As Philip Briggs wrote in the 7th edition of his superb Bradt Guide to Ethiopia, NOTHING can prepare you for region encapsulating Konso and South Omo.
People come to this remote part of Ethiopia to see (and photograph) the truly remarkable people who live here - people whose 'norms and mores are as far removed as can be from those of 21st Century westerners (Philip Briggs)'.
For years the subject of tourism to the Omo was one which sparked heated debate, but as Briggs spells out, the people of the Omo don't give a damn about what the western world thinks about them and actually, they welcome (sensitively arranged and carefully monitored) tourism as it provides them with a source of income and an incentive to retain their distinctive cultural identity in the face of inevitable westernisation.
Note that we will only send our guests to visit tribal people who have been in regular contact with outsiders for a reasonable length of time, and on proviso that such communities are happy to receive visitors.
Prospective visits the Omo region should be aware that while there are now small lodges permitting access to many of the tribes, the lodges are fairly simple but very comfortable with good service and good food. We brief our guests with care for the village visits - ask us for details and check out tipping guideline.
Buska Lodge
On the bank of the Kaske River, Buska Lodge offers comfortable, no-frills accommodation near the small outback town of Turmi, where visitors need to go in order to get to know the Hamar people.The 20 rooms are spacious, well ventilated and of traditional Tukul design, with en-suite bathrooms. Hot and cold shower.Electricity is supplied from 06h30 - 22h30. (If you need the generator to be kept on t...
Eco Omo Safari Lodge
This small, no-frills lodge with its 20 en-suite safari tented rooms which stand on wooden platforms, offers the best accommodation in the Jinka area.There is a large, very good restaurant and staff are friendly.The property is on the bank of the Neri River and from here, visits can be arranged to various tribes, notably the Mursi. Nature walks and horse riding excursions can also be arranged in a...
Kanta Lodge
For visitors who wish to spend some time exploring the remarkable Konso region during their holiday to Ethiopia, our accommodation of choice is Kanta Lodge.28 round bungalows or 'tukuls' and the main restaurant building stand on a hilltop overlooking panoramic vistas including the characteristic, terraced hillsides of this area.The lodge is fairly simple; bungalows have en-suite bathrooms ...
Southern Ethiopia Explorer
Itinerary Highlights
- Get to know the Mursi, Hamar and Karo people around Jinka and Turmi
- Chance to attend a Hamar Bull-jumping ceremony (June - September)
- Spend time in the remarkable Konso area
- Visit little-known Nech'Sar and Mago National Parks
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Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
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- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
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- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
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