With more than 50 unique tribes living in the Omo River Region of Southwestern Ethiopia, it's a fascinating destination for those interested in African culture. The remote location, which is barely accessible by 4 wheel-drive, has meant that traditional customs and beliefs are very much intact for most of these tribes. The Kalashnikovs slung across some warriors' backs can be a little disconcerting but the tribes are friendly and this is often the only western accessory you'll see them wear.

The Omo River Valley is still a mostly unspoiled area, where many different tribes live as they have done for centuries. These tribes, who for a long time lived in complete isolation, include the Karo, Geleb, Hammer, Bume, Mursi and many others, each having their own distinctive and unique features.

The Mursi and Surma tribes have become particularly famous for the large lip plates worn by the women and the fierce stick fighting that the men partake in. The Karo and Hammer tribes are well known for their amazing body paintings and the Konso tribe for their attractive terracing systems. The southern part of this region is home to the Dorze people, and in the old Dorze village of Chencha you will still find their beehive shaped houses made from bamboo and the leaves of enset, false banana trees. Many of the tribes have opened their villages to tourists.

 

As tourist attractions, these villages may have lost some of their appeal and charm, but the tribes do nevertheless continue to live in these villages much the same way as they always have, and they can provide a brilliant, and genuine, insight into local culture.
 

 

The Omo River Valley is also home to several National Parks with suitable camp sites and prolific wild life where you can still find buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, Bruchell’s Zebras, hartebeest, topi, Oryx and lion.

In and around the Omo River Valley
It is recommended that you visit a couple of the tribes living in this region as their traditions and general appearance vary greatly. It is also worth visiting one of the weekly markets at one of the local villages - this is when the villages are most active, and you can also purchase local crafts.
 

Most tours include spending a few nights in each village and these are not luxury camps by any means. Most tours also include a section down the Omo River which is great for white-water rafting.