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Ethiopia - Omo Valley: Birding & Tribal Cultures

© Mursi people near Mago National Park by Adam Riley
Ethiopia - Omo Valley: Birding & Tribal Cultures 2027

19 Jan 2027 - 26 Jan 2027 (8 days)

USD3,200 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD3,200 * GBP2,331 * EUR2,715 * AUD4,866

This exciting extension will take us to one of the wildest and most ethnically diverse places on Earth – the Omo Valley. This is primarily a cultural experience during which we will interact with several tribal communities who still live almost exactly as they did hundreds of years ago. This harsh and inhospitable place has over 10 distinctly different tribes existing within a 60 km radius; each with its own unique language, clothing, hairstyles and bodily ornamentation. Our tour will take us through the very heart of this vast and varied cultural melting pot, and promises to make an exciting and memorable addition to our Ethiopia birding experience!

Top Birds

Dusky Babbler; Wattled Ibis; Yellow throated & Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse; Blue-spotted Wood Dove; Bruce’s Green Pigeon; Orange-bellied Parrot; White-cheeked Turaco; Abyssinian Ground Hornbill; Abyssinian Scimitarbill; Blue-naped Mousebird; Abyssinian Roller; Three-streaked Tchagra; Taita Fiscal; Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit; Magpie & Shelley’s Starlings; chances Nubian Woodpecker; Black-billed & Double-toothed Barbets; White-breasted Cuckooshrike; Mosque Swallow; Red-faced Crombec; Yellow-bellied Eremomela; Chestnut Weaver.

Top Mammals

Da Brazza’s Monkey

Habitats Covered

dry Acacia savanna

Expected Climate

hot and dry, no rain expected

Max Group Size

10 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

undemanding

Accommodation

comfortable hotels

Ease of Birding

not challenging

Other Attractions

ancient Omo Valley tribes, traditional markets

Photographic Opportunities

excellent

What our clients say about us

David Hoddinott
DB, Ethiopia 2023

This tour was designed to see endemic birds during the summer with full breeding plumage. The pace was fast and called for extensive time in vehicles racing from site to site to get the birds. This was great for getting birds but tough on the participants, if they expected time to relax. I enjoyed the birds but not the time riding in cars. The number of species seen was astounding and the birds were great. Knowing that accommodations would be "basic" was realistic but still tough at times. Fortunately, our group did well together and this helped compensate for the facilities at times. I reached my goal for birds and I hope to enjoy trips again in the future.

Stephan Lorenz
JW, Ethiopia 2023

Stephen Lorenz, our tour leader, was exemplary especially in the face of some tour problems. At least two sites we could not access because of civil unrest. Stephen worked tirelessly with the local guides to find safe locations where we could still see endemics. He also handled some issues with one of the tour group who could be rather difficult. Stephen did an outstanding job making sure everyone felt at ease and included. He is also a fantastic birder!

Gregory de Klerk
SC, Ethiopia 2018

This tour was our first one with Greg de Klerk. I would certainly go with him again. He is an extremely good birder, quick to locate birds and get all of the tour group on them. He worked hard to get those difficult endemics. His sense of humour added greatly to the group experience. What I most appreciated about Greg was his method of helping us to see the necessary field marks to identify a bird and to explain the difference between a bird and one that looked similar. I was therefore sure of the identity of every bird we had.

Gregory de Klerk
LF, Ethiopia 2018

Greg de Klerk is an excellent leader. What I admired most about Greg was his willingness and patience to take the time and "teach" the group shorebird and wading bird identification. Throughout the tour, he would take the time and repeat the details to anyone who asked, or seemed to be unclear on the details.

Gregory de Klerk
EL, Ethiopia 2019

Greg de Klerk was an excellent guide and his lively manner and humour did much to make the trip enjoyable.

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