People & Culture · Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Surma (Suri) People
Living in the far southwest near South Sudan, the Surma (or Suri) are culturally close to the Mursi and Me’en.
- Best Time
- November to March
- Suggested Stay
- 2 to 3 days
- Altitude
- 1,000 to 1,500 m
- Region
- Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Why We Go
Remote cattle herders of Kibish, known for body art, lip plates and Donga.
The Surma are pastoralists for whom cattle are central to social and economic life. Body painting is an important art form for men and women alike, and some women wear clay lip plates as a mark of identity.
Men are known for Donga, a ritual stick-fighting contest that demonstrates courage and skill. Reaching Kibish is a journey in itself, best undertaken on our photography expedition.
Highlights
- Elaborate body painting with clay and plant pigments
- The Donga stick-fighting ceremony
- Lip plates worn by some women
- A genuine expedition via Mizan Teferi
Journeys Including Surma (Suri) People
Routes that pass through here
More in Southern Ethiopia & Omo Valley
Plan This Destination
Build Surma (Suri) People into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and our team will plan the route, including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
Let’s Plan Your Ethiopian Adventure
Tell us a little about your travel plans. We’ll help you create a journey that suits your interests.
Discover Ethiopia. Experience the Extraordinary!
Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our guides travel these routes all year. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or the best time to visit. You will get a straight answer.
Or call us directly on +251 912 039405