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Ethiopia, a land of natural contrasts, from the tops of the rugged Simien Mountains to the depths of the Danakil Depression, at 120 meters below sea level one of the lowest dry land points on earth surely will never fail to amaze.Here comes another bucket list checkbox – Omo Valley, place where multi-ethnic diversity is expressed freely. The people of southern Omo Valley attract special attention with regards to their tribal decorations, body painting, lip plates and piercing. Each tribe, despite living in the same geographical proximity, cultivates different traditions and customs, making it quite difficult to choose which one of them we should actually witness. In this next edition of tribes exploration we are coming up with the selection of most interesting and accessible spots.
First trip back in 2016: https://vimeo.com/176846403
Lets go!
Day 1 / Departure + JINKA
Night flight Dubai - Addis Ababa and connecting flight to Omo Valley.
Short rest and quick look at Jinka, markets and the diversity of the main city of Omo Valley. Overnight in Jinka lodge.
Day 2 / KARA
Drive to Kara area with some stunning views on the way. Our destination is a spectacular cliff at the bend of Omo River, where Karo village is located. Karo decoration is very specific with lots of chalk paintings all over their bodies. Accompanied by kids, we will take a walk along Omo River and admire its beauty. We may spot some fish eagle and crocodiles, hunting at the shores. Overnight camping at Karo.
Day 3 / HAMER
Hamer Tribe - the most populated amongst the Omo Valley inhabitants, located between Aldouba, Keyafer and Turmi. Very specific neck and hair decoration will not misguide you anymore - Mad Max costumes have had its inspirations here.
The Hamar are known for their unique ceremony of "bull jumping", which initiates a boy into manhood. First, female relatives dance and invite whipping from men who have recently been initiated; this shows their support of the initiate, and their scars give them a right to demand his help in time of need. The boy must run back and forth twice across the backs of a row of bulls or castrated steers, and is ridiculed if he fails.
Bull jumping ceremony is not made for tourists, although presence is allowed. We ll need to be lucky to witness it - its not happening everyday. We may adjust the program if the ceremony happens on one of trip days.
Day 4 / BENA
Move to Bena area, visit one of the villages and make friends with its inhabitants. In the afternoon proceed to Mursi. If we have enough time, we ll take a short hike across the bushes to spot zebras and antelopes.
Overnight at Mursi.
DAY 5 / MURSI - LIP PLATE TRIBE
Our final destination will be Mursi tribe, famous for ceramic discs inserted into lower lips.
https://vimeo.com/263666487
The lip plate, also known as a lip plug or lip disc, is a form of body modification. Increasingly large discs (usually circular, and made from clay or wood) are inserted into a pierced hole in either the upper or lower lip, or both, thereby stretching it. Among the Mursi people of the lower Omo River valley in Ethiopia, about 6 to 12 months before marriage, a young woman has her lip pierced by her mother, usually at around the age of 15 to 18. After the wound has healed, which takes between two and three weeks, the peg is replaced with a slightly bigger one. At a diameter of about 4 cm, the first lip plate made of clay is inserted. Every woman crafts her own plate and takes pride in including some ornamentation. The final diameter ranges from about 8 cm to over 20 cm.
Flight back to Addis and further back to Dubai.
Do note, the plan may be slightly reshuffled to attend Bull Jumping Ceremony.
Level: Easy with limited facilities.
Activities: short treks, tribe encounter, sightseeing.
Accommodation & meals: basic lodges + camping. Meals included except meals during transfers (in Addis).
Cost:
AED 3400 excl. flights or
AED 7400 all incl. international and domestic flights.
This trip can be combined with Easter in Lalibela. Contact us for details.
Specifically excluded:
evisas, meals on transfers (in Addis), insurance, PCR tests.
Requirement: trekking shoes and rest shoes, head lamp, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sleeping bag, disposable plates and cutlery, gifts for tribes.
Expect: Real, raw Africa! Limited facilities with shower only every other day, lifetime experience with indigenous people, waking up to sound of village, stunning landscapes, striking poverty - share your tshirts, coming back home with high appreciation of your life, tons of smiles!!
See yah in Omo!! x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International, P O Box 2525,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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