Ethiopia's southwestern corner is one of the last outposts of traditional life. Here, in the Omo Valley, eight ethnic tribes reside, including the Mursi, Hamar and Karo people – 200,000 in all. They face a tough future, one that is threatened by developments such as river damming. Eco-Omo Safari Lodge sits in Omo's heart, on the eastern edge of Mago National Park in the clamorous and colourful town of Jinka. Adventurous, open-minded travellers interested in the plight of indigenous people and keen to understand their way of life should seek out this dusty, barely trickling backwater before it's too late.
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The lodge's restaurant, Sidamo Bamboo, is the place to be. Gather here for a drink and a snack, a buffet breakfast or an Italian-inspired dinner. The large, domed, hive-like structure of wood and floor-to-ceiling reed-work has cleverly in-laid windows. Much of the food is sourced from the garden's crops of fruits, vegetables and herbs, and the small coffee plantation – the fresh-roast Ethiopian Sidama brew is a treat! Outside, a large deck offers views of the garden and river.
Twenty double tents roofed with thatch are set on raised platforms. The interiors are small and simple, although impeccably clean, with either (narrow) twin beds or a double. Mosquito nets drape the beds, and the small but adequate private en-suite bathroom has a toilet, basin and a hot shower with decent water pressure.
Before venturing into Omo National Park, you'll need to employ an experienced guide who can speak your language and has a good rapport with the locals (local agencies can help arrange one for you.) The park has little infrastructure, but the tribes welcome tourists – treat cultural interactions sensitively, and be prepared to pay for photographs. For great photo opportunities, attend a traditional bull-jumping ceremony or head to the markets. Scenically, this semi-arid area has diverse vegetation and plentiful wildlife.
The restaurant is especially well-loved for the Italian fare that emerges aromatically from the kitchen – pizza, pasta, fried zucchini flowers, anyone? Buon appetito!
Be sure to treat any and all cultural interactions with care and always ask permission before taking photographs.
The lodge is candid about the fact that the sounds of calls to prayer may interrupt your sleep – earplugs can be purchased in the gift shop.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Eco-Omo Safari Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Ethiopia trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Ethiopia trips featuring Eco-Omo Safari Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Ethiopia specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Eco-Omo Safari Lodge start from around $140, or US$140, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Meet the most remarkable indigenous groups in Africa in this bizarre land, untouched by time.
