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Maestro Jrnys

Ethiopia in Focus

A Tribal Photography Journey with Hari Menon

LED BY

Hari Menon

TRIP DATES

12 Feb 26 - 19 Feb 26

PRICE PER PERSON

€ 2,599

OFF-BEAT

PHOTOGRAPHY

CULTURE

Overview Stay Itinerary FAQs

Bookings Closed

Ethiopia in Focus: A Tribal Photography Journey with Hari Menon

TRIP DATES

12 Feb 26-19 Feb 26

PRICE PER PERSON

€ 2,599

Bookings Closed

About this Jrny

Embark on an unforgettable photography journey through Ethiopia with one of India’s finest travel photographers - Hari Menon. Capture the beauty and traditions of some of Africa’s most visually captivating tribes.

Begin with a flight to Jinka and a drive to Turmi, home of the Hamar tribe, where you’ll photograph vibrant markets, traditional attire, and possibly the bull-jumping ceremony. Continue to the Karo village along the Omo River for early morning portrait sessions featuring their iconic body painting.

Travel onward to the Nyangatom and Dassanech tribes, documenting remote lifestyles, intricate adornments, and riverside scenes. Explore Mago National Park to photograph the Mursi tribe, known for lip plates and warrior traditions, and capture images of Bana boys practicing stick-walking near Jinka.

The journey ends in Arbore and Ari villages, photographing striking hairstyles, colourful homes, and daily life before visiting the Jinka Museum and flying back to Addis Ababa — concluding a powerful visual exploration of Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and landscapes.

Hari Menon, India's finest travel photographer who brings life to the simplest of subjects, takes travellers along for a photography trail across Ethiopia for an immersive local experience. Interact with and photograph local tribes, learning about their rich culture along the way.

Highlights

Photograph Hamar markets, traditional attire, and possibly the bull-jumping ceremony
Early morning portrait sessions in a Karo village along the Omo River, capturing iconic body painting
Visit Nyangatom and Dassanech tribes, capturing remote lifestyles, adornments, and riverside scenes
Explore Mago National Park to photograph the Mursi tribe with lip plates and warrior traditions
Capture Bana boys practicing stick-walking near Jinka
Visit Arbore and Ari villages, photographing striking hairstyles, colourful homes, and daily life

Inclusions

Meals as per itinerary

Boutique Stays

Internal Flights

Internal Transport

Entrance Fees and Permits

Airport Transfers

English Speaking Guides

Maestro's Expertise

Inclusions

What's Included

7 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 7 Dinners

Stay in Boutique 3-4 star hotels (specified in itinerary or similar)

2 domestic flights included (Additional charge of €50 per person for domestic flights, if arriving by international airline that is not Ethiopian airlines)

All transportation in air-conditioned 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers with experienced drivers

All entrance fees and photography permits

Arrival and departure airport transfers

Professional English speaking local guides

Hari's photography expertise and company guarantees a memorable trip experience

Led by Jrny Maestro

Hari Menon

India's finest travel photographer who brings life to the simplest of subjects

3 Jrnys

Overview

Dates

12Feb’26 - 19Feb’26

Suggested Ages

12+

Duration

8 days

Activity Level

moderate

Group Size

1 - 8

Travel Style

comfort

Price per person

€2,599

Itinerary

Thu 12 Feb

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Fri 13 Feb

Addis Ababa - Jinka - Turmi

Sat 14 Feb

Hamar - Karo

Sun 15 Feb

Karo - Nyangatom

Mon 16 Feb

Turmi - Omorate

Tue 17 Feb

Omorate - Arbore

Wed 18 Feb

Jinka - Bana - Mursi

Thu 19 Feb

Jinka - Addis Ababa - Departure

Stay

CHECK IN 12 Feb

1 N

CHECK OUT 13 Feb

Jano Hotel

Addis Ababa

CHECK IN 13 Feb

4 N

CHECK OUT 17 Feb

Buska Lodge

Turmi

CHECK IN 17 Feb

2 N

CHECK OUT 19 Feb

Nassa Hotel

Jinka

Your Daily Itinerary

Thu 12 Feb

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's vibrant capital perched high in the highlands. Settle into your hotel and absorb the energy of Africa's fourth-largest city. Meet your photography maestro, Hari Menon.

Embark on a photography tour of the city, starting with the National Museum – capture the historical artefacts and portrait opportunities in the museum’s natural light. Onwards to Merkato – one of Africa’s largest open-air markets; a dynamic setting for street photography, colors, and faces of everyday Addis. Mount Entoto for panoramic shots of the capital from above. End with St. George’s Cathedral – photograph the vibrant religious life and historical architecture.

In the evening, dinner is a traditional Ethiopian welcome. Tuck into a feast of local dishes whilst dancers whirl to tribal melodies.

Meals Included: Dinner

Activities

Meet & Greet in Addis Ababa

09:00 - 12:00

Arrive at the Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, Addis Ababa (Airport Code: ADD). Once you pass immigration, retrieve your luggage and clear customs. Look for a JrnyOn representative holding a placard with the JrnyOn logo at the exit.

Duration: 20 minutes
Distance: 8.6 kms / 5.3 miles

Photography-focused city tour

13:00 - 18:00

Enjoy a photography-focused city tour:
National Museum – capture the historical artifacts and portrait opportunities in the museum’s natural light.
Merkato – one of Africa’s largest open-air markets; a dynamic setting for street photography, colors, and faces of everyday Addis.
Mount Entoto – panoramic shots of the capital from above.
St. George’s Cathedral – photograph the vibrant religious life and historical architecture.

Welcome Dinner, Addis Ababa

19:00 - 21:00

Step into Ethiopia’s vibrant spirit. Savour local flavours at a traditional restaurant as dancers whirl to the rhythm of traditional music. Join the feast, clap along, take pictures and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Fri 13 Feb

Addis Ababa - Jinka - Turmi

After breakfast, take a morning flight to Jinka, then drive through the dramatic Omo Valley landscapes to Turmi, home of the Hamar tribe. If it’s a Monday, you’ll have the chance to visit the lively Hamar weekly market — a vibrant hub filled with colour, texture, and movement, offering excellent opportunities for portrait photography, candid shots, and capturing authentic tribal trade scenes. If a Hamar bull-jumping ceremony takes place, you’ll witness and photograph one of East Africa’s most visually striking rites of passage. In the late afternoon, enjoy golden-hour photography in a Hamar village, focusing on natural light portraits, intricate hairstyles, traditional ornaments, and scenes of daily life. Overnight at Buska Lodge.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Addis Ababa - Jinka - Turmi - Day 2 image

Activities

Fly to Jinka

12:20 - 13:35

Board a domestic flight from Addis Ababa (code: ADD) and ascend over Ethiopia’s vast highlands. Touch down in Jinka (code: BCO).

Flight Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

Drive to Turmi

14:00 - 17:00

Journey through diverse landscapes—from terraced Konso fields to semi-arid plains—passing through small villages and tribal settlements before arriving in Turmi, a vibrant cultural hub.

Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 200km/125 miles

Hamar bull-jumping ceremony

17:00 - 18:00

If a Hamar bull-jumping ceremony occurs, you’ll photograph one of the most visually striking rites of passage in East Africa.

Photography in a Hamar village

18:00 - 19:00

Photography in a Hamar village — focus on natural light portraits, details of hairstyles, ornaments, and daily activities.

Sat 14 Feb

Hamar - Karo

Drive to a Karo village for an early morning light photography session along the Omo River. The Karo people are renowned for their exquisite body painting and tribal decoration, providing outstanding opportunities for close-up portrait work and intimate cultural photography. Spend the day capturing their artistic expressions, the stunning Omo River landscapes, and the sunset scenes that bathe the valley in warm, golden hues. Overnight at Buska Lodge.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities

Drive to Karo Village

09:00 - 11:00

Drive to Karo village, early morning light session with the Karo located along the Omo River. The Karo are masters of body painting and tribal decoration, offering superb opportunities for close-up portrait work.

Duration: 1 hour 30 min

Photography at Karo village

12:00 - 17:00

Spend the day photographing their artistic expressions, Omo River landscapes, and sunset scenes over the valley.

Sun 15 Feb

Karo - Nyangatom

Depart early for the remote Nyangatom tribe, one of the least-visited groups in the Omo region. Spend the morning photographing women adorned with intricate layers of beads and men marked with scarifications that symbolize bravery and tradition. This is a rare opportunity to capture life within one of Africa’s most isolated and authentic tribal communities. In the afternoon, return to Turmi and unwind after a day of immersive cultural exploration. Overnight at Buska Lodge.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities

Drive to Nyangatom

07:00 - 09:00

Depart early for the remote Nyangatom tribe, one of the least-visited groups in the Omo region.

Duration: 2 hours

Nyangatom Tribe Visit

09:00 - 12:00

Venture into the remote lands of the Nyangatom tribe, where vibrant traditions thrive. Explore their unique way of life and colourful ceremonies. Embrace the rich culture and striking landscapes.

Return to Turmi

12:00 - 14:00

Return to Turmi in the afternoon.

Duration: 2 hours

Mon 16 Feb

Turmi - Omorate

Drive to Omorate, near the Kenyan border, to meet the Dassanech people, also known as the 'People of the Delta'. Cross the Omo River by local boat for an authentic and immersive arrival experience. Spend the day photographing their distinctive hairstyles, traditional adornments, and the rhythms of village life. Document the riverine lifestyle of the Dassanech, including cattle herding and fishing scenes along the Omo River’s banks. Overnight at Buska Lodge.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities

Drive to Omorate

09:00 - 11:00

Drive to Omorate, near the Kenyan border, to meet the Dassanech people, known as “People of the Delta"

Duration: 1 hour 40 min

Photograph the Dassanech people

11:00 - 14:00

Cross the Omo River by local boat for an authentic arrival experience. Photograph the Dassanech's distinctive hairstyles, adornments, and village life. Spend the day photographing their riverine lifestyle, cattle herding, and fishing scenes.

Hamar Weekly Market

15:00 - 17:00

On Mondays, visit the Hamar weekly market — a vibrant hub of colour, texture, and movement.
Excellent opportunities for portrait photography, candid shots, and capturing authentic tribal trade scenes.

Tue 17 Feb

Omorate - Arbore

Drive to Arbore, known as the 'Land of Bulls'. The Arbore women are celebrated for their striking beauty, adorned with beaded accessories and distinctive hairstyles that reflect their rich cultural heritage. Spend time capturing portrait sessions in natural village light, documenting daily life, traditional rituals, and the fashion-like adornments that make this community so visually captivating. Overnight at Nassa Hotel in Jinka.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Drive to Arbore

08:00 - 12:30

The drive from Turmi to Arbore village navigates rural roads and passing through small settlements.

Duration: 4 hours 30 min
Distance: 30km/ 19 miles

Arbore Tribe Visit

13:00 - 17:00

Explore the Arbore tribe's land, where ancient traditions thrive. Witness vibrant ceremonies and intricate body art. The Arbore women are known for their striking beauty, beaded accessories, and unique hairstyles. Capture portrait sessions in natural village light and document daily life, rituals, and fashion-like adornments. Immerse yourself in this unique world and appreciate its timeless heritage.

Wed 18 Feb

Jinka - Bana - Mursi

After breakfast, travel toward Mago National Park to photograph the Mursi tribe, renowned for the lip plates worn by women and the stick-fighting warriors (Donga). Capture striking black-and-white portraits and textured environmental shots that showcase the unique traditions and strength of this iconic tribe. Continue to Jinka, stopping along the way to photograph the Bana boys engaged in their traditional stick-walking. Overnight at Nassa Hotel in Jinka.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Drive to Mursi village

08:00 - 13:00

Drive through the rugged beauty of Mago National Park to reach a remote Mursi village, famous for the lip plates worn by women and the stick-fighting warriors (Donga). Capture dramatic black-and-white portraits and textured environmental shots of this iconic tribe.

Duration: 1.5 hours drive
Distance: 55km/ 35 miles

Drive to Bana

13:00 - 14:00

Travel through semi-arid lowlands, passing grazing fields and occasional river crossings, before arriving at the Bana village.

Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 80km/50 miles

Bana Tribe Boys

14:00 - 17:00

Explore the vibrant Bana tribe villages while travelling towards Jinka. Witness traditional rituals and colourful body art that mark their unique culture. Embrace this immersive encounter—take in the rhythms, smiles, and stories that bring the tribe’s heritage vividly to life.

Thu 19 Feb

Jinka - Addis Ababa - Departure

Begin the morning with a visit to the Ari tribe, renowned for their colourful homes, pottery, and vibrant agricultural life, offering excellent opportunities for pattern and colour photography. Afterwards, visit the Jinka Museum to gain deeper insight into the diverse cultures and traditions of the tribes you’ve encountered throughout your journey. Later, transfer to Jinka Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, concluding your remarkable photographic expedition through Ethiopia.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Jinka - Addis Ababa - Departure - Day 8 image

Activities

Visit Ari tribe

09:00 - 12:00

Morning visit to the Ari tribe, known for their colourful homes, pottery, and agriculture — excellent opportunities for pattern and colour photography.

Duration: 30 min drive

Visit Jinka Museum

12:00 - 13:00

Visit the Jinka Museum, providing context to the tribes you’ve photographed.

Fly Jinka to Addis Ababa

14:05 - 15:25

Transfer to Jinka Airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa.

Flight duration: 1.5 hours

Departure from Addis Ababa

16:00 - 23:59

Today your JrnyOn journey comes to an end. Transport will be arranged to get you to the Bole Addis Ababa International Airport (Airport Code: ADD) for your flight back home. Once on the flight, you can begin to plan for your next JRNY!

Duration: 20 minutes
Distance: 8.6 kms / 5.3 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

-You are drawn to Ethiopia’s extraordinary cultural tapestry and want to understand its people, traditions, and stories beyond the surface—especially across the Omo Valley’s vibrant tribal communities.

-You’re excited to experience Ethiopia through the lens of its local guardians of culture, meeting artisans, elders, and families in Turmi and Jinka who offer an authentic window into their way of life.

-You have a deep love for real, rustic local food—injera served fresh, earthy stews, forest honey, and flavours shaped by centuries of heritage—because on this trip, the cuisine is as local and unfiltered as it gets.

-You seek meaningful connections with travellers who value conscious exploration, respect indigenous traditions, and appreciate the privilege of stepping into communities that few travellers ever see in such depth.

-You are open-minded, flexible, and not chasing luxury. Ethiopia’s rugged roads, long travel days between Addis Ababa, Turmi, and Jinka, and the raw environment of the Omo Valley excite you rather than intimidate you.

- International flights

- Additional charge of €50 per person for domestic flights, if arriving by international airline that is not Ethiopian airlines)

- Visa fees (if applicable)

- Alcoholic beverages

- Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, laundry, tips for guides and drivers)

- Camera/video charges during sightseeing

- Tips for guides and drivers

- Additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Solo travellers are welcome, It's a great opportunity to meet like-minded people.

The tour begins and ends in Addis Ababa. You should arrive and depart from Bole International Airport (Code: ADD).

Yes, most travellers will need a visa to enter Ethiopia. E-visas are easily available online for many nationalities. A 30-day Tourist visa costs around USD 62. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Check the Ethiopian Immigration website or your local embassy for the latest requirements. If you would like assistance with your visa, please write to [email protected]

Travel insurance is mandatory to protect against loss of personal valuables, illness or unforeseen late cancellations. While suppliers make every effort to ensure guests' safety, we cannot be held responsible for events beyond our control.

No mandatory vaccinations are required. We advise you to check with your doctor in case you have any personal requirements. Also check with your local clinic or doctor a few weeks before the trip for any change in recommendations.

Yes, airport transfers are included in this tour. These transfers will be shared with you before your travel.

There is a city photography tour and welcome dinner scheduled for Day 1. We recommend arriving by midday to settle in before the activities begin. Standard hotel check-in is at 14:00 hrs.

On the last day you fly from Jinka to Addis Ababa. Make sure your International flight is booked post 6pm.

Children under 12 are not allowed on this Jrny. Children above 12 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Normally, yes! In some cases if the exact hotels are unavailable for any reason, we'll make sure you're put up in hotels that are equivalent to the original in terms of location and facilities. Rest assured, your stay will be as promised.

Please read through the itinerary in detail to understand the intensity of the activities planned. There are some long walks scheduled. Overall for the tour on a scale from 1 - 5, a fitness level of 2 would be ideal.

Yes, some parts of Southern Ethiopia involve long road journeys, especially around Turmi, Konso, and Jinka. The longest drive is about 4 hours and 30 minutes from Turmi to Arbore. These drives are scenic and punctuated with cultural stops, but they can be dusty and rugged—pack accordingly.

Absolutely, a variety of vegetarian meal options will be available. Vegan options may be limited but available.

We try and cater to other diet restrictions as much as possible. But, we do focus on regional local cuisine. So there will be limitations. Please write to [email protected] with your booking number in the subject line to inform us well in advance of any such restrictions.

Ethiopia’s climate varies by region. Southern areas like Jinka and Turmi tend to be warm, while Addis Ababa is cooler due to their elevation. Nights can get chilly in the highlands, so carry layers and a light jacket. For updated weather info, visit weather.com just before departure.

We require a 35% advance payment at the time of booking.

The remaining balance needs to be paid in full at least 50 days before the date of travel

We have the following cancellation terms for this tour:

Cancellation up to 91 days from the date of travel: 10% cancellation charges (as per the total trip cost) will be levied, the rest will be refunded to you

From 90 - 46 days from the date of travel: 30% cancellation charges will be levied

45 days or less from the date of travel: 100% cancellation charges will be levied

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