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 * GBP2,499 * EUR2,824 * AUD4,987

Ethiopia - Omo Valley: Birding & Tribal Cultures 2028

24 Mar 2028 - 31 Mar 2028 (8 days)

USD3,300 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Jan Pienaar

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

Tour price (Per person): USD3,300 * GBP2,578 * EUR2,913 * AUD5,143

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 but some long travel days, low food diversity.

Accommodation

Comfortable

Ease of Birding

One of the most enjoyable & prolific birding destinations in Africa. Many species are approachable & provide good visuals in open conditions.

Other Attractions

ancient Omo Valley tribes, traditional markets

Photographic Opportunities

Good to excellent. No dedicated hides. Many species are approachable, habitat & lighting are often conducive. See notes on People Photography

What our clients say about us

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!

David Hoddinott
CS, Ethiopia 2023

Just a few comments on the recent Ethiopia Summer Highland Endemics tour guided by David Hodinott. First, I want to commend David on his skills as a leader and guide. His logistic and organizational skills are first-class and his knowledge of the bird life in Ethiopia matchless. His interpersonal skills with the group kept people on time, focused and successful in getting good looks at most species and great looks at many. That was his challenging task and he accomplished it with passion and patience, two qualities that are often difficult to combine.

David Hoddinott
GS, Ethiopia 2023

"As expected, the accommodations and infrastructure in Ethiopia had their challenges. We find that as we are aging these challenges become more difficult. So our plan for the future is to do trips with higher end lodges, good sanitation and well paved roads. This is no reflection on Rockjumpers just the reality of our now being in our 70's. Time to do some easier trips! Our leader, David Hoddinott, was outstanding. His enthusiasm for the birds of Ethiopia was contagious, his knowledge incredible and his ability to handle all the logistics shows that he is a seasoned leader. Thank you to the entire team at Rockjumpers for another incredible trip. "

Heinz Ortmann
RG, Ethiopia 2018 - Tailormade

Heinz Ortmann did an excellent job of leading a group with diverse interests. He was particularly patient in showing the birds to the non-birders, and I believe he increased the level of interest in all of them with his enthusiasm. (Graham is already talking about a possible trip to Uganda!). He also did his best with my "wish-list" and I don't think we missed much. I have some stunning pictures of Stresemann's Bushcrow and Vulturine Guineafowl as evidence. It was necessary to make a couple of changes to the itinerary and accommodation, and Heinz managed all of this without any stress to the group.

Julian Parsons
RL - Ethiopia 2024

Julian was a wonderful leader, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and attentive to our needs. The local guide, was also excellent and worked particularly hard when we had to change accommodation at short notice. The cultural guide was very knowledgeable and shared both his knowledge and his experience of Orthodox Christianity with us in a very helpful manner. We saw a lot of birds and a good variety of mammals. In addition the food was very interesting and the coffee outstanding.

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