dus, ethiopia:

While our stay in a Karo village, near Dus, was only very short, it was probably one of our most memorable and favourite experiences in the Omo valley. I cannot pinpoint exactly what it was, but from the very moment we arrived we knew it was going to be a special experience. 

It could have been arriving at the lush location - being right next to the Omo river - after an extremely long, dusty and hot drive from Dimeka. It could have been the incredibly warm welcome we received from all of the beautiful villagers, who came out excitedly to meet us and show us around with such enthusiasm and pride (although we felt welcome in all villages, this was next level). Or it could have been that we happened to arrive just before harvest, with a celebratory feel in the air. Whatever it was, it really was a beautiful experience and one that we wish lasted a bit longer. 

The Karo are one of the smallest tribes in the region, and live predominantly near the Omo river. The village of Dus is a few kilometres away from the river, however the Karo's crops of sorghum and corn are planted right by the banks of the Omo river - which floods and gives the crops the needed nutrients. As harvest time nears, the Karo move from the main village and set up camp by the river near their crops, reaying for the harvest. So we were very fortunate to be there during this time.

We arrived after sunset and a bit later than anticipated, due to a blown tyre and then being stuck behind a fallen tree which blocked the road to the village. Thankfully the men of the area kindly came to our aid and removed it very swiftly with their machetes, allowing us to proceed and then set up camp by the sorghum crops. A fire was lit and we soaked up the atmosphere before heading to bed for an early start the next morning.

Up before sunrise, we packed up camp and headed down to the river through the crops, where we made our way to the other side of the Omo river in a dugout canoe. It was a beautiful start to the day and one that we didn't want to end.

next: our visit to a Bumi village on other side of the Omo river.

driving from Dimeka to Dus

lush forest

removing the tree that had blocked the road

all hands on deck

getting amongst it

someone stole my sunglasses

 

that's a crocodile egg and footprints - we got out there pretty quickly!

we really didn't want to leave

dimeka, ethiopia:

Dimeka is about 30km north of Turmi and the largest town of the Hamer region. We made our way there from Omorate via Turmi to visit the Tuesday markets and soak up the atmosphere of the town. While the main market was still being set up, we headed over to the livestock market and had a walk around as locals began to gather and trade their animals. It was great to just watch and absorb the daily life of the Hamer, some of who had walked for hours to be there. 
Once back in the centre of town, the markets had kicked off and there were plenty of people and local produce for sale. One thing I really liked about Dimeka was the colour, not only from the Hamer people but the painted facades of the mud brick buildings that dotted the streets. We had a pretty cruisy day wandering around and exploring, meeting lots of lovely locals and finding a souvenir or two to bring back home. 
Before we knew it, it was time to grab some supplies and hit the road again for a very long drive to the Karo region of the Omo Valley.

next: Dus

at the livestock market

honey wine!

dimeka market