Omo Valley & Beyond: Faces of Ethiopia photography tour

After an early checkout, we fly to Jimma — a city known for its rich coffee culture — before embarking on a scenic drive through lush highlands and traditional Ethiopian villages to Mizan. Overnight in Mizan. (Domestic flight included.)

We drive into Surma territory, stopping for lunch along the way. The Surma people are known for their elaborate body painting, intricate scarification and the striking lip plates worn by women. Upon arrival, we spend the afternoon immersed in our first photography session with this extraordinary community.

A full day in a remote Surma village — photographing daily life, rituals and traditional ceremonies, as well as intimate portraits of individuals adorned with intricate body art and handmade jewelry.

Another dedicated day with the Surma people. An optional morning photo walk through Surma Town offers a different perspective on local life before we return to the village for a final session, perfecting compositions and capturing the full breadth of this remarkable culture.

Leaving the Surma region, we make our way to Turmi — the heartland of the Hamar people — stopping for lunch en route and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Omo Valley. In the evening, Andy leads a post-processing masterclass to help you refine your images and master professional editing techniques.

After an early breakfast, we drive to the Hamar village for a full day of photography. The Hamar are celebrated for their bull-jumping ceremonies, ochre-braided hair and vibrant beaded jewelry. We'll have breakfast and lunch in the village, fully immersed in the rhythm of their daily life.

A morning session with the Hamar is followed by an afternoon drive to the Nyangatom people — a nomadic group known for their elaborate beaded jewelry and striking body modifications. We photograph the Nyangatom at golden hour, when the warm light beautifully illuminates their iconic onion-shaped houses and striking features.

We journey to the Kara tribe — a small and little-visited ethnic group renowned for their intricate body painting. Breakfast and lunch are served in the village as we spend the entire day photographing Kara life along the iconic bend of the Omo River, one of the most dramatic and photogenic locations of the entire tour.

After checkout, we drive to Jinka for a 2:00 PM flight back to Addis Ababa, where the tour officially concludes. An optional overnight at Casopia Hotel is available for those with late-night flights or an extended stay.