What‘s Included

What To Expect

Reviews

• Uncomfortable but Authenthic

  Victoria S,

  Jul 3, 2025

  - Viator

  3.00

  Our five-day trip to the Omo Valley was an eye-opening cultural experience, but it came with serious discomforts and some troubling moments. Before we arrived, we asked our guide if the lodges had air-conditioning and basic Western comforts, and he assured us they did. That was not true. There are no lodges in Jinka or Turmi with air-conditioning, and most of the places we stayed had very limited running water. The showers were barely a trickle—nowhere near enough to get clean—and cleanliness overall was an issue. Mosquitoes were constant. We also felt uncomfortable right from the beginning when our guide pressured us to cancel our reservation with the tour company and pay him directly instead. We refused, but the request set a strange tone for the rest of the trip. We paid close to $2,000 for the tour, and it’s hard to see where that money went—certainly not toward accommodations or basic amenities. That said, the chance to spend time up close with five different tribes was meaningful. The culture in the Omo Valley is unlike anything I’ve seen: unique, vibrant, and deeply rooted. However, I did question whether the tribes were actually benefiting from our visits. Many seemed hesitant and were eager for us to buy items at their market stalls. If you go, bring small gifts for the children—we brought 500 Jolly Ranchers and wished we had brought three times more. This trip is best suited for travelers who are prepared for rugged, uncomfortable conditions in exchange for a rare and authentic cultural experience. The human connection and cultural insight are worth it—but only if you’re fully aware of what you’re signing up for.