ITINERARY

After a period of restrictions by totalitary politicians, Ethiopia awakes, and is able to offer us what we can not see elsewhere in Africa. The original tribal communities are there as living ethnographic museum of the modern age. Over the past few years on the south of Ethiopia, the ethno-touristic destinations has become very popular. 4x4 vehicles are arriving to a few villages with local people. Money, photography, photography, and money. Another jeep with new tourists comes! That is the reality. This is not the way we are going to visit tribal territory. Thanks to the 4 previous exploratory expedition to the Omo River, I prepared a unique sightseeing cruise. Skiping difficult mountain canyonwe prefer will explore tribal territory in 11 or 12 days and make 350 km long journey on the river. Camping, fishing, watching birds and people around the area. September and October is the best time to go. Thanks to the high water the natives come and plant corn on river banks. Hundreds of indigenous faces.

Semiwild nomads Bodie, Bata, Murs, Bume , River tribes Kwega, Karo directly at the banks of the Omo river. Further to the east of the river tribes Hamar, Tsamaj, Bana . Peasant Konso on the border highlands. A beautiful colorfull palette of people the old days. Volatile world, that is not going to be experience by the next generation. Hippos, crocodiles, eagles, several species of monkeys and countless birds. Fishing is a pleasure but also an important part of diet. The usual catch is large African catfish. All this in going to be the past, in 2012 a new big dam will bring big changes. With the change of the river there are probably serious changes to the plains, inhabited tribal natives, happening.

Our trip into the distant past begins before tribal territory, where there are no wild water hazards. Off-road car from Addis Ababa brings us throught Ethiopian highlands in 2 days. Here we take 2 hours long walk to the river wilt help of indigenous carriers. A cruise on a large raft + accompanying two-ship. Boating that is a great experience for fans and admirers of the natural way of life and ethnography. Ancient Africa, as still remains here, around the Omo river. Visits of villages where there are no other ways how to get in, but the way by the river. Places to climb hills above the river to see fascinating views of the infinite plaines. Acacia forests, savannas of National Parks Omo and Mago and high mountains inhabited by Surma and Murs tribes. Cruises in October does not require too much effort, river is fast enought also in the plains.

In a large colony of Karo people Duss we meet our wainting vehicles and headtoward the market in the Hamar vilage Dimeka or Turm . Hamar markets are the most colourfull indigenous show in Africa. By the way by land we can see the life of Bana, Tsamai. We will take rest in first civilization Konso. We visit place calles New York - a sort of mini Ethiopian counterpart to the Grand Canyon. Later we visit N.P. Nechisar with zebra, antilope and Kudu. At the and of the day swimming in crystal waters stemming in nearby park. Dinners in the best Ethiopian restaurant with local fish specialty. From Arba Minch we continue to the north through and by the way to the capital we visit the area of tribe Dorsa , famous for its giant maids from banana leaves.