Omo Valley Tour Experiences with Emany | Traveler Reviews

“As a photographer based in New York, visiting Omo Valley had always been a dream of mine. When I found Emany, I had no idea I was about to meet not just a guide, but a lifelong friend.

From the moment we met, his warmth and genuine care stood out. He took me to every tribe I wanted to visit, effortlessly communicating and connecting with them in a way that made the experience truly special. His deep relationships within the communities gave me access I could have never imagined.

I’ve traveled all over the world, and I know firsthand how much a guide can shape an experience. A great guide doesn’t just show you places—they open doors to moments that stay with you forever. Emany is one of the best I’ve ever met.

Our connection didn’t end in Ethiopia—we still keep in touch, and he feels like family to me now. I would recommend him in a heartbeat to anyone looking for an unforgettable journey in Omo Valley.”

Trupal Pandya
www.trupalpandya.com

“Visiting Ethiopia was an incredible experience, and having Emany as my guide in the South was truly a stroke of luck. His deep knowledge of the tribes, combined with his genuine friendships within the communities, allowed me to connect with the people in a way I never expected.

Spending a night in a tent beside a Hamar family’s huts—immersed in their way of life, untouched by time—was something truly unforgettable. It was not just a trip; it was a journey into a world few get to experience.

In just two weeks, Emany became more than just my guide—he became a friend. Even a year later, we still keep in touch, exchanging messages and catching up on life. That, to me, is the greatest testament to his kindness and the incredible service he provides.

Thank you, Emany, for an unforgettable adventure!”

Karin Hauke / Spain

"I met Emany by chance in Turmi, a small town in Omo Valley, when he kindly offered me his laptop to check my email. I had just come from a disappointing experience along the usual tourist trail and was searching for something more genuine. Emany suggested I join him for a few days to visit some remote villages, and I didn’t hesitate.

We set off on motorbikes, exploring places few travelers ever reach. Then we trekked to Hamar and Arbore villages, where we spent several days fully immersed in their daily life. Without a doubt, this was the highlight of my trip! I was finally able to take natural, candid photos without the pressure of paying for every shot.

Beyond being an exceptional guide, Emany is simply a great human being. If you’re planning a trip to the Omo Valley—especially as a photographer—I highly recommend him. One of his biggest strengths? In addition to Amharic and English, he speaks perfect Hamar, which makes all the difference in connecting with the tribes.”

John Quintero
Photographer based in London

"I first found Emany through an online post about a trekking tour in April/May 2014. After exchanging emails and a phone call, we instantly connected. We spontaneously decided on a hiking and walking trip through the Omo Valley, visiting the Hamar, Mursi, and other tribes.

At the time, Emany wrote to me:

"I am from the Hammer and Bena tribes families , so am thinking to take you to off the beaten tracks of the different villages of the inhabitants in the lower omovalley areas including the tribes king house in Hammer , Bena , Konso and the Mursi tribes and we can do all this by trekking  while climbing the Buska mountain which is 2200 meter above sea level to meet the Hammer tribes chef/king while camping in Buska mountain forest via enjoying the natures and experiencing the real life's of the villagers in and around the Buska mountains and so far..

And while we will trekking perhaps we gonna use sometimes Motorbike and Donkey to load all camping and or valuable equipments and this is due to i do sometimes motorbike tour .
I mentioned all the above highlights because of you told me that you focus on peoples and remote landscapes."

In the end, we used a 4WD for long distances but walked extensively in between. We stayed in a mix of budget and luxury hotels, and at times, we slept in hammocks—provided by Emany—right next to the round huts of local families.

Emany has a rare gift for connecting with people, no matter the tribe. His ability to establish real relationships gives you access to a side of Omo Valley that most tourists never see. The experience is raw, sometimes unpredictable, and not always comfortable—but always real, always human.

One thing that saddened both of us was the exploitation of the Mursi tribe—how they are put on display for money, reducing themselves to a spectacle. It felt worse than the colonial-era exhibitions of ‘exotic’ peoples.

In contrast, our time with the Hamar and other tribes was deeply enriching. We built friendships, impressed by their skills, independence, and undeniable beauty. We once bought a goat at the market as a gift, sharing it in a village in exchange for their hospitality. We followed young boys climbing trees at night to harvest wild honey, roasted our own goat over a fire, and even witnessed a genuine cattle-jumping ceremony—not the staged ones for tourists, but the real, sacred ritual.

Through it all, Emany was always in control, knowing where to find the best food, the most interesting people, and the most immersive experiences. More than just a guide, he became a true friend. And, above all, we had an incredible time."

Volker Schloendorff

Germany

"My name is Jesse Walker, founder of ENKI EYEWEAR in Sydney, Australia. In 2013, I teamed up with my talented friend, photographer Sarah Christensen, to shoot the AKSUM//AFRICA 2013 campaign. Initially, we thought finding a guide in Ethiopia would be easy, but after some research on TripAdvisor, we came across two glowing reviews about Emany. Something about them just felt right, so we trusted our instincts—and I’m so grateful we did.

From the moment we met Emany, we knew he was the real deal. Genuine, kind, and effortlessly cool, he immediately put us at ease. Our campaign required long, exhausting days—two weeks of driving in and out of the Omo Valley, scouting remote locations, and working in unpredictable conditions. But thanks to Emany, the entire experience was not just manageable—it was incredible.

As a member of the Hamar tribe, Emany speaks multiple dialects and has deep, personal connections with the people of the Omo Valley. This level of trust and respect gave us access to authentic, non-touristic tribal communities—something we saw other travelers struggle to find with less experienced guides.

We had no idea how tough it would be to work in Africa, but we saw firsthand how many tourists ended up with disappointing experiences due to poor guidance. We, on the other hand, were unbelievably lucky to have found Emany. He didn’t just help us bring our vision to life—he became a lifelong friend.

If you're searching for an expert guide who is professional, deeply knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about his culture, Emany is the one. We couldn’t recommend him more highly. Emany, we love you!"

Jesse Walker
Instaram: Enki_Eyewear
Tumblr: Enki Eyewear

"Ethiopia, and especially the Omo Valley, was an unforgettable experience for us. Meeting Emany by chance turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. Instead of following the typical tourist routes, he took us to remote villages where we had the chance to truly connect with the people.

We didn’t just visit the tribes—we shared moments of real life with them. From coffee and honey ceremonies inside their huts to the warm embraces of curious children, every experience felt genuine. It was humbling to realize that, for some, we were the first foreigners they had ever seen.

This trip gave us so much on a human level. With Emany’s help, we bridged two very different worlds, and the memories we made will stay with us forever. I can’t recommend this journey enough, and if you’re lucky enough to have Emany as your guide, you’ll come back seeing the world differently."

Laura Zampieri