Tribes of the Omo – Last Chance

The tribes of the Omo Valley are some of the most ornate on the continent of Africa and around the world. Although I had been traveling to Africa for many years before stepping foot into Ethiopia, it was my first trip to the Omo Valley that really defined the focus of my work in Eastern Africa and greatly impacted the success of my photographic career. Dropping into the Omo Valley on that first trip was like being transported back in time, over one hundred years ago, to an authentic Africa where time had stood still; a place shielded from the outside world, where the tribes were still living traditionally as they had for decades. Unlike so many of the nomadic tribes from Africa, who must constantly drive their livestock in search for water and green savannas, these tribes live side by side along the banks of the mighty Omo river, making it one of the most tribal rich regions of the world.

Over the years, I have spent hundreds of hours with these amazing tribes; joining in their ceremonies, staying in their villages, rowing down the Omo in a hand-carved canoe, roasting goat and sharing stories around the fire, going to market, and participating in every aspect of their daily lives; incredible memories of a lifetime. In these past few years, modernization has stormed into this incredible region; bumpy dirt roads have been rebuilt with tarmac, vast wilderness areas have been plowed for commercial agriculture, the rushing waters of the Omo have subsided with the filling of one of the world’s largest dams, huts are transforming into larger mud houses with corrugated metal roofs, and cell phones are in the hands of the warriors. Even so, the Omo Valley continues to be one of the most fascinating places on earth.

The Omo Valley has also remained one of the most photographically challenging environments, but the true spirit of these tribes has enabled me to create some of the most powerful imagery across Africa. I have been hosting small groups of photographers to the region for the past five years, but due to the transformation of the area, my Exotic Ethiopia tour this past January was scheduled to be my last open tour. I was unsure whether I could continue to offer a deep cultural and high-quality photographic experience. In the past few months, I have received an overwhelming amount of requests for one last trip to the tribes of the Omo. As I feel it is still such an incredible opportunity to experience and photograph these tribes before they have completely modernized, capturing historical images, I am working hard with my agent to put together one last Best of the Omo trip at the end of this year.

To create a life enriching journey, beyond the spectacular photographic opportunities, we will send two special teams in advance to assemble a proper mobile-tented camp both in the heartland of the Kara and the Suri, allowing you to intimately experience their daily lives away from tourists. This is rarely offered in an itinerary, as most agents cannot set up a proper safari canvas mobile-tented camp, much less two camps. Due to the cultural sensitivity and to ensure a high-quality experience with the best dynamics, this exclusive adventure will be by enrollment and limited to only 7 participants. We are working on the final details, but you may view a similar past itinerary here. If you wish to join me on what will probably be my last tour to the Omo Valley, please email me immediately to submit an application. The trip dates will be the last two weeks of October or the first two weeks of December.

If you have previously traveled with me to the Omo Valley and are longing for another incredible African tribal experience, consider joining the;

 “Wilds of Northern Namibia”,

Filled with incredible photographic opportunities unique to this corner of Africa, Northern Namibia is the road less traveled and photographed. The wilds of the north are home to the rare desert elephant, the exotic Himba tribe, and the world’s oldest tribe, the San Bushman.  Although Namibia contains a remarkable infrastructure of well-kept roads and luxurious accommodations, of which we will take full advantage, we will also veer off those roads, using 4X4 Safari style Land Cruisers, on a journey of discovery, amidst dramatic scenery and the true spirit of its people.  – only 3 spots open

 “Turkana Festival and Wildlife Safari”.

Africa is a tapestry of ancient cultures, exotic wildlife, and dramatic ecosystems, which are mesmerizing for the eyes, mind, and soul. This first-class photographic safari is built around one of the most breathtaking tribal festivals in the world, while also visiting two incredible wildlife reserves in Kenya; a perfect mix of exotic tribes and wildlife in Africa. You will have the experience of a lifetime and come home with an amazing, diverse portfolio of exceptional images from just one safari. – This years trip is sold out, but you may place your name on the interest list for 2017