I had been traveling to Africa for several years, but it was my first trip into the Omo Valley that ultimately changed my path and life. Photography started with my first safari in Tanzania (2004); not with photographers, but as a vacation safari where I brought my first every low-end professional camera (Canon 10D) and one lens (75-300) to photograph lions and the migration. The camera was a tool to capture my experiences and share with friends and family what I witnessed during my safari. That has remained true today; more than a photograph, an experience.
Now stuck in the US it is hard for so many of us who travel to fill our souls with new experiences, adventures, beautiful cultures, exotic wildlife, and memories that last a lifetime.
With the reality of the pandemic closing boarders around the world and the catastrophic affects it would have on those relying on tourism, I reached out to all of you. I have been so overwhelmed by your support, generosity, and trust in me to ensure your donations were used properly to bring supplies of food, sanitizer, mask, and COVID-19 awareness and training.
GPA Omo Valley faced many weeks of delay due to security issues and restrictions. However, the team has finally left Addis. After a two-day drive they have reach the first villages of the Arbore tribe. When I woke up on Friday morning the video’s and pictures began flooding my phone. I knew I could not wait to share them!!!!
Greetings from the team as they head to the Omo Valley!!
Here is the video of the caravan, with two larges trucks filled with 20,000 KG of food, hand-washing stations, soap and sanitizer, as they arrive at the edge of the Omo Valley.
Meet the whole team before they drop into the Omo Valley!
The Arbore Tribal villages are the first stop for the team. As of date,
As of date, it is reported that the Arbore live only in Ethiopia. Their official primary religion is Islam, which explains why the men’s attire reflects this and is unlike all the other traditional tribes in the Omo. The women are still very tribal in their colorful ornamentation. However, before marriage the young girls shave their heads and where a long black headscarf. This and their dark skins decorated with square studs along the edges distinguish them from other tribal women.
The big task of unloading the truck.
Des is teaching the elders how to use the hands-free washing station to the elders.
I first came to the villages of the Arbore 10 years ago. Gido and her beautiful sister Baro (below) caught my attention immediately. I camped in the village and bonded with their family. Those who have traveled with me to this village have met their family and possibly enjoyed coffee with them.
The portrait at sunset image, posted earlier, is the first portrait I made of Baro 10 years ago. I was able to watch the sisters grow up and marry. Gido moved to the village of her husband, but Baro is still in the village of her family. Below is a quick portrait I captured of Baro with her fist child in 2019. Beside her is a portrait of her beautiful mother.
I was so excited to receive this video and to see she is doing well!!
I was deeply touched when I received this message on FB from her brother today –
“hy piper i am daniel from arbore village baro and gido’s brather yestrday daniel and desahlgn they distrbut corn ,sourgoum ,soup….the people are very happy and they pery for you ….”
The elders sent you a sincere thank you for all the support you have sent!!! It is only 20 seconds so please watch as Des interprets their message.
After many solid days of preparation and a long day in the heat (35c/95F), the team retreats to Buska Lodge with a cold beer, delicious Ethiopian meal, and good night of rest.
THANK YOU!!!
First I want to thank all of you for your generous support of this project and your faith in me and my incredible partners. We have worked together for almost a decade and we have also developed deep solid relationships with the tribes, local guides, and local establishments. Very few, if anyone, has been able to access these deep remote area’s and check up on everyone, except by a few phone calls. We knew the need was great, but it was more than we could imagine, which I will be sharing with my next update!!
SPONSORS
I want to thank EMERALD RESORT in Arba Minchand BUSKA LODGE in Turmi for hosting our team with meals and accommodations, my incredible partners, GRAND HOLIDAYS ETHIOPIA TOURS, for their endless logistical support and financial support of the the vehicle, trucks, and team!
