small, immersive, and responsibly run.
The price reflects a number of things that are difficult to experience on typical tours: small group sizes (maximum 10 travellers), experienced local guides, internal flights, and time spent building meaningful relationships with the communities who welcome us, luxury lakeside escape to finish the trip.
Rather than rushing through many locations, we focus on deeper cultural experiences — spending time cooking, crafting, talking, and learning alongside people who have chosen to share their way of life.
It also means ensuring that tourism benefits the communities we visit. Because we only bring groups a few times each year, those visits provide meaningful income without constant tourism pressure.
Local people earn at least 7.5 x more from one of our tours than if they worked with a standard operator in the region.
We also carbon offset, give funds to important local projects and plant trees.
For many travellers, the depth of experience - and the opportunity to connect with people in such a genuine way - becomes the most valuable part of the journey.
Will we feel welcome in the communities we visit?
Yes. We only visit communities where we have long-standing relationships and where guests are genuinely welcomed. Our aim is respectful cultural exchange - not observation from a distance.
Why don’t you visit more tribes in the Omo Valley?
Many tours try to visit as many tribes as possible in a short time. While that can look impressive on paper, it often means brief visits that feel more like observation than connection.
We take a different approach.
Instead of rushing between communities, we spend meaningful time with the Hamar and also visit the Dorze and Konso, allowing you to experience different cultures while still having the depth to understand daily life, traditions, and perspectives.
Most travellers tell us this deeper approach is far more rewarding than simply “seeing everything.”
There are also tribes which have been damaged negatively by tourism and we don't want to contribute to that negatively. Maybe in the future we will be able to create a way to connect with people from those communities in a meaningful way and which benefits them positively, but until then we won't visit.
Will we feel welcome in the communities we visit?
Yes. We only visit communities where we have long-standing relationships and where guests are genuinely welcomed. Our aim is respectful cultural exchange — not observation from a distance.
Will the experience still feel authentic if we are travelling as a group?
Yes — with a maximum of 10 travellers, the group remains small enough to be welcomed into homes, participate in activities, and interact naturally with the communities we visit.
Larger groups often can’t access these experiences. Our size keeps the atmosphere personal, respectful, and immersive.
Why don't you have any spaces in your group tours?
We keep groups intentionally small (maximum 10 travellers) so experiences remain personal and respectful for the communities we visit. We would not want our tours to contribute to over-tourism or for you to feel like you're on a conveyor belt - this region is so special and we want it to stay that way!
Because of this limited capacity — and the unique cultural access involved — places tend to book well in advance.
If this journey resonates with you, we recommend reserving early to secure your place.
If you have missed out on securing the date you want, please can get in contact for a private tour and/or join our mailing list to hear when we release new dates.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Ethiopia?
Tap water is not safe to drink in Ethiopia. To make staying hydrated easy, we include a LifeStraw water bottle for every traveller, allowing you to safely filter drinking water throughout the journey. It removes 99% of bacteria, parasites, microplastics etc. We can also provide bottled water for brushing teeth.
The Lifestraw water bottle is one of the thoughtful extras we include to make your journey easier and more comfortable.
Will I have support before and during the trip?
Yes. Before you travel, you’ll have direct access to Fiona via call, Whatsapp and email, she is a native English speaker and co-founder, who can help with preparation and answer questions - no question is too big / small / weird! During the journey, she remains available if you need reassurance or support.
This is to make your experience smoother and more personal.
Will I know how to prepare for the trip?
Absolutely. Before departure you’ll receive a detailed packing list and an 80-page Ethiopia guide. It covers culture, customs, practical preparation, and what to expect day-to-day so you can arrive feeling confident. You don't have to read this - it is not in any way required because Geta will be with you throughout your trip to provide you with all of the information you need. We know some guests like to rock up and see what the country brings, and some like to read up beforehand - there's no right or wrong way but we provide the guide for those who want it.
It’s one of the extra touches we include to help you feel prepared and relaxed before the adventure begins.
Will I be able to recreate Ethiopian food after the trip?
During the journey you’ll take part in an Ethiopian cooking class, and you’ll receive the recipe and traditional spice packets so you can recreate the dishes at home.
It’s a small but special extra to help you carry a piece of Ethiopia home with you.
Will I understand the cultural experiences we witness?
Yes. We believe cultural experiences are far more meaningful when you understand them. For example, if you witness a bull-jumping ceremony, alongside a briefing, you’ll receive a clear printed cultural guide explaining its symbolism and stages so you can fully appreciate what you’re seeing.
This is another thoughtful extra we provide to make the experience deeper and more meaningful.
What makes this journey special?
This isn’t just a holiday.
It’s a rare opportunity to connect deeply with cultures at a turning point, before modernization changes many traditional ways of life.
Through immersive experiences, respectful cultural exchange, and time spent with local communities, many travellers find it becomes one of the most meaningful journeys they’ve ever taken.
Will a Bull-jumping or Evangadi night dancing be available to see?
The Bull-jumping ceremony (and evangadi night dancing which follows that evening) cannot be guaranteed (any tour that guarantees this is fibbing!). This is never put on for tourists and organised by the Hamar family a few weeks before the day. However, you have a good chance of seeing one as you are in Hamar for a few days.
If it is not available, we will replace it with another cultural activity that we are sure you'll love!
What are the toilets like?
At your accommodation, you’ll have western-style toilets with private bathrooms. You’ll have access to these most of the time throughout the journey.
Occasionally, if we make an unplanned stop during a drive, there’s a small chance the only available facilities may be local squat toilets. We try to avoid this wherever possible, but it can happen in rare situations.
If you choose to camp in the Hamar village or in the Bale mountains (extension), there are no formal toilet facilities, so you would need to use the bush. If this doesn’t feel comfortable for you, that’s absolutely fine — you can choose to stay at the guesthouse instead of camping.
What is the flight supplement?
Internal Ethiopian flights are cheaper when your international flight into Ethiopia is booked with Ethiopian Airlines.
If you arrive on another airline, the cost of the internal flights increases slightly. In this case, we may need to add a flight supplement of around £50–£100 per internal flight.
How long are the drives?
The longest single drive on the tour is around four hours at a time, and the longest total driving time in a single day is around seven hours, broken up with stops. Approximately half of the drive time is on tarmac roads and half is on dirt roads.
However, this is not every day. We’ve designed the itinerary to include multiple days in one place, allowing you to settle in and experience the area rather than constantly moving.
Focusing more deeply on Hamar culture also means less driving between many different tribes, which makes the journey more comfortable for you and reduces the environmental impact of the trip - a win for everyone.
Didn't answer your question? Feel free to reach out via email, Whatsapp Call or message, or request a callback.
Looking for a private tour?
Have a look at some of our options below or contact us for your personalised itinerary
💛 Want to really get to know a tribe? This is the tour we always suggest for depth over breadth:
Hamar South Omo Tour
If you do just one tour, make it this one — the heart of everything we stand for. Cook, craft, dance, roast, drink, learn.
🗓️ 7 Days Flex 3–14🎯 Tailored Experience 🌍 3 Tribes 🏡 Lodges / Guest Houses✈️ From June '25
🦁 Craving the best beaches, safaris, historical sites and culture of East Africa? You'll love this:
Best of East Africa Tour
Explore Ethiopia and Tanzania in one epic journey— Wonders, Culture, Animals and Beach
🗓️ 21 Days · Flex 17–28+ 🎯 Tailored Experience 🌍 Wonders 🏡 Choose Lodges / Guest Houses ✈️ From June '25
🧭 Want to add on some a private tour location after the group tour ends? Just get in contact!
Location Add-Ons
Shape your trip with 1–3 day extensions or swaps—lakes, wildlife, history, tribes, or downtime—fit to your pace and style.
🗓️ Flex 1–3 Days · Swap or Add
🎯 Tailored Picks 🌍 Nature, Culture & More 🏞️ Mix & Match ✈️ Add to any trip