Although Limited, Grand Adventures Still Exist!!

Far beyond the photograph is the adventure! 

If you are like me, your heart starts racing a little faster when an underexplored destination comes on your radar. It is becoming rare to find the terrible dirt roads that many of us traveled over for hours on end but lead to unimaginable experiences and stories that we will share until our last breath. Even if limited, there are still some great adventures out there.

When I first dropped into the Omo Valley nearly 15 years ago it was as if time had stood still. The tribes were living as they had for hundreds of years. That was a magical moment in my journey; one I have cherished. I was so enthralled with the mystery of this unknown and fascinating corner of the world that I returned several times a year for several years before I knew I must share this incredible experience with others. 

After finally stepping foot in Angola five years ago, after years of research into this closed-off part of Africa, it instantly reminded me of those early days in the Omo Valley. Due to years of civil war and an economy based almost solely on oil exports where it was very difficult to obtain a visa, tourism was nonexistent.  A wonderful change of government with a new vision is opening this staggeringly beautiful country, full of history. Going into an area this raw is full of challenges, but always brings an incredible adventure! 

Outside of Northern Kenya, South Sudan and Southern Ethiopia, southern Angola is the other most enriching tribal area remaining in Africa. The tribes in this area striking, unique and in my opinion – more peaceful toward each other. I am fascinated by what broke the chain between these areas and am learning more about this from a wonderful African cultural anthropologist. 

Next week I will be preparing for a month off the beaten path in Angola with two great small and fun groups of photographers. How I travel on my own to these remote regions is simple and rugged so we can be ready to roll and explore in any direction. The authentic African bush is exhilarating, but it can be very exhausting, especially after a long day of photography. 

Therefore, I work extremely hard in these under-explored areas to find the right team with the experience to set up a simple, but proper Mobil tent camp for my guests. Having important creature comforts such as a walk-in tent, a comfortable camp bed with a thick mattress and proper linens, showers, a charging station, great food, and sundowners around the campfire, will extremely rejuvenate you so you will keep up your stamina throughout the entire expedition.

Us travelers understand when technology placed global information in the hands of everyone around the world, even in the most remote regions, life began to change at lightning speed. When an underexplored area begins to open, not only for tourism but for the idea of a more modern world with tarmac roads being built and local entrepreneurs setting up modern shops filled with western stuff that also brings job opportunities, the ancient ways and ornate beautiful appearance of the tribes begin to fade.  

We all understand wanting an easier physical life that modern machinery and items can bring. The Omo Valley has changed drastically in the past decade, but I still love traveling there. However, I will always cherish those golden years before the changes, when I was able to experience a world so fascinating and different from the one I had lived in for decades. 

ANGOLA TRIBAL EXPEDITON 2023 DETAILS