Southern
Omo Valley
Discover Omo Valley.
Southern Ethiopia
Omo Valley
A river valley home to many distinct cultures, with colourful weekly markets.
Overview
About Omo Valley
The lower Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia is home to more than a dozen communities with their own languages, dress and traditions. Weekly markets are the best places to see daily life.
Visits should be made respectfully, through local guides and community-led arrangements, and with attention to how photographs are taken and paid for.
- Region
- Southern
- Best time
- July to September and December to February
Highlights
What makes it worth the journey
Highlights
- Weekly markets
- The terraced landscape of Konso
- Boat trips on Lake Chamo
- Village visits led by local guides
Things to do
- Visit a market with a local guide
- Explore the Konso cultural landscape
- Take a boat trip to see crocodiles and hippos
- Learn about traditional crafts
Plan your visit
Before you go
Best time to visit
July to September and December to February; roads can be hard after heavy rain
Getting there
Fly to Arba Minch or Jinka, or drive from Addis Ababa over two long days.
Getting around
By four-wheel-drive vehicle with a driver and local guide; distances are long and roads rough.
Good to know
- Always ask permission before taking photographs, and agree any payment first.
- Bring plenty of water, sun protection and insect repellent.
Gallery
A look at Omo Valley
Photos: Unsplash
Keep exploring
More places to see
Southern
Southern
Bale Mountains
Alpine moorland and forest, and the best place to look for the Ethiopian wolf.
Southern
Arba Minch
“Forty springs”: two Rift Valley lakes, crocodiles on Lake Chamo and the Dorze highlands above.
Let us plan your Omo Valley trip
Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.