Visiting Tribes in Ethiopia

© Sage McHugh

Tribal tourism allows travelers to be exposed to a culture far different from their own. If people-to-people contact is what you crave most when traveling, then Ethiopia may be the perfect destination for you.

There are many indigenous tribes scattered throughout Southern Ethiopia. Since the tribes live in remote regions of the Omo Valley, tours usually begin in Addis Ababa. From there, it is a two-day journey by vehicle to the south. Be prepared for long hours on the road.

Tribes in the Omo Valley include the Hamer, the Kano and the Mursi.

The Hamer are recognizable by their beaded jewelry and neckbands. The women apply a bright-red ochre dye to their hair. Tourists visiting the Hamer tribe will likely attend a bull-jumping ceremony, an initiation into adulthood for young men. In order to pass the initiation, the boy must leap across a line of cattle four times. These ceremonies are lively celebrations; the women will dance and play instruments before the bull jump. Another aspect of this ceremony is the ritual whipping: The female relatives of the bull jumper are consensually whipped by male tribe members to express loyalty to their brother.

© Sage McHugh

The Mursi tribe occupies remote areas of Mago National Park. The women are known for slicing their lower lips and inserting large clay plates into them. The Mursi can be quite aggressive and cunning when it comes to demanding money for photographs. For example, a woman may say she’s pregnant and charge you double for one photo.

A visit to a Kano village is a more peaceful experience. The Kano are known for their intricate body painting. They are usually eager to pose for pictures and show off their body art. The Kano will request money if you take their photo, but unlike the Mursi, they are generally pleasant and diplomatic.