The Mursi are one of the most photographed — and most misunderstood — peoples of the Omo Valley. Around 10,000 Mursi live in the Lower Omo, near the border with South Sudan, and they've preserved a way of life that stretches back centuries.

Who Are the Mursi?

The Mursi are pastoralists and small-scale farmers, herding cattle on the floodplains of the Omo River. They speak a Surmic language and share cultural roots with the Surma people of Sudan. The Mursi are famous for three things: lip plates, donga stick fighting, and the clay body painting that adorns their faces and bodies.

Why Lip Plates?

Mursi women begin wearing lip plates in their teens. Their lower lip is pierced and gradually stretched with increasingly larger clay discs. The largest plates can reach 12 cm in diameter.

The original purpose is debated. Some anthropologists believe lip plates were a way to prevent slave traders from taking Mursi women. Others see them as markers of beauty and coming-of-age. In practice, the plates are a personal choice — some women wear them daily, others only for ceremonies.

Donga Stick Fighting

Donga is a ritualized form of combat in which young men face off with 2-meter wooden poles. The winner gains status and attention from potential wives. Though intense, donga has strict rules — deaths are rare and considered shameful.

Donga season happens after the harvest (roughly September to November) and every 3–4 years a larger tournament called the sagine brings Mursi from across the region together.

How to Visit Respectfully

  • Always ask before photographing. The Mursi are used to tourists but this is a negotiation, not a given.
  • Expect photo fees. Around 10–20 birr per person is standard. Don't haggle — it's disrespectful.
  • Don't give candy, pens, or money to children. This creates a begging mindset. Support through your guide instead.
  • Buy from local artisans — jewelry, lip plates, and crafts are often for sale.
  • Ask your guide first. A good local guide will explain what's appropriate before you arrive.

Best Mursi Villages to Visit

The Mursi live on both sides of the Omo River. The most visited villages include Mago, Beri, and Amar on the eastern bank, and Hana on the western side.

Visiting a Mursi village means walking through their daily life — women painting their bodies, children herding goats, elders discussing cattle. It's a privilege, and it should be treated like one.

Tours That Include the Mursi

Our Mursi Tribe Expedition is a focused 5-day journey. For a broader experience, see Omo Valley Cultural Immersion (8 days).