Duration
9-Day
Accra, Ethiopia
9-Day Omo Valley Photography Expedition to Suri Surma
Overview
Omo Valley photo expedition combines both Western and Southern tribes, capturing the dramatic aesthetics of the Suri, the iconic lip plates of the Mursi, and the artistic body painting of the Karo. Photograph the vibrant Hamer, the bold warrior culture of the Bume (Nyangatom), and the unique lifestyle of the Dasenech along the Omo Delta--an unforgettable journey through Africa's most photogenic tribal cultures.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Jinka (Lower Omo Valley), Turmi (Lower Omo Valley), Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
Country & park
Ethiopia
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
8 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Eco Omo Lodge - Mid-range lodge in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
n/a* USD
$2,640 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
n/a* USD
$2,640 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
n/a* USD
$2,640 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
This tour is not available to solo travelers.
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 8 years and older.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 1
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 2-4
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 5-6
Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village)
Day 7
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
Day 8
Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 9)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won't be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Not for solo travelers
Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
8
Minimum age of 8 years
The minimum age for this tour is 8 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Eco Omo Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2-3
Buska Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4
Budget camping Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-6
Budget camping Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) – All Meals Included
Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Buska Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
Eco Omo Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Fly Addis Ababa to Jinka
Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel to freshen up. Afterward, visit the South Omo Research Center and Ethnological Museum for an insightful preview of the diverse tribal groups of the Omo Valley. If time allows, explore the vibrant evening market of the Ari people, offering a colorful introduction to local culture and daily life. Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Eco Omo Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Drive from jinka - Mursi-Turmi
Our expedition begins early with a drive to a Mursi village, about 66 km from Jinka. Meet the Mursi, known for their striking lip plates and extended ear lobes. After an immersive photography session and lunch, continue the journey toward Turmi for the next cultural experience. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 3
Drve Turmi korchodos-Turmi
Early morning, drive to Korcho to meet the Karo people on the banks of the Omo River, famed for their elaborate body painting and scarification. Return to Turmi for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the largest Hamer village for rich cultural and photographic experiences. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 4
Drive from turm-kangate-kibish
After breakfast, drive to Kibish in the heart of Suri (Surma) land, crossing the Omo River via the new Kangaten bridge. This remote western side remains untouched and rich in wildlife as we pass through Omo National Park. The day is mostly driving, aiming to reach the Suri for an evening photo session. O/N camping. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Suri surma photography
The Suri remain among the least-visited tribes due to their remoteness, yet they are the most sought-after by photographers. They create stunning visual art through intricate body painting, bold scarification, and elaborate adornment using flowers and natural materials. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Kibish-kakuta village
Early departure to Kakuta to visit and photograph the Bume (Nyangatom). Camping here offers close insight into one of the Omo Valley’s warrior tribes. Women wear heavy colorful bead necklaces and ochre-styled hair, while men display clay hair buns, ostrich feathers, and scarification marking bravery. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lower Omo Valley (Cultural Village) Stay: Budget camping Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Kakuta village-Turmi
Continue driving to Turmi, the central town of the Hamar tribe. On arrival, enjoy a relaxed afternoon break before transferring to Buska Lodge. Settle in, enjoy the night at the hotel, and rest well for the next morning’s tribal photography expedition. Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Buska Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Turmi (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 8
Turmi-Desanech village -Jinka
After breakfast, drive to Omorate and cross the Omo River by small boat, followed by a short walk to the Dassanech (Gelab) village, known for their body painting and scarification traditions. Return to Turmi, and in the afternoon we may attend a Hamer bull-jumping ceremony if it is happening nearby. Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Stay: Eco Omo Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Jinka fly Back Addis Ababa
Return to Jinka, visiting the weekly tribal market of Dimeka (Saturday) or Keyafer (Thursday), where Ari, Tsemai, Hamar, and Benna people come together to trade, socialize, and share news. Continue to Jinka Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa, enjoy final shopping, a farewell dinner, and then transfer to the airport. Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
On the Go Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
33 reviews
At On The Go Ethiopia Tours, we specialize in immersive Addis Ababa city tours and unforgettable multi-day adventures across Ethiopia’s stunning historical, cultural, and natural landscapes. Whether you have just a few hours or several days, our tours are led by experienced, licensed local guides passionate about sharing the rich heritage of Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
20-50 employees (Founded in 2015)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA & ATOA
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Very friendly and kind
It was my first visit to Ethiopia. Very impressive to see around the historical area in Ethiopia. Additionally, a guide and a driver were friendly and I really enjoyed entire tour with them.
Masa · United States
Kena is great tour guide.
We enjoyed a wonderful tour of the National Museum, Entoto, and a walking tour of Mercato. We also enjoyed the palace of Menelik II, very peaceful, and we had a delicious lunch on the way back to town. We also went to Shiromeda market for the best Ethiopian fabrics. Kena explained a lot of the culture and history as well. Great day seeing the sights.
Jim Friedericks · United States
Friendly
Reta is a tour guide that is going to help you in everything you want. He has an spectacular spirit and is goimg to.help you with any concern you have about your trip.
Ignacio Bielma · Mexico
Amazing
Great experience going to Merkato with Kenaw. He is very responsible and knows area and local merchants so can give you great advice where and what to buy for local prices.
Mislav · Croatia
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 8 years and older.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Eco Omo Lodge - Mid-range lodge in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by On the Go Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of On the Go Ethiopia Tours.
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