Bourguet Olivier Omo Trek

Karo people overlooking Omo River (Olivier Bourguet, Ethiopian Tourism Organisation)

Omo Valley Vacations

Sensitively arranged visits to fascinating tribes in Southern Ethiopia

Visit tribes in the Omo Valley and learn about their fierce cultural identity in this rural region

The Omo Valley is a broad name for a vast area of South-Western Ethiopia, stretching all the way to its Southerly borders with Kenya and South Sudan. The main focus of a trip here is visiting some of the fascinating tribes that live deep in the wilderness of this remote enclave. The area is home to around 16 different ethnic groups, each of which maintain traditional lifestyles little-changed over the centuries. Each tribe is fiercely proud of their cultural identity, which is shown through their use of colourful jewellery, body painting and elaborate ear and lip plates. Interacting with some of these communities in a sensitive and responsible manner can give an incredible insight into rural life here, and a tailor made Omo Valley tour adds yet another layer to any cultural and historical Ethiopia itinerary.

Despite being so remote, the Omo Valley is relatively easy to access, with flights from Addis Ababa to both Arba Minch, and, less frequently, the more Southerly town of Jinka. If you fly in to Arba Minch, you’ll pass through the small town of Konso where you can finally regard yourself as being in the Omo Valley. Konso is a pleasant town surrounded by terraced fields, and the charming Kanta Lodge is the best choice for your overnight stay. From there it’s on to Jinka, the capital of the South Omo Region and another single-night stopping point en-route to see the tribes further South. If time allows, a visit to the South Omo Research Centre does offer some context to what you see in the area and the 21st century challenges faced by the tribes.

The main base for heading out to visit the tribes is the tiny village of Turmi, little more than a main road off which a number of houses can be found, along with a handful of shops and places to eat. Turmi is the heart of Hamer country, a tribe renowned for their bull jumping ceremonies, and they can be visited on the afternoon of arrival before heading to your lodge. All other tribe visits from here tend to be a full day out, visiting two or three different communities before returning to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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