I can’t emphasize enough how wonderful a guide Minalu is… personable, friendly, well-respected, knowledgeable, hospitable. As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe in his company throughout my 4days tour in the Omo Valley. The itinerary he put together for me, including lodging & all logistics, was well-structured & well-executed, and he went above & beyond what I would’ve expected.
Not only did I learn so much visiting the tribes with Minalu, but I also thoroughly enjoyed our conversations during our long drives. I will always remember how he was always smiling, really enjoying driving with the music on (which I also enjoyed), and sharing his passion & knowledge of the tribes. He has such wonderful relationships & mutual respect with each of the tribes that my personal experience with each tribe was nothing short of authentic & genuine. In some instances, despite our difference in cultures, it felt like I was just visiting a friend’s house with him. To sit there with different tribe families, having interesting conversations, while drinking the local tea they prepared, was an experience I will never forget.
What I appreciated about visiting Ethiopia’s Omo Valley tribes with Minalu was the authentic interaction. Nothing was set up, and they didn’t put on a show. Everyone was just going about their business when I came. In some cases, just as I was curious about them, they were also curious about me. I asked them questions, and they asked me questions. I’m as foreign to them as they are foreign to me. And though we may have different beliefs, in many of these interactions, it makes you realize that in some ways maybe you’re not that much different. Many thanks to Minalu for sharing with me the best experience in Omo Valley. I highly recommend him to anyone who visits Omo Valley.