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Images with Soul..

A Photographic Journey Through the Tribes of the Omo Valley with Giovanna and Krista

January 7th - 16th 2027

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Welcome to Ethiopia. Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. We’ll be staying at the Best Western Plus Addis Ababa, a comfortable base to begin our journey.
We’ll gather in the afternoon for an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony, where you’ll meet your fellow photographers and your hosts, Giovanna and Krista. It will be a relaxed introduction to your tour, with an opportunity to share inspirations and get to know one another.

January 7th is Genna, the Ethiopian Christmas, so the evening of the 6th will see huge celebrations in and around the city. Close to our hotel is the beautiful Bole Medhanealem church, where thousands of devout Orthodox Christians will gather in prayer, singing and lighting up the night’s sky with candles. Professional photography is not allowed, however you may take footage or photos on a mobile phone. 
Overnight: Best Western Plus Addis Ababa

Day 2: Addis Ababa - Jimma - Mizan Teferi
After breakfast, we’ll take a morning flight to Jimma (arriving around 12:30 p.m.) where we’ll stop for lunch before continuing our drive to Mizan Teferi, a scenic road journey of about 4.5 hours. This gives us time to rest before we continue deeper into tribal lands the next day

Overnight: Salyish Hotel, Mizan Teferi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mizan Teferi - Kibish (Surma Territory)
An early start today as we begin the journey to Kibish, the heart of the Suri (Surma) community. We’ll drive through remote and breathtaking landscapes to arrive at our private campsite. 
After a rest, we’ll enjoy our first evening photo session with the Suri people 
Overnight: Private Tented Camp, Suri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Surma
We’ll rise early to leave for the Suri cattle camp, where young and elderly men tend to their herds and engage in rituals such as ashing and bloodletting. This is a formative and bonding time, where boys and men mark themselves with symbols of identity.  In the afternoon, we’ll photograph Suri girls and the youngsters as they decorate each other with ochre, wildflowers and leaves, all bathed in soft golden light. 
Overnight: Private Tented Camp, Suri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Surma
This morning, we will witness the Surma men creating intricate body art with wave-like patterns using white clay, applying it with their fingers and natural tools, as we photograph them by the river. As the golden hour approaches on our final afternoon, we will capture our last images of the beautiful Suri girls adored in coloured ochres and wildflowers.
Overnight: Private Tented Camp, Suri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kibish - Muri Mountains - Turmi
We’ll leave the Suri camp early and begin our journey through the Muri Mountains, heading toward Turmi. Along the way, we’ll make scenic stops and break for meals as we cross the Southern Omo Valley. 
Overnight: Buska Lodge, Turmi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: The Hamar Tribe - Turmi
An early departure as we visit one of the largest Hamar villages. After a riverside breakfast, we’ll spend the day photographing the Hamar people. The women’s iconic hairstyles, copper necklaces, and traditional attire offer striking visual stories.
Overnight: Kara Camp 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Kara Tribe
We’ll rise early and head to a Kara Village along the Omo River to photograph the morning goat herding at sunrise. Known for their stunning chalk body art and dramatic riverside settings, the Kara offer one of the most photogenic experiences of the trip. 
Overnight: Kara Camp, Turmi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Kara Tribe – Arbore – Jinka 
After an early morning visit with the Kara tribe, we’ll return to Turmi for lunch and refreshments. At around 2 p.m., we will head out to Arbore, travelling into the Weito lowlands to visit the Arbore tribe. Known for their dark robes, shaved heads, and bold beadwork, the Arbore are serene and striking to photograph. Afterwards, we’ll continue with a 1.5-hour drive to Jinka. 
Overnight: Kaidater Lodge, Jinka 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dinner Day 10: Jinka – Mursi – Addis Ababa (120 km gravel, approx. 4 hours) 
Today, we’ll depart early at 5:30 a.m. with a picnic breakfast and coffee, starting a two-hour drive through the beautiful Mago National Park to see the legendary Mursi tribes. The Mursi are one of the indigenous ethnic groups of the Omo Valley, living along the Maki River and in the Mago highlands in low, grass-and-leaf houses. Terracotta jewellery is striking on women’s enlarged lower lips and earlobes. They are also unique for various head ornaments, such as the nilla, made of leather and warthog tusks. Males are well known for their hairstyles. 

After the visit, return for lunch and proceed to Jinka Airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Arrival & Departure Details
Day 1 is the official arrival day, and you may arrive at any time. The journey concludes on the afternoon of Day 10. If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay after the tour, we’re happy to assist with recommendations or arrangements

About

Giovanna Aryafara

I’m an Australian photographer based in Bali, and for over 40 years, I’ve travelled the world capturing soulful portraits that tell real stories from remote tribal communities to sacred ceremonies and everyday moments of beauty and connection

My work has taken me deep into the Omo Valley of Ethiopia, where I’ve spent years building relationships with the tribes and learning about their traditions, strength, and creativity. These journeys have been life-changing and are at the heart of my photography

As an award-winning photographer, I feel it’s an honour to document these cultures and share them through exhibitions, books, and now this special photographic tour. I’ll be guiding you alongside my daughter Krista, and we can’t wait to welcome you into this experience of deep connection, creativity, and inspiration