Omo Valley

Jinka Resort

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Jinka Resort

About Jinka Resort

A simple but colourful lodge in Ethiopia's culturally rich south.

The Lower Omo Valley is home to eight distinct groups of people who each carve out a simple, rural existence amid a beautiful but brutal landscape. Sadly, their way of life is increasingly threatened by development, one being the construction of a hydroelectric dam that is slowly destroying the habitat. Meanwhile, these ancient people maintain their distinct languages, dress and customs. Jinka lies en route to the area, and travellers usually overnight in the town. Jinka Resort, with its green grounds a short distance from the town centre, is the smartest rest option available.

Omo Valley , Ethiopia

From $30 per person/per night

Retreat

10 Rooms

Open Map

Property details

The property

Mature trees and pleasantly wild gardens surround the lodge, which has at its heart a bright orange- and blue-trimmed restaurant and bar with breezy alfresco seating at long tables. There's a good range of beverages in stock; the food here is simple (chicken dishes stend to be tough, so we suggest you stick to pizza or pasta, or local rice dishes with aromatic sauces and injera (bread). Concrete verandas provide shelter from the heat, as do a couple of thatched umbrellas.

The rooms

Rooms are simple, consisting of little more than beds (comfy and clean) with mosquito nets. En-suite bathrooms have showers (mostly hot, powered by electric geysers). Tiled floors keep things cool-ish (there is no aircon or fan), and a small porch out front lets you sit and gaze into the garden. There are camping sites for those who come bearing tents, with shared bathroom facilities but no kitchen.

Activities

It's a long, hard journey to South Omo, but what magnificent social and cultural landscapes this region offers. (Ever heard of the bull-jumping coming-of-age ceremony performed by the Hamar; the lip-plate worn by Surma and Mursi women; the white-painted men and boys?) These people have lived here for centuries, and you should visit this area with sensitivity and a measure of humility. A guide is a must, as is travelling during the dry season (end June–September, and November–early March).

Why we love it

The lodge's cheerful paint and the fabulous tropical gardens.

Insiders Tip

Take the opportunity to try the local fare at the restaurant; ingredients are hard to come by in these parts and authentic is best!

Something to think about

The grounds are poorly lit at night so keep your flashlight handy.

Trips

Tours & Trips

Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch

Ethiopia

Northern Ethiopia & the Omo Valley

10 nights from $4.5K per person

Addis Ababa Bahir Dar Gondar

Design a Custom Trip

Plan your stay

How to book Jinka Resort

How do I book Jinka Resort?

Jinka Resort 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 Jinka Resort 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.

How much does it cost to stay at Jinka Resort?

Stays at Jinka Resort start from around $30 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.

Ethiopia

Omo Valley

Meet the most remarkable indigenous groups in Africa in this bizarre land, untouched by time.