EYE TO EYE WITH LIP PLATE TRIBE OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA Ethiopia, a land of natural contrasts, from the tops of the rugged Simien Mountains to the depths of the Danakil Depression, at 120 meters below sea level one of the lowest dry land points on earth surely will never fail to amaze. Clip: https://vimeo.com/265509149 Here comes another bucket list checkbox – OMO Valley, place where multi-ethnic diversity is expressed freely. The people of southern OMO Valley attract special attention with regards to their tribal decorations, body painting, lip plates and piercing. Each tribe, despite living in the same geographical proximity, cultivates different traditions and customs, making it quite difficult to choose which one of them we should witness. In this 4th edition of tribes exploration, we are coming up with the selection of most interesting and accessible spots. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] Day 1 / JUNE 02 :: Departure, Jinka Night flight Dubai - Addis Ababa and connecting flight to Omo Valley. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] Short rest and quick look at Jinka, markets and the diversity of the main city of Omo Valley. Overnight in Jinka lodge. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] Day 2 / JUNE 03 ARI Hike across beautiful Jinka hills to Ari tribe and the village called surprisingly Senegal. Due to proximity to the city, this the most civilized tribe we will encounter on our trip. We will trek across sago and wheat farms, landcapes are stunning here! Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] Day 3 / JUNE 04 HAMER Hamer Tribe - the most populated amongst the Omo Valley inhabitants, located between Aldouba, Keyafer and Turmi. Very specific neck and hair decoration will not misguide you anymore - Mad Max costumes have had its inspirations here. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] We ll take a drive to nearby villages, Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] visit one of the markets, Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] get familiar with the pastoral lifestyle. Take a short hike across the bushes Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] and camp in one of Hamer villages. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] The Hamar are known for their unique custom of "bull jumping," which initiates a boy into manhood. First, female relatives dance and invite whipping from men who have recently been initiated; this shows their support of the initiate, and their scars give them a right to demand his help in time of need. The boy must run back and forth twice across the backs of a row of bulls or castrated steers and is ridiculed if he fails. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] Bull jumping ceremony consists of several phases and is not made up for tourists, although presence is allowed. We ll need to be lucky to witness it - its not happening everyday. We may adjust the program if the ceremony happens on one of trip days. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] Day 4 / JUNE 05 KARA Drive to Karo area with some stunning views on the way. Our destination is a spectacular cliff at the bend of Omo River, where Karo village is located. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] Karo decoration is very specific with lots of chalk paintings all over their bodies. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] Accompanied by kids, we will take a walk along Omo River and admire its beauty. We may spot some fish eagle and crocodiles, hunting at the shores. Overnight camping at Kara village. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] DAY 05 / JUNE 06 BENA Move to Bena area, visit one of the villages and make friends with its inhabitants. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] In the afternoon proceed to Mursi. If we have enough time, we ll take a short hike across the bushes to spot zebras and antelopes. Overnight at Mursi village. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] DAY 6 / JUNE 07 MURSI - LIP PLATE TRIBE Our final destination will be Mursi tribe, famous for ceramic discs inserted into lower lips. https://vimeo.com/263666487 Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] The lip plate, also known as a lip plug or lip disc, is a form of body modification. Increasingly large discs (usually circular, and made from clay or wood) are inserted into a pierced hole in either the upper or lower lip, or both, thereby stretching it. Among the Mursi people of the lower Omo River valley in Ethiopia, about 6 to 12 months before marriage, a young woman has her lip pierced by her mother, usually at around the age of 15 to 18. The initial piercing is done as an incision of the lower lip of 1 to 2 cm length, and a simple wooden peg is inserted. After the wound has healed, which usually takes between two and three weeks, the peg is replaced with a slightly bigger one. At a diameter of about 4 cm, the first lip plate made of clay is inserted. Every woman crafts her own plate and takes pride in including some ornamentation. The final diameter ranges from about 8 cm to over 20 cm. Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] In the afternoon connecting flight home. Bye bye Ethiopia... Level: Easy but with limited facilities. Activities: Short treks, tribe encounter, sightseeing. Duration: 5 days Accommodation & meals: lodge and camping. Meals included except meals during transfers. Cost: Approx. 6100 AED all incl. flights until APRIL 4th. 6400 AED thereafter. Specifically excluded: e-visas, meals on transfers, insurance. Requirement: rigid shoes, daypack, head lamp, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, sleeping bag and optional mattress (foam mattress available locally) Vaccinations: compulsory, list available, recommended malaria prophylactic. Expect: Real, raw Africa! Limited facilities with shower only every other day, lifetime experience with indigenous African tribes, waking up to sound of village, stunning landscapes, striking poverty - share your tshirts, coming back home with high appreciation of your life, tons of smiles!! See yah in Omo!! x Piotr 050 4848238 / [email protected] Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] Eye to Eye with Lip Plate Tribe, June 02-07, 2019 WhatsApp +971 50 4848238 [email protected] .