The real Omo...

Omo people on the border of the National park the lower Omo valley is home to a fascinating mixture of small contrasting tribal groups in Ethiopia. Their life styles are as varied as the people themselves are.

The Omo Valley region is a little visited area of Ethiopia containing some of the most vibrant and diverse ethnic groups in Africa. The most famous of the Omotic speakers are the Mursi well-known for their practice of inserting large clay plates behind the lower lip of their women.

The ethnic diversity you get in the southern part of Ethiopia is great. The Hamer, with their attribute high cheekbones, elaborate costumes of beads, cowries and leather, and thick copper necklaces, are among the most readily identifiable of the South Omo peoples in Ethiopia.

The major towns of the Hamet are Turmi and Dimeka, both of which host compelling and colorful weekly markets – on Monday and Saturday respectively – and will reward anybody who settles into them for a few days.

Turmi and Dimeka similarly boast a fair selection of (admittedly somewhat unwholesome) hotels and restaurants, and can be reached with relative ease either in a private vehicle or on the back of a truck.

Turmi will form an undoubted highlight of any trip through South Omo, and it is particularly accessible, since all roads lead there ultimately.