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Ethiopia - Omo Valley: Birding & Tribal Cultures

© Mursi people near Mago National Park by Adam Riley
Ethiopia - Omo Valley: Birding & Tribal Cultures 2027

19 Jan 2027 - 26 Jan 2027 (8 days)

USD3,200 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD3,200 * GBP2,401 * EUR2,802 * AUD5,027

This exciting extension will take us to one of the wildest and most ethnically diverse places on Earth – the Omo Valley. This is primarily a cultural experience during which we will interact with several tribal communities who still live almost exactly as they did hundreds of years ago. This harsh and inhospitable place has over 10 distinctly different tribes existing within a 60 km radius; each with its own unique language, clothing, hairstyles and bodily ornamentation. Our tour will take us through the very heart of this vast and varied cultural melting pot, and promises to make an exciting and memorable addition to our Ethiopia birding experience!

Top Birds

Dusky Babbler; Wattled Ibis; Yellow throated & Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse; Blue-spotted Wood Dove; Bruce’s Green Pigeon; Orange-bellied Parrot; White-cheeked Turaco; Abyssinian Ground Hornbill; Abyssinian Scimitarbill; Blue-naped Mousebird; Abyssinian Roller; Three-streaked Tchagra; Taita Fiscal; Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit; Magpie & Shelley’s Starlings; chances Nubian Woodpecker; Black-billed & Double-toothed Barbets; White-breasted Cuckooshrike; Mosque Swallow; Red-faced Crombec; Yellow-bellied Eremomela; Chestnut Weaver.

Top Mammals

Da Brazza’s Monkey

Habitats Covered

dry Acacia savanna

Expected Climate

hot and dry, no rain expected

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

undemanding

Accommodation

comfortable hotels

Ease of Birding

not challenging

Other Attractions

ancient Omo Valley tribes, traditional markets

Photographic Opportunities

excellent

What our clients say about us

Heinz Ortmann
RG, Ethiopia 2018 - Tailormade

Heinz Ortmann did an excellent job of leading a group with diverse interests. He was particularly patient in showing the birds to the non-birders, and I believe he increased the level of interest in all of them with his enthusiasm. (Graham is already talking about a possible trip to Uganda!). He also did his best with my "wish-list" and I don't think we missed much. I have some stunning pictures of Stresemann's Bushcrow and Vulturine Guineafowl as evidence. It was necessary to make a couple of changes to the itinerary and accommodation, and Heinz managed all of this without any stress to the group.

Stephan Lorenz
SW, Ethiopia 2023

Another very good Rockjumper Tour despite some itinerary changes due to seasonally wet weather and the last 2 days being re-organised due to potential security concerns North of Addis. Stephan and our local leader were on top of all aspects of the trip working hard to ensure we saw as many of the endemics as possible. A memorable evening where we we able to connect with Star-spotted Nightjar will live long in the mind. All the drivers were excellent and kept the vehicles clean and comfortable.

David Hoddinott
GS, Ethiopia 2023

"As expected, the accommodations and infrastructure in Ethiopia had their challenges. We find that as we are aging these challenges become more difficult. So our plan for the future is to do trips with higher end lodges, good sanitation and well paved roads. This is no reflection on Rockjumpers just the reality of our now being in our 70's. Time to do some easier trips! Our leader, David Hoddinott, was outstanding. His enthusiasm for the birds of Ethiopia was contagious, his knowledge incredible and his ability to handle all the logistics shows that he is a seasoned leader. Thank you to the entire team at Rockjumpers for another incredible trip. "

Gregory de Klerk
LF, Ethiopia 2018

Greg de Klerk is an excellent leader. What I admired most about Greg was his willingness and patience to take the time and "teach" the group shorebird and wading bird identification. Throughout the tour, he would take the time and repeat the details to anyone who asked, or seemed to be unclear on the details.

Gregory de Klerk
SC, Ethiopia 2018

This tour was our first one with Greg de Klerk. I would certainly go with him again. He is an extremely good birder, quick to locate birds and get all of the tour group on them. He worked hard to get those difficult endemics. His sense of humour added greatly to the group experience. What I most appreciated about Greg was his method of helping us to see the necessary field marks to identify a bird and to explain the difference between a bird and one that looked similar. I was therefore sure of the identity of every bird we had.

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