Hamer – Kara – Mursi

Step into one of the most culturally rich regions of Africa with this immersive 3-day journey through Ethiopia’s Omo Valley. This tour offers a rare opportunity to connect with three of the most iconic tribes in the region: the Hamer, Kara, and Mursi.

From the vibrant traditions of the Hamer tribe—famous for their bull-jumping initiation and intricate hairstyles—to the artistic body chalk decorations of the Kara people perched above the Omo River, each day brings unforgettable encounters and vivid cultural expressions. Finally, meet the legendary Mursi tribe, known worldwide for their dramatic lip plates and powerful presence.

This short yet enriching adventure is perfect for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, unique photography opportunities, and a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s living tribal heritage.

Day 1/ HAMER

Hamer Tribe – the most populated amongst the Omo Valley inhabitants, located between Aldouba, Keyafer and Turmi. Very specific neck and hair decoration will not misguide you anymore – Mad Max costumes have had its inspirations here.

The Hamar are known for their unique ceremony of “bull jumping”, which initiates a boy into manhood. First, female relatives dance and invite whipping from men who have recently been initiated; this shows their support of the initiate, and their scars give them a right to demand his help in time of need. The boy must run back and forth twice across the backs of a row of bulls or castrated steers, and is ridiculed if he fails.

Bull jumping ceremony is not made for tourists, although presence is allowed. We ll need to be lucky to witness it – its not happening everyday. We may adjust the program if the ceremony happens on one of trip days. We’ll visit hamer village near by Turmi and overnight Ezana Pension Turmi.

Day 2 / KARA

Drive to Kara area with some stunning views on the way. Our destination is a spectacular cliff at the bend of Omo River, where Karo village is located. Karo decoration is very specific with lots of chalk paintings all over their bodies. along Omo River and admire its beauty. We may spot some fish eagle and crocodiles, hunting at the shores. after visiting we’ll return back to Turmi and have lunch, after lunch drive 80km to wards jinka and on our way we’ll stop at banana tribe to learn their culture and proceed to jinka overnight. (Nasal Pension).

DAY 3/ MURSI – LIP PLATE TRIBE

Our final destination will be Mursi tribe, famous for ceramic discs inserted into lips.

The lip plate, also known as a lip plug or lip disc, is a form of body modification. Increasingly large discs (usually circular, and made from clay or wood) are inserted into a pierced hole in either the upper or lower lip, or both, thereby stretching it. Among the Mursi people of the lower Omo River valley in Ethiopia, about 6 to 12 months before marriage, a young woman has her lip pierced by her mother, usually at around the age of 15 to 18. After the wound has healed, which takes between two and three weeks, the peg is replaced with a slightly bigger one. At a diameter of about 4 cm, the first lip plate made of clay is inserted. Every woman crafts her own plate and takes pride in including some ornamentation. The final diameter ranges from about 8 cm to over 20 cm. After having enough time visiting mursi tribe culture and taking enough photography, we’ll proceed driving back to jinka and have lunch in jinka. After lunch we’ll drive you to airport or to your hotel and their the trip ends.