Photo-expedition to the Surma's Donga stick fighting festival and Omo valley cattle breeders
SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
tour to Ethiopia
November 6 – 15, 2026
Ethiopia
tour to Ethiopia
November 6 – 15, 2026
Ethiopia
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tour to Ethiopia Omo Valley Surma Donga festival Mursi Hamer expedition to Africa benna Bull Jumping Daasanech Nyangatom Karo tours to Africa
Dassanech Karo tribe Bulls jumping ceremony Assale Afar
The Great Rift Valley is the cradle of humanity, where on both banks of the Omo River dozens of tribes live in a traditional way, and some even remain in the Stone Age. Each of the tribes is distinctive and characterized by unique traditions, such as wearing lip plates by Surma people, the initiation ceremony of Hamer, where the boys must run across the backs of a dozen bulls, or Dassanech's smearing with manure.
Our ethnographic expedition sets off to the right bank of the Omo River, where every year, after the rainy season, Surma hold the Donga stick fighting festival, when men selflessly fight with sticks under play-off system in the hope of winning and catching the attention of women.
Our ethnographic expedition sets off to the right bank of the Omo River, where every year, after the rainy season, Surma hold the Donga stick fighting festival, when men selflessly fight with sticks under play-off system in the hope of winning and catching the attention of women.
Tour to South and North Ethiopia. The Great Rift Valley is the cradle of humanity, where on both banks of the Omo River dozens of tribes live in a traditional way, and some even remain in the Stone Age. Each of the tribes is distinctive and characterized by unique traditions, such as wearing lip plates by Surma people, the initiation ceremony of Hamer, where the boys must run across the backs of a dozen bulls, or Dassanech's smearing with manure.
Our ethnographic expedition sets off to the right bank of the Omo River, where every year, after the rainy season, Surma hold the Donga stick fighting festival, when men selflessly fight with sticks under play-off system in the hope of winning and taking any woman who came to the tournament.
Our ethnographic expedition sets off to the right bank of the Omo River, where every year, after the rainy season, Surma hold the Donga stick fighting festival, when men selflessly fight with sticks under play-off system in the hope of winning and taking any woman who came to the tournament.
SCHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: November 6 – 15, 2026
Program is linked to the expedition to the Northern Ethiopia from October 31 – November 6, 2026.
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 12
Cost per person:
10% early booking discount (in case you book before June 6, 2026)
Everything is included, except for:
Estimated cost of flight from Moscow to Addis Ababa roundtrip: 800 – 950 USD (Usually bought on your own. We consult)
Estimated cost of flights from Addis Ababa to Jimma and from Jinka to Addis Ababa: about 300 USD (Usually bought on your own. We consult)
Single supplement in hotels: USD 300 (provided in the hotels throughout the entire itinerary)
TRAVEL PROGRAМ: TOUR TO ETHIOPIA
Day 1. November 6, 2026 (Friday). ADDIS ABABA — JIMMA — MIZAN
Early morning arrival in Addis Ababa (before 8 am). Transfer to the domestic terminal for catching the flight to the upper Omo Valley, to Jimma. Flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma. Omo river starts here from Jimma small streams and Gebe river which is one of the Omo River Tributary. After arriving at Jimma, we drive by 4WD jeeps directly to Mizan (215 km, ). Late arrival in Mizan. Dinner and overnight at Mizan Kashinin Hotel (The new built Salayshe Hotel).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Kashnin Hotel (The new built Salayshe Hotel)
* Recommended flight from Moscow to Addis Ababa:
— with Ethiopian Airlines, direct flight, departure from Moscow on November 6 at 21:30, arrival in Addis Ababa the next day, November 7, at 6:00 am,
— or with Egypt Air, with 2 hours stopover in Cairo, flight from Moscow with a departure at 15:45 on November 6 and an arrival in Addis Ababa at 3:05 on next day, November 7,
— or any other flight arriving in Addis Ababa no later than at 7:30 am on November 7.
** Recommended flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma:
— with Ethiopian Airlines, direct flight, departure from Addis Ababa on November 7 at 15:50, arrival in Jimma at 16:55.
Day 2. November 7, 2026 (Saturday). MIZAN — KIBISH — TULGIT
We drive straight from Mizan to Tulgit, Surma area (110 km 3 hrs). On our way to Surma we'll have stop to visit the coffee forest of Bebaka which has been listed on UNESCO registered site. Afterwards we drive straight to Upper Omo Valley, where we meet Surma tribe, one of the isolated tribes of the Omo Valley. The tribe are originally comes from Uganda due to slave trade, they were settled in South Sudan. In the early 18 century they became living at Ethiopian border. After reaching Tulgit we'll camp in the Camp site. After lunch we start exploring the Surma culture. We will visit one of the Surma villages to get known of their unique cultures. Overnight at campsite in Tulgit.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in Tulgit
Day 3. November 8, 2026 (Sunday). SURMA AREA
Early morning hike to nomadic cattle camp of Surma people where we'll have the chance to see the morning ritual of pastoralist Surma with their cattle, trying to drink as breakfast the mixture of fresh blood and milk from live cows.
After sharing this unique culture we'll be back to have breakfast and we drive to another Surma village at Kibish we'll visit there another big village. We meet more people and explore their culture of scarification and wearing of lip plates. There are several theories of the wearing of lip plates: disfiguring to prevent enslavement by Arabs in antiquity; protection against the penetration of evil spirits into the body through the mouth; determination of social status, showing the amount of cattle that the groom must pay as a dowry for the bride owning the plate.
Surma are unsurpassed masters of scarification. The scars on their bodies symbolize social status and past merits. The scars are created by using a razor blade and camel thorn. To achieve a bulge, an ash or a fly larva is planted in the wound, which, among other things, eliminates all possible infections.
Back in Tulgit for overnight camping.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in Tulgit
Day 4. November 9, 2026 (Monday). SURMA AREA – DONGA STICK FIGHTING FESTIVAL
Early morning visit to Surma village to explore their lifestyle and culture in more details.
If we get into the season of the Donga festival, we will certainly witnesses stick fighting. Every year, after the rainy season, when there is a surplus of food, Surma men from different clans gather to fight in battles on Donga sticks and define the strongest. Donga is a kind of rite of passage, the ceremony for the boys to become (and re-prove) real men, warriors who, in the event of tribal wars with neighboring tribes, will be ready to defend the honor of the tribe and preserve their cattle.
We will also witness body painting on the river bank, where young men apply the chalk onto the bodies of each other.
Dinner from the chef and overnight in camping at Tulgit Surma.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in Tulgit
Day 5. November 10, 2026 (Tuesday). KIBISH — BODI TRIBE — JINKA
Early in the morning we leave the Surma region and drive directly from Kibish towards the land of Bodi people. The Bodi inhabit the eastern side of the Omo River and are known for their unique traditions, including the preparation for their annual fattening festival.
The women of the Bodi tribe are famous for their graceful beauty. Men, on the other hand, are very plump, with big bellies. The fatter a man is, the more attractive he is to women. Every year in June, the tribe chooses the most prominent member of the tribe, the most obese man, as a part of Ka'el festival. Representatives of the stronger sex who want to take an honorable position in society must be unmarried. Preparation for the event lasts from 3 to 6 months. During this time, men are on a high-calorie diet based on cow's blood and milk. This nutrition doubles, in some cases triples, body weight. Bodi people have many cows, so they can provide food for the whole family. Thus, a fat man among the Bodi tribe is a symbol of well-being. November is not the month when Bodi men are fat, but they start preparing.
After finishing our encounters with the Bodi, we continue driving to Jinka (approx. 3.5 hrs).
Dinner and overnight at Jinka Eco Omo Lodge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Jinka Eco Omo Lodge
Day 6. November 11, 2026 (Wednesday). JINKA — BENA “STICK-WALKING” KIDS — KARO TRIBE — KARO CAMP
In the morning, we leave Jinka and drive to the territory of the Bena tribe. The Bena are close relatives of the Hamar but less visited. Here we will meet the famous Bena “stick-walking” kids — young boys who traditionally walk with beautifully carved long sticks, showing pride and elegance as part of their cultural identity. After photographing and exploring the Bena village, we continue to the land of the Karo people.
Arrival at Karo village in Kolcho, located on a picturesque ridge above the eastern bank of the Omo River. Karo are renowned for their intricate body and face painting, which they apply before ceremonies and festive gatherings. We will explore the village, interact with families, and enjoy sunset photography over the Omo River. Dinner and overnight in tents at Karo village.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in Karo Kolcho village
Day 7. November 12, 2026 (Thursday). KARO — NYANGATOM TRIBE — LOCAL MARKET — HAMAR TRIBE — TURMI
Early morning drive across Omo Park to reach the Nyangatom tribe. The Nyangatom live on the west bank of the lower Omo River. Their territory extends all the way to the Kenyan and South Sudanese borders and also to South Sudan itself. Like most tribes in the area they are – as they claim – surrounded only by enemies: to the south are the aggressive Turkana, to the north the Surma, and to the east across the river — the Dassanech. The Nyangatom were the first tribe in the Omo Valley to use automatic weapons (AK-47) which they obtained from Toposa, their cousins from South Sudan just across the border. They use the machine guns to guard their precious cattle against thieves from neighboring tribes and also to fight the tribal wars. Herds of cows are their most valuable property. Other tribes don't like the Nyangatom (mainly because they fear them) and call them pejoratively the Bume, which translates as "stinking". They say themselves that Nyangatom means "a yellow gun", or also "elephant eaters", make your choice ... They are indeed fierce warriors which is supposedly demonstrated by their custom to scar their chest; one scar for each killed enemy.
Afterwards, we continue to a colorful local market (depending on the day of the week). For local tribes, market day is not only for buying and selling goods — it is a social event, a meeting place, and an opportunity for young people to choose future partners.
In the afternoon we proceed to a Hamar village. Hamar are distinguished by the fact that their women wear leather skirts decorated with shells, wear several copper bracelets on their hands and heavy iron necklaces around their necks, symbolizing their social status, and their hair is colored with ocher and animal fat. Men, in case of victory over the enemy or a dangerous beast, fix the hairstyle with clay and decorate with ostrich feathers. This hairstyle is carefully guarded — the Hamar sleep with a special borkotos chair under their neck. We explore their traditions, their cattle culture, and their symbolic hairstyles.
Evening drive to Turmi.
Overnight at Buska Lodge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Turmi Buska Lodge
Day 8. November 13, 2026 (Friday). TURMI — DASSANECH (DIMME CEREMONY) — BULL JUMPING CEREMONY — TURMI
Morning drive to Omorate and crossing the Omo River at Omorate and transfers to the village of Dassanech tribe who live at the southern bank of the Omo river.
There is an opinion that the Dassanech tribe has a short history. People in the tribe are connected not by kinship, but by a common place of residence. Exiles from tribes living on the northern shore of Lake Rudolph were united to survive in these harsh conditions. For this, some other rival tribes call them Geleba, which means "homeless". Dassanech are traditional pastoralists, but in recent years began to move to a semi-nomadic way of life. When formal boundaries were established between African countries, it turned out that the lands of Dassanech were divided between Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya. The highest expression of male beauty is the vulgar transverse scars across the entire chest and back, resembling crocodile skin. Such scars are inflicted on a body of the warrior who showed himself heroically in battle, who killed the enemy in course of tribal cattle raids. During the ceremonies men apply to the body clay and the contents of a cow's stomach - not completely digested cattle food. Dung is taken from the stomach of a slaughtered cow. Dassanech men at the Dimmi ceremony (it is a high season of the ceremonies and we will have all chances to see it, but it depends on a tribe), declaring their daughters ready for marriage, after the ritual genital mutilation of the girls, cannot imagine their appearance without leopard skin and a magnificent headdress of ostrich feathers. The skin symbolizes the strength and wealth of the family and a hint at an expensive ransom of the bride, and ostrich feathers identify the father's belonging to a particular clan.
Proceed to Turmi area (70 km, 1 hour) and visit Hamar village. Hamar are distinguished by the fact that their women wear leather skirts decorated with shells, wear several copper bracelets on their hands and heavy iron necklaces around their necks, symbolizing their social status, and their hair is colored with ocher and animal fat. Men, in case of victory over the enemy or a dangerous beast, fix the hairstyle with clay and decorate with ostrich feathers. This hairstyle is carefully guarded — the Hamar sleep with a special borkotos chair under their neck. Search if there is Bull jumping ceremony – the main ritual of the Hamar men. The boy must run over the backs of 10–20 bulls four times without falling, symbolizing his transition into adulthood and his right to marry.
Overnight at Buska Lodge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Turmi Buska Lodge
Day 9. November 14, 2026 (Saturday). TURMI — ARBORE TRIBE — DORZE TRIBE — ARBA MINCH
After breakfast we drive from Turmi to the Arbore tribe (approx. 95 km). Arbore are known for their black veils worn by unmarried girls, their clean-shaven heads, and large aluminum jewelry. Their settlements lie near Lake Chew Bahir, offering excellent opportunities for cultural photography.
After finishing the Arbore visit, we continue our journey northwards towards the Guge Highlands to meet the Dorze tribe. The Dorze are famous for their beehive-shaped bamboo houses, their cotton weaving skills, and their fermented kocho (false banana) bread preparation.
Evening arrival in Arba Minch, one of the most scenic towns in southern Ethiopia.
Overnight at Haile Resort Arba Minch — the best resort in the region, overlooking Lake Chamo and the Nechisar plains.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Haile Resort Arba Minch
Day 10. November 15, 2026 (Sunday) . ARBA MINCH — LAKE CHAMO BOAT TRIP — ADDIS ABABA — RETURN FLIGHT
Early in the morning we head to Lake Chamo for a memorable boat trip. This lake is famous for its huge Nile crocodiles, the largest reptiles in Africa and one of the most dangerous predators on the continent, hippos, and rich birdlife. We navigate the waters, observing crocodiles sunbathing on the shores, hippos emerging from the lake, and numerous species of water birds.
Return to Arba Minch for lunch and transfer to the airport for the afternoon flight to Addis Ababa.
Arrival in Addis Ababa and connection to your international flight back home in the evening.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: no
* Recommended flight from Addis Ababa to Moscow:
— Egypt Air with stopover in Cairo of 1 hour 15 minutes, departure from Addis Ababa on November 17 at 04:05, arrival in Moscow on November 17 at 14:45 or
— Ethiopian Airlines direct flight, departure at 23:30 on November 17 (THIS OPTION IS 1 DAY LATER. THEREFORE, YOU'D NEED TO BOOK EXTRA NIGHT IN THE HOTEL), arrival in Moscow at 7:25 am the next day, November 18.
— or any other flight with departure from Addis Ababa no earlier than at 20:30 on November 16 or in the night from November 16 to 17.
** Recommended flight from Jinka to Addis Ababa:
— with Ethiopian Airlines, direct flight, departure from Jinka on November 16 at 14:05, arrival in Addis Ababa at 15:25.
* The order of visits and excursions can be modified according to local conditions (i.e. state of roads, market days, ceremonies etc.). If some visits and/or tours could not be done due to external conditions, they will be replaced when possible.
** The participant of expedition to Ethiopia must be motivated to be respectful to the culture of local tribes, be aware of the objectives of the trip and possible program changes depending on weather conditions, security conditions and any other reasons, be able to adapt to the new environment and culture.
Program is linked to the expedition to the Northern Ethiopia from October 31 – November 6, 2026.
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 12
Cost per person:
- 2 950 USD subject to 11 – 12 participants,
- 3 190 USD subject to 9 – 10 participants,
- 3 590 USD subject to 6 – 8 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before June 6, 2026)
Everything is included, except for:
- international flight to Addis Ababa roundtrip,
- domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma and from Jinka to Addis Ababa,
- international medical insurance,
- Ethiopian visa (e-visa to be obtained in advance, or VoA in the airport of Addis Ababa, at 50 USD. The fee may change)
Estimated cost of flight from Moscow to Addis Ababa roundtrip: 800 – 950 USD (Usually bought on your own. We consult)
Estimated cost of flights from Addis Ababa to Jimma and from Jinka to Addis Ababa: about 300 USD (Usually bought on your own. We consult)
Single supplement in hotels: USD 300 (provided in the hotels throughout the entire itinerary)
TRAVEL PROGRAМ: TOUR TO ETHIOPIA
Day 1. November 6, 2026 (Friday). ADDIS ABABA — JIMMA — MIZAN
Early morning arrival in Addis Ababa (before 8 am). Transfer to the domestic terminal for catching the flight to the upper Omo Valley, to Jimma. Flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma. Omo river starts here from Jimma small streams and Gebe river which is one of the Omo River Tributary. After arriving at Jimma, we drive by 4WD jeeps directly to Mizan (215 km, ). Late arrival in Mizan. Dinner and overnight at Mizan Kashinin Hotel (The new built Salayshe Hotel).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Kashnin Hotel (The new built Salayshe Hotel)
* Recommended flight from Moscow to Addis Ababa:
— with Ethiopian Airlines, direct flight, departure from Moscow on November 6 at 21:30, arrival in Addis Ababa the next day, November 7, at 6:00 am,
— or with Egypt Air, with 2 hours stopover in Cairo, flight from Moscow with a departure at 15:45 on November 6 and an arrival in Addis Ababa at 3:05 on next day, November 7,
— or any other flight arriving in Addis Ababa no later than at 7:30 am on November 7.
** Recommended flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma:
— with Ethiopian Airlines, direct flight, departure from Addis Ababa on November 7 at 15:50, arrival in Jimma at 16:55.
Day 2. November 7, 2026 (Saturday). MIZAN — KIBISH — TULGIT
We drive straight from Mizan to Tulgit, Surma area (110 km 3 hrs). On our way to Surma we'll have stop to visit the coffee forest of Bebaka which has been listed on UNESCO registered site. Afterwards we drive straight to Upper Omo Valley, where we meet Surma tribe, one of the isolated tribes of the Omo Valley. The tribe are originally comes from Uganda due to slave trade, they were settled in South Sudan. In the early 18 century they became living at Ethiopian border. After reaching Tulgit we'll camp in the Camp site. After lunch we start exploring the Surma culture. We will visit one of the Surma villages to get known of their unique cultures. Overnight at campsite in Tulgit.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in Tulgit
Day 3. November 8, 2026 (Sunday). SURMA AREA
Early morning hike to nomadic cattle camp of Surma people where we'll have the chance to see the morning ritual of pastoralist Surma with their cattle, trying to drink as breakfast the mixture of fresh blood and milk from live cows.
After sharing this unique culture we'll be back to have breakfast and we drive to another Surma village at Kibish we'll visit there another big village. We meet more people and explore their culture of scarification and wearing of lip plates. There are several theories of the wearing of lip plates: disfiguring to prevent enslavement by Arabs in antiquity; protection against the penetration of evil spirits into the body through the mouth; determination of social status, showing the amount of cattle that the groom must pay as a dowry for the bride owning the plate.
Surma are unsurpassed masters of scarification. The scars on their bodies symbolize social status and past merits. The scars are created by using a razor blade and camel thorn. To achieve a bulge, an ash or a fly larva is planted in the wound, which, among other things, eliminates all possible infections.
Back in Tulgit for overnight camping.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in Tulgit
Day 4. November 9, 2026 (Monday). SURMA AREA – DONGA STICK FIGHTING FESTIVAL
Early morning visit to Surma village to explore their lifestyle and culture in more details.
If we get into the season of the Donga festival, we will certainly witnesses stick fighting. Every year, after the rainy season, when there is a surplus of food, Surma men from different clans gather to fight in battles on Donga sticks and define the strongest. Donga is a kind of rite of passage, the ceremony for the boys to become (and re-prove) real men, warriors who, in the event of tribal wars with neighboring tribes, will be ready to defend the honor of the tribe and preserve their cattle.
We will also witness body painting on the river bank, where young men apply the chalk onto the bodies of each other.
Dinner from the chef and overnight in camping at Tulgit Surma.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in Tulgit
Day 5. November 10, 2026 (Tuesday). KIBISH — BODI TRIBE — JINKA
Early in the morning we leave the Surma region and drive directly from Kibish towards the land of Bodi people. The Bodi inhabit the eastern side of the Omo River and are known for their unique traditions, including the preparation for their annual fattening festival.
The women of the Bodi tribe are famous for their graceful beauty. Men, on the other hand, are very plump, with big bellies. The fatter a man is, the more attractive he is to women. Every year in June, the tribe chooses the most prominent member of the tribe, the most obese man, as a part of Ka'el festival. Representatives of the stronger sex who want to take an honorable position in society must be unmarried. Preparation for the event lasts from 3 to 6 months. During this time, men are on a high-calorie diet based on cow's blood and milk. This nutrition doubles, in some cases triples, body weight. Bodi people have many cows, so they can provide food for the whole family. Thus, a fat man among the Bodi tribe is a symbol of well-being. November is not the month when Bodi men are fat, but they start preparing.
After finishing our encounters with the Bodi, we continue driving to Jinka (approx. 3.5 hrs).
Dinner and overnight at Jinka Eco Omo Lodge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Jinka Eco Omo Lodge
Day 6. November 11, 2026 (Wednesday). JINKA — BENA “STICK-WALKING” KIDS — KARO TRIBE — KARO CAMP
In the morning, we leave Jinka and drive to the territory of the Bena tribe. The Bena are close relatives of the Hamar but less visited. Here we will meet the famous Bena “stick-walking” kids — young boys who traditionally walk with beautifully carved long sticks, showing pride and elegance as part of their cultural identity. After photographing and exploring the Bena village, we continue to the land of the Karo people.
Arrival at Karo village in Kolcho, located on a picturesque ridge above the eastern bank of the Omo River. Karo are renowned for their intricate body and face painting, which they apply before ceremonies and festive gatherings. We will explore the village, interact with families, and enjoy sunset photography over the Omo River. Dinner and overnight in tents at Karo village.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: camping in Karo Kolcho village
Day 7. November 12, 2026 (Thursday). KARO — NYANGATOM TRIBE — LOCAL MARKET — HAMAR TRIBE — TURMI
Early morning drive across Omo Park to reach the Nyangatom tribe. The Nyangatom live on the west bank of the lower Omo River. Their territory extends all the way to the Kenyan and South Sudanese borders and also to South Sudan itself. Like most tribes in the area they are – as they claim – surrounded only by enemies: to the south are the aggressive Turkana, to the north the Surma, and to the east across the river — the Dassanech. The Nyangatom were the first tribe in the Omo Valley to use automatic weapons (AK-47) which they obtained from Toposa, their cousins from South Sudan just across the border. They use the machine guns to guard their precious cattle against thieves from neighboring tribes and also to fight the tribal wars. Herds of cows are their most valuable property. Other tribes don't like the Nyangatom (mainly because they fear them) and call them pejoratively the Bume, which translates as "stinking". They say themselves that Nyangatom means "a yellow gun", or also "elephant eaters", make your choice ... They are indeed fierce warriors which is supposedly demonstrated by their custom to scar their chest; one scar for each killed enemy.
Afterwards, we continue to a colorful local market (depending on the day of the week). For local tribes, market day is not only for buying and selling goods — it is a social event, a meeting place, and an opportunity for young people to choose future partners.
In the afternoon we proceed to a Hamar village. Hamar are distinguished by the fact that their women wear leather skirts decorated with shells, wear several copper bracelets on their hands and heavy iron necklaces around their necks, symbolizing their social status, and their hair is colored with ocher and animal fat. Men, in case of victory over the enemy or a dangerous beast, fix the hairstyle with clay and decorate with ostrich feathers. This hairstyle is carefully guarded — the Hamar sleep with a special borkotos chair under their neck. We explore their traditions, their cattle culture, and their symbolic hairstyles.
Evening drive to Turmi.
Overnight at Buska Lodge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Turmi Buska Lodge
Day 8. November 13, 2026 (Friday). TURMI — DASSANECH (DIMME CEREMONY) — BULL JUMPING CEREMONY — TURMI
Morning drive to Omorate and crossing the Omo River at Omorate and transfers to the village of Dassanech tribe who live at the southern bank of the Omo river.
There is an opinion that the Dassanech tribe has a short history. People in the tribe are connected not by kinship, but by a common place of residence. Exiles from tribes living on the northern shore of Lake Rudolph were united to survive in these harsh conditions. For this, some other rival tribes call them Geleba, which means "homeless". Dassanech are traditional pastoralists, but in recent years began to move to a semi-nomadic way of life. When formal boundaries were established between African countries, it turned out that the lands of Dassanech were divided between Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya. The highest expression of male beauty is the vulgar transverse scars across the entire chest and back, resembling crocodile skin. Such scars are inflicted on a body of the warrior who showed himself heroically in battle, who killed the enemy in course of tribal cattle raids. During the ceremonies men apply to the body clay and the contents of a cow's stomach - not completely digested cattle food. Dung is taken from the stomach of a slaughtered cow. Dassanech men at the Dimmi ceremony (it is a high season of the ceremonies and we will have all chances to see it, but it depends on a tribe), declaring their daughters ready for marriage, after the ritual genital mutilation of the girls, cannot imagine their appearance without leopard skin and a magnificent headdress of ostrich feathers. The skin symbolizes the strength and wealth of the family and a hint at an expensive ransom of the bride, and ostrich feathers identify the father's belonging to a particular clan.
Proceed to Turmi area (70 km, 1 hour) and visit Hamar village. Hamar are distinguished by the fact that their women wear leather skirts decorated with shells, wear several copper bracelets on their hands and heavy iron necklaces around their necks, symbolizing their social status, and their hair is colored with ocher and animal fat. Men, in case of victory over the enemy or a dangerous beast, fix the hairstyle with clay and decorate with ostrich feathers. This hairstyle is carefully guarded — the Hamar sleep with a special borkotos chair under their neck. Search if there is Bull jumping ceremony – the main ritual of the Hamar men. The boy must run over the backs of 10–20 bulls four times without falling, symbolizing his transition into adulthood and his right to marry.
Overnight at Buska Lodge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Turmi Buska Lodge
Day 9. November 14, 2026 (Saturday). TURMI — ARBORE TRIBE — DORZE TRIBE — ARBA MINCH
After breakfast we drive from Turmi to the Arbore tribe (approx. 95 km). Arbore are known for their black veils worn by unmarried girls, their clean-shaven heads, and large aluminum jewelry. Their settlements lie near Lake Chew Bahir, offering excellent opportunities for cultural photography.
After finishing the Arbore visit, we continue our journey northwards towards the Guge Highlands to meet the Dorze tribe. The Dorze are famous for their beehive-shaped bamboo houses, their cotton weaving skills, and their fermented kocho (false banana) bread preparation.
Evening arrival in Arba Minch, one of the most scenic towns in southern Ethiopia.
Overnight at Haile Resort Arba Minch — the best resort in the region, overlooking Lake Chamo and the Nechisar plains.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Haile Resort Arba Minch
Day 10. November 15, 2026 (Sunday) . ARBA MINCH — LAKE CHAMO BOAT TRIP — ADDIS ABABA — RETURN FLIGHT
Early in the morning we head to Lake Chamo for a memorable boat trip. This lake is famous for its huge Nile crocodiles, the largest reptiles in Africa and one of the most dangerous predators on the continent, hippos, and rich birdlife. We navigate the waters, observing crocodiles sunbathing on the shores, hippos emerging from the lake, and numerous species of water birds.
Return to Arba Minch for lunch and transfer to the airport for the afternoon flight to Addis Ababa.
Arrival in Addis Ababa and connection to your international flight back home in the evening.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: no
* Recommended flight from Addis Ababa to Moscow:
— Egypt Air with stopover in Cairo of 1 hour 15 minutes, departure from Addis Ababa on November 17 at 04:05, arrival in Moscow on November 17 at 14:45 or
— Ethiopian Airlines direct flight, departure at 23:30 on November 17 (THIS OPTION IS 1 DAY LATER. THEREFORE, YOU'D NEED TO BOOK EXTRA NIGHT IN THE HOTEL), arrival in Moscow at 7:25 am the next day, November 18.
— or any other flight with departure from Addis Ababa no earlier than at 20:30 on November 16 or in the night from November 16 to 17.
** Recommended flight from Jinka to Addis Ababa:
— with Ethiopian Airlines, direct flight, departure from Jinka on November 16 at 14:05, arrival in Addis Ababa at 15:25.
* The order of visits and excursions can be modified according to local conditions (i.e. state of roads, market days, ceremonies etc.). If some visits and/or tours could not be done due to external conditions, they will be replaced when possible.
** The participant of expedition to Ethiopia must be motivated to be respectful to the culture of local tribes, be aware of the objectives of the trip and possible program changes depending on weather conditions, security conditions and any other reasons, be able to adapt to the new environment and culture.
TESTIMONIALS OF OUR CLIENTS
FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS TO ETHIOPIA:
FROM PREVIOUS EXPEDITIONS TO ETHIOPIA:
- Сергей Мердишовотзыв опубликован на сайтеУ меня был неудачный опыт поездки в одном из путешествий.
Ради чего поехал, так и не увидел. Хотя по программе все было включено.
И поэтому я стал искать с кем можно поехать в очередную поездку. В интернете наткнулся на MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS. Тогда меня интересовало племя Короваи, как раз у них намечалась такая поездка. Написал Алексею. Стали с ним общаться.
Переписывались по почте очень долго, из-за боязни, что и в этот раз пойдет, что-то не так, как по программе. Алексей терпеливо, доходчиво отвечал на все мои вопросы, даже когда был в какой-то очередной поездке. А таких вопросов было не мало.
Группа к Короваям не набралась, но у меня уже был запасной вариант к племенам долины реки Омо в Эфиопию. И опять у меня появились вопросы к Алексею, понимая, что и без меня у него проблем хватает. Но на все вопросы я получал ответ.
И я Алексею поверил и не ошибся.
Спасибо Алексею за его терпение при переписке и в поездке.
Как для меня…, то мне было интересно с Лёшей путешествовать по Эфиопии.
На протяжении все поездки немало было проблем из-за дождей, но Алексей с гидом Аби старались, чтобы у нас всё получилось. И получилось! И все было здорово!!!
Да и вся группа была в восторге от всего увиденного. А увидели даже больше, чем планировали. Впечатлений море, воспоминания на долгие годы.
Конечно, в экспедиции всякое может произойти, тем более, когда такая сложная логистика, какая была в Эфиопии. Но если Вы хотите увидеть то, что Вам предлагают в MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS - не раздумывайте, будет интересно !!! - Лилияотзыв опубликован на сайтеС Лёшей была в Эфиопии в ноябре 2019. Интересная программа, отличная организация на протяжении всей поездки, не отказал в посещении интересного события, не входящего в программу. Профессиональное оперативное решение непредвиденной нештатной ситуации. Надеюсь, еще не раз попаду в команду Mzungu!
Cost includes:
• Accommodation in lodges, hotels based on twin/double accommodation (the name of the lodges as agreed in the program or similar),
• Accommodation in tents based on single (or double for couples) with mattresses and sheets,
• All transport as per program: 4WD SUVs with AC and experienced drivers (3 clients in 1 car max, each with the window access)
• 3 times a day meals
• Drinking water and soft drinks with coffee, tea
• All entrance fees and all festivals and the ceremonies as per the program
• Unlimited video filming and photography fees,
• Experienced English speaking local guide
• Team leader, translation into Russian
• All permissions
• Tribal fees, tribal guides
• Government tax
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
• International air tickets to Addis Ababa (roundtrip),
• Domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma and from Jinka to Addis Ababa
• Medical Insurance
• Visa of Ethiopia
• Alcohol beverages and soft drinks,
• Tips for the crew
• Tips for photography (up to you or only for long arrangements)
• Items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc.
• All not mentioned in the "Price includes" section
To take with:
- sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and warm clothes (hoody, light jacket), long sleeve clothes
- sun hat/panama
- swimwear
- raincoat
- comfortable trekking footwear, light footwear (sneakers)
- sleeping bag for warm weather
- mosquito net
- sunglasses
- big backpack (or travel bag, or small suitcase) for the luggage
- small backpack for radial walks (25 – 30 L)
- headlamp
- sunblock set (cream, spray)
- repellents
- personal hygiene items
- individual medical kit (analgetic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- anti malaria prevention pills (up to you but recommended)
- favorite meals (chocolate, nuts)
- photo and video camera, extra batteries
• Accommodation in tents based on single (or double for couples) with mattresses and sheets,
• All transport as per program: 4WD SUVs with AC and experienced drivers (3 clients in 1 car max, each with the window access)
• 3 times a day meals
• Drinking water and soft drinks with coffee, tea
• All entrance fees and all festivals and the ceremonies as per the program
• Unlimited video filming and photography fees,
• Experienced English speaking local guide
• Team leader, translation into Russian
• All permissions
• Tribal fees, tribal guides
• Government tax
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
• International air tickets to Addis Ababa (roundtrip),
• Domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma and from Jinka to Addis Ababa
• Medical Insurance
• Visa of Ethiopia
• Alcohol beverages and soft drinks,
• Tips for the crew
• Tips for photography (up to you or only for long arrangements)
• Items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc.
• All not mentioned in the "Price includes" section
To take with:
- sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and warm clothes (hoody, light jacket), long sleeve clothes
- sun hat/panama
- swimwear
- raincoat
- comfortable trekking footwear, light footwear (sneakers)
- sleeping bag for warm weather
- mosquito net
- sunglasses
- big backpack (or travel bag, or small suitcase) for the luggage
- small backpack for radial walks (25 – 30 L)
- headlamp
- sunblock set (cream, spray)
- repellents
- personal hygiene items
- individual medical kit (analgetic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- anti malaria prevention pills (up to you but recommended)
- favorite meals (chocolate, nuts)
- photo and video camera, extra batteries
KEY FEATURES:
Southern Ethiopia TOUR TO ETHIOPIA: OMO VALLEY AND DANAKIL
Best season: October - May
4WD SUV's journey to the Omo Valley – the heart of the Great African Rift, with its vast natural and anthropological diversity
Surma cattle breeders, famous for wearing lip plates, living on the rarely visited right bank of the Omo river. The opportunity to get to the Donga festival, where men on long sticks determine the strongest warrior
Bulls Jumping Ceremony – initiation ceremony for the Banna tribe
The traditional tribes of Nyangatom, Karo, Hamer, Arbore, Mursi, Bodi, Banna and Dassanech, each with their own unique traditions
Best season: October - May
4WD SUV's journey to the Omo Valley – the heart of the Great African Rift, with its vast natural and anthropological diversity
Surma cattle breeders, famous for wearing lip plates, living on the rarely visited right bank of the Omo river. The opportunity to get to the Donga festival, where men on long sticks determine the strongest warrior
Bulls Jumping Ceremony – initiation ceremony for the Banna tribe
The traditional tribes of Nyangatom, Karo, Hamer, Arbore, Mursi, Bodi, Banna and Dassanech, each with their own unique traditions
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. - AFFORDABLE PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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