Lower Omo Valley, Hamer tribe

'Since my first visit to the Omo Valley, I've always appreciated the extreme simplicity in people's way of life, their cordiality and curiosity towards those who are different. I've always felt at home here,' says Giovanni Miceli, who founded the NGO Barjo Imè to provide assistance to three Hamer villages © Marco Cheli

Lower Omo Valley, Hamer tribe

'The Hamer people are dedicated to maintaining their traditions and as you get to know them they’re welcoming towards guests,' says Yonas Mahetemu, founder of Addis Ababa-based tour operator Bella Abissinia, who manages the NGO Barjo Imè in Ethiopia © Marco Cheli

Lower Omo Valley, Hamer tribe

The Hamer practice the bull jumping ceremony, an initiation ritual in which men have to jump over bulls set in a row © Marco Cheli

Lower Omo Valley, Hamer tribe

The Hamer are hard workers, especially the women, responsible for fetching water, taking care of children and feeding the family © Marco Cheli

Lower Omo Valley, Hamer tribe

'The most jovial, open and attentive have always been the Hamer; over time I grew close to them and started wanting to give something back,' Giovanni Miceli recounts © Marco Cheli