Seven traditional safari tents lined up along the bank of the Omo River make up this little-known camp deep in southern Ethiopia. While very remote, Lale’s provides every safari comfort, including en suite bathrooms with flush toilets and safari showers. Mesh “windows” in the canvas walls let in cooling breezes and sounds from animals down at the river. A private covered verandah outside each tent is the perfect place to relax in the heat of the afternoon.
Lale’s Camp is the only tourism destination in this area of Ethiopia. Located on the banks of the Omo River in the Lower Omo Valley, Lale’s is only accessible by boat after a plane flight to the nearest airstrip. Its unique location provides visitors with exclusive access to several authentic tribal cultures in southern Ethiopia, including the Kara, Hamar, Mursi, and Nyangatom. Large crocodiles sunbathe on the banks of the river just below camp, while a variety of native primates play loudly in the trees above.
While use of land vehicles is limited due to the property’s proximity to the river, boating cruises and safaris are available to explore the landscape from the water. Many of the activities at the camp are done on foot, whether exploring the wilderness or spending a day with the local people. The camp passionately focuses on exposing guests to the unique cultures of the nearby communities, whether it be through a short walk to the closest Kara village or a fly camping trip upriver to meet with the Mursi people.
Lale Biwa, a Kara himself from the Omo Valley region, founded this camp more than twenty years ago, and has instilled his passion for the wilderness and his people in everyone that visits. Guests get one-of-a-kind exposure to little-visited traditional cultures in a low impact way that gives back to every local community. Far from just investing in ecotourism, Lale’s camp supports philanthropic efforts that blend conservation with community outreach. Some of their projects include rainforest restoration, food security programs, and environmental education for children.
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Seven traditional safari tents lined up along the bank of the Omo River make up this little-known camp deep in southern Ethiopia. While very remote, Lale’s provides every safari comfort, including en suite bathrooms with flush toilets and safari showers. Mesh “windows” in the canvas walls let in cooling breezes and sounds from animals down at the river. A private covered verandah outside each tent is the perfect place to relax in the heat of the afternoon.
Lale’s Camp is the only tourism destination in this area of Ethiopia. Located on the banks of the Omo River in the Lower Omo Valley, Lale’s is only accessible by boat after a plane flight to the nearest airstrip. Its unique location provides visitors with exclusive access to several authentic tribal cultures in southern Ethiopia, including the Kara, Hamar, Mursi, and Nyangatom. Large crocodiles sunbathe on the banks of the river just below camp, while a variety of native primates play loudly in the trees above.
While use of land vehicles is limited due to the property’s proximity to the river, boating cruises and safaris are available to explore the landscape from the water. Many of the activities at the camp are done on foot, whether exploring the wilderness or spending a day with the local people. The camp passionately focuses on exposing guests to the unique cultures of the nearby communities, whether it be through a short walk to the closest Kara village or a fly camping trip upriver to meet with the Mursi people.
Lale Biwa, a Kara himself from the Omo Valley region, founded this camp more than twenty years ago, and has instilled his passion for the wilderness and his people in everyone that visits. Guests get one-of-a-kind exposure to little-visited traditional cultures in a low impact way that gives back to every local community. Far from just investing in ecotourism, Lale’s camp supports philanthropic efforts that blend conservation with community outreach. Some of their projects include rainforest restoration, food security programs, and environmental education for children.
