Omo Valley Tribes

South Omo Valley Region is a unique place for diversified ethnics with their untouched culture. Surma & Mursi (both ethnic’s women cut their lips to insert the clay plates as a sign of beauty), Bume and Konso, the Galeb (Dassenech), the Bodi, the Arbore, &the Hamer are major tribes, dwelling in southern Ethiopia. Lifestyles are as varied as the tribes themselves.Most Omo Valley tribes are experts on body painting, using clays and locally available vegetable pigments to trace fantastic patterns on each other's faces, chests, arms, and legs. These designs are created purely for fun and aesthetic value, each artist vying to outdo her/his fellows.

Bull Jumping rituals being performed by Hamers- frequented between Septembers – November and at random time before/after the main rainy season (February – April). DONGA - stick fighting of the Surma ritual performed mostly in every September.

Best Time to Travel Omo Valley

Mid December to mid March, and July-September– is the best season to travel as it is a dry season. Even though roads are being upgraded nowadays; from November - mid December, and June – travelers to Omo Valley shouldbe flexible on the itinerary since one day of rain can make the roads temporarily impossible. March to May is not recommended due to high rain season.

With Action Tours: When the trip is over ... No Regrets!!

Ethical Market Days

Turmi - every Monday

Dimeka – every Saturday

Key Afer- Every Thursday

Jinka –Anthropological Museum at office hour

Yabello – every Saturday

N.B. Please, program the above very important market days on your itinerary.

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