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The cultural heart of Ethiopia

Sitting in the path of the Great Rift Valley in Ethiopia‘s south west is the Omo Valley, an area of significant historical and cultural importance. The great Omo River flows through the heart of the valley before emptying into Lake Turkana which lies predominantly in northern Kenya.

The lower Omo Valley is home to several tribes renowned for their ancestral traditions. From the lip plates of the Mursi to the clay hair buns and white body paint of the Kara tribe, these are some of Africa’s most intriguing people. A visit here is undeniably fascinating, but cultural sensitivity must be exercised at all times and taking the time to get a deeper understanding of the history and traditions of the valley’s tribes will make your time here infinitly more rewarding.

This part of Ethiopia is significant for the discovery of hominid fossils that have been crucial in the study of human evolution. There have also been discoveries of ancient stone tools, offering insight into some of the oldest known activities of prehistoric beings.

The south west of Ethiopia is also home to several parks including Omo National Park, Tama Wildlife Reserve and Mago National Park. Although not as well known as the parks in neighbouring Kenya, they have the benefit of being well and truly off the tourist trail and are home to plains animals, lions, leopards and countless species of birds.

The Jacada Difference

Seamless organisation, every step of the way

Journeys as meaningful as they are memorable

Remarkable stays, handpicked by our experts

Why book with Jacada?

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Safari expertise

Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

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Unforgettable guides

We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

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Positive impact

By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

Trip Inspiration

Get inspired with our Omo Valley example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Whatever you want from your Omo Valley adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Plan your trip to Omo Valley

Whatever you want from your adventure in Omo Valley, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

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