AFRICA - Etiopia

CONTINENT: AFRICA
COUNTRY: Etiopia

DIFFICULTY: (1: Low, 5: High)

ITINERARY:
Rafting down the Omo River on a outboard engine-powered rubber boat, in the south of the country. Departure from Omomursi and arrival in Omorate after about 400 kilometers. In the Mago National park area.

Carla has rafted down the river twice in two different trips, always on an outboard engine-powered rubber boat, for documentary purpose. Five different ethnic groups live along the river, with different ways on dressing, hair styling and traditions. During these expeditions she has had to face several problems with the populations (in the previous 30 years no Europeans had reached these territories) and with the animals living in that area, especially crocodiles and hippopotamuses. A few times, she had "close encounters" that were not always pleasant.
The environment is very fascinating; an true paradise for nature and animal lovers, but what made it truly unforgettable was her encounters with the different populations during the navigation. The Mursi women with their labial disks, the Karo with their hats made from clay and painted of several colors, the Bume' dressed only with animal skin underwear and almost covered by Hammer seeds necklaces and their women who are considered the most beautiful of the continent.
Descending the river took about a week, but the full duration of the trip was almost a month, the first time and about a month and a half the second time- on the river the group had to walk toward the inside of the forest to reach another very interesting population: The Surma.
Proposal for the itinerary: At this time is not possible to repeat the trip along the river like Carla did, but is possible to follow a similar route by land in the Mago National Park area, where it is possible to find the ethnic groups and animals described above.
This route it is also interesting, with the addition of a trekking on the plateaus, following the same route Carla took to reach the Surma. Every year, the male part of the population challenges each other with long wood sticks in a bloody battle called "Donga" to gain the women’s favour. Carla was lucky enough to see the event with her husband who, as a doctor, took care of the wounded.
The night accommodations are tents and all the materials are carried by donkeys.
This trip is suggested only for experts with good physical preparation who are ready to collaborate.
Both travels were done in the winter season (January). During this period the climate is hot, but during the night, on the plateaus, the temperature drops.
The baggage must have the essentials, and is very specific.
All vaccinations are required, including antimalaria and antityphus. Don't forget insect repellent.

For more informations write to Carla.