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Images with Soul..

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

October 20th - 29th, 2026

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Welcome to Ethiopia. Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. We’ll be staying at the Best Western Plus Addis Ababa - Ethiopia, a comfortable base to begin our journey. In the afternoon, we’ll gather in the conference room, where you’ll meet your fellow photographers and your hosts, Giovanna and Krista. It’s a relaxed evening of introductions, inspiration, and our first group briefing to walk you through the journey ahead. Overnight: Best Western Plus Addis Ababa Meals


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, arriving by lunchtime. 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: The Suri - Body Art & Ritual
After an early breakfast, we’ll walk down to the Kibish River to witness and photograph the Suri Tribe in their natural surroundings. This is a rare opportunity to capture their traditional body art using natural pigments and patterns. In the afternoon, we’ll photograph Suri girls 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: Suri Portraits & Cattle Camp
This morning, we’ll create a portrait studio using natural side lighting and a simple black background. We’ve invited the Suri girls to be part of this session, a beautiful chance to capture quiet moments of pride and expression. Later, we’ll visit the Suri cattle camp, where young men tend to their herds and engage in rituals such as ashing, bloodletting. 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
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: Buska Lodge, Turmi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 8: Hamar - Nyangatom Tribe
After another morning session with the Hamar, we’ll return for lunch before heading out to visit the Nyangatom, a lesser-known tribe that originated from South Sudan. Reaching their village requires a short river crossing. The community is welcoming, with playful boys and beautifully adorned women. Overnight: Buska Lodge, Turmi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 9: Kara Tribe - Along the Omo River
We’ll rise early and head to a Kara village along the Omo River. Known for their stunning chalk body art and dramatic riverside settings, the Kara offer one of the most photogenic experiences of the trip. We’ll spend the full day immersed in village life, sharing lunch there and photographing rituals, family moments, and afternoon goat herding. Overnight: Buska Lodge, Turmi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 10: Arbore Tribe - Jinka - Addis Ababa
We’ll begin before sunrise and head 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. On the way to Jinka Airport, we’ll also stop to photograph the Bena boys, famous for their traditional stilt-walking. From Jinka, we’ll fly back to Addis Ababa. A day room will be available at the Best Western Plus Addis Ababa for rest and refreshment before your international departure.
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