The Omo valley is one of Ethiopia's most remote destinations. The most practical approach is to fly from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch or Jinka — Ethiopian Airlines serves both towns with small aircraft — and then travel by 4WD into the lower valley. The drive from Addis Ababa takes three to four days over rough roads and is not recommended unless you have ample time and a reliable vehicle.
From Arba Minch it is possible to reach the Konso highlands and then continue south into the Omo valley proper. From Jinka, Mago National Park and the Mursi villages are a day's drive. The town of Turmi, a further drive south, is the main base for visiting the Hamer and is accessible from Arba Minch via a full day's driving on unpaved roads.
A 4WD vehicle and an experienced local guide are not optional — they are essential. The roads deteriorate after rain, fuel is scarce outside the main towns, and navigation without local knowledge is genuinely difficult. Several operators in Addis Ababa and Arba Minch organise Omo valley tours.