On our trip to visit every country, one of the countries we have been looking forward to the most is Ethiopia. There are so many things that make Ethiopia so unique. For starters, Ethiopia is considered the cradle of humanity, has 13 months in a year, and their official calendars are 7 years behind the rest of the world.
It’s also home to incredible sites like the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, majestic Simien Mountains, and the geological marvel of the Danakil Depression. We had actually already been to Ethiopia before, but the reason why we were so excited to travel to this beautiful country again is to visit the Omo Valley.
If you want to experience diverse cultures, then the Omo Valley is one of the best places in the world. This remote region harbors over 20 distinct indigenous people groups, each with its language, customs, and traditions.
What to Experience in Omo valley, ethiopia
We had an incredible time getting to meet local people groups and learn more about their cultures. There is far too much to list in one blog post, but I’ll try to pick out a few highlights so you know what are can’t-miss experiences when you visit the Omo Valley!
Hamar Tribe: Bull Jumping Ceremony
We “jumped” right into our experience in the Omo Valley by attending a “bull jumping” ceremony. (😜 Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.) This was one of the biggest highlights of our visit. The Hamar people are renowned for their rite-of-passage ceremony for a boy to be considered a man, known as the bull jumping ceremony.
We were honored to be able to witness this incredible event. It is an all-day event filled with lots of dancing, drinking, and ends with a boy stripping naked and running across the backs of bulls in order to earn his manhood. If he fails, he will carry the shame for the rest of his life.
It was honestly one of the most intense and chaotic events that I ever witnessed. Despite the last bull breaking free and nearly tripping the boy, he made it successfully across, earning his manhood. We felt so honored to be able to witness this tradition and be welcomed by the Hamar people. This is definitely an event to be witnessed if you are visiting the Omo Valley.
Karo Tribe: Body Painting
We also ventured into the territory of the Karo tribe. For celebrations, their bodies are adorned with intricate patterns of white mud and charcoal. We were fortunate enough to have our faces painted by a Karo tribe member. Through our local guide’s expert translation, we learned about their customs, their connection to nature, and the stories woven into their intricate body art.
Mursi Tribe: More than Lip Plates
The Mursi people are perhaps the most well-known tribe of the Omo Valley, famed for the large clay lip plates worn by some of their women. Through our guide’s careful guidance, we were able to have a conversation that went beyond the visual. We learned about the cultural significance of the lip plates, the pain endured as a sign of strength and beauty, and that they want to be known for so much more than this.
Later that day, I (Hudson) received an unexpected honor. The Mursi men invited me to share a meal with them! It was so kind of them to share more about their culture with us.
Daasanach Tribe: Coffee and Laughter
The Daasanach tribe are known for their skilled cattle herding and welcoming spirit. We were greeted by the inviting aroma of coffee, which they actually make by using coffee leaves instead of beans (it tastes more like tea). Sharing a cup with the tribe, we listened to stories passed down through generations. Their children, with bright eyes and infectious smiles, eagerly played games with us, a simple reminder of the universal language of joy.
Our Tour Company
We wouldn’t have been able to learn and experience half of the things that we did if it weren’t for the amazing tour company who hosted us: Worldsun Ethiopia Travel & Tours.
Negasi, the owner of the company, is committed to ethical tourism and ensuring every interaction is respectful and enriching. Daniel, our guide, was one of our favorite guides that we have ever had. Every day he was an invaluable source of knowledge and a bridge between cultures. I don’t know how, but even in the most remote places, Worldsun provided great housing and delicious Ethiopian food. Every day was packed with new experiences, but the itinerary never seemed to be too rushed.
Most importantly, Worldsun’s dedication to employing local guides from each tribe ensured that our visit directly benefited the communities we encountered. We visited 8 different people groups with unique cultures. Instead of just driving through villages, the local guides provided opportunities for us to be able to sit with the people in the village and talk (with them as a translator) to learn more about their customs and traditions.
In addition to tours through the Omo Valley, Worldsun also provides experiences all across the country. You can visit one of Africa’s largest cities of Addis Ababa, head north to view the world famous churches in Lalibela and the ancient city of Axum, or travel to the Afar Triangle to witness geological wonders in the Danakil Depression. Wherever you want to visit in Ethiopia, Worldsun Ethiopia Travel & Tours has you covered, and we highly recommend them!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON OMO VALLEY
If learning more about unique cultures is something that you want to experience, there is no better place than the Omo Valley. It was an unforgettable experience. Out of the 158 countries that we’ve visited so far on our trip to every country in the world, Ethiopia was one of our favorites and we barely scratched the surface. We’re so thankful for Worldsun hosting us and hope to be back soon to visit more of this beautiful country.
