Surma Tribe Extension/Pre- Photo tour

October 12 – October 19, 2013

Secure your spot now

The Surma tribe is the most ornate tribe on the African continent.  They are also one of the most remote tribes, which make them one of the least photographed tribes in the Omo Valley. For these reasons they are one of the most desired tribes to photograph. This will be a true photographic expedition, adventure and a rare unique opportunity.

Inspired by their environment of wild trees, exotic flowers, and lush vegetation these tribes use colorful make-up of bright yellows, startling whites, and rich earth-reds created from the clay soil. They wear flamboyant accessories and brilliant head decorations to become a walking body of art. As a celebration of themselves they paint each other’s bodies and make bold decisions about their outfits motivated by the sheer fun of creating and showing off to other members of the tribe.

We will have quality time with this tribe, which is what produces stunning and compelling images.

 

THE ITINERARY

Day 1 Oct, 12 Addis Ababa

Arrive Addis if you are doing this as a pre tour

Free day in Addis if you are doing this as an extension

Accommodations Hilton

Lunch and Dinner NOT included

 

Day 2 Oct, 13 Drive to Bongo

Depart to Bongo at 7:00AM

Today we depart early for a long drive through beautiful landscape.

Clients that have driven with me before enjoyed seeing so much of Ethiopia.

Accommodations at Coffeeland

 

Oct 14  Drive to Kibish at 7:00 AM

This afternoon we will arrive at our camp in the town of Kibish and home to the Surma Tribe. Our camp is a very short walk to the river’s edge where we will spend a lot of time photographing these beautiful people.  We will have our first afternoon photo shoot with the Surma

Accommodation Mobil camp at Kibish by the river

Oct 15, 16, 17- Kibish

We have three full days to spend with the Surma. We are staying in the heart of Surma land and many of them will hang out in our campground. When you are able to send this kind of quality time with a tribe you have fantastic opportunities to create stunning and compelling imagery. We will also be able to arrange a night shoot as with the moon lighting the river or around a campfire (the moon is almost full on the 17th). We will also put out word and try our best to find a cattle camp.  We will be shooting in a variety of locations in the area.

Accommodation Mobil camp at Kibish by the river

 

 Oct 18 Drive to Bongo

Early morning Photo shoot with Surma

Drive to Bongo

Accommodation Coffeeland

 

Oct 19 Drive to Addis Ababa

Drive back to Addis

Transfer to airport

Dinner NOT included

 

Cost

$3850.50 based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $300.00

This cost also includes one extra night accommodation in Addis. If this is an extension your accommodation  in Addis on the night of Oct 1,2013 is included. If this is a pre-tour your accommodation in Addis on the night of Oct 19, 2013  is included.

 

What’s Included

  • Accommodations
  • Meals of the day except where stated in the itinerary on Oct 12 and Oct 19
  • Tourist standard 4X4 utility vehicle with air-conditioning
  • Entry, scout, villages, and road fees
  • National English speaking escort guide and local tribal guides
  • Tents with cots, mattress, linens, table
  • Camp staff with cook
  • Small group of only 7 participants.

 

What’s NOT included

  • International airfare and/or other transportation between your home and Addis Abba
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance (required to participate on this trip)
  • Personal purchases (including curious, spirits, liquors, laundry, telephone calls, etc )
  • Gratuities
  • Optional extra activities
  • Pre- and Post-  private expeditions tours
  • Meals NOT included are; lunch and dinner on Oct 12 (extension). Dinner is not included on Oct 19th.  Lunch and dinner on Oct 20th (pre-tour).

Please Understand

Traveling in remote locations can present challenges that may require slight changes to the itinerary. I put my heart into each and every itinerary and will always try to run the tour as  in the initial itinerary. In the event of situations beyond my control, such as political unrest, natural disasters, overbookings by the lodge, where a change is required, I will do my best to keep us close to the original shooting location. It is my intention for you to have the best possible experience. I will try to notify you of any changes as soon as I am made aware of them. If, however these changes cause an increase to the price, the increase will be passed onto the participant.

Interested in joining us?

The group size for this expedition is limited to 7 participants and will fill quickly. If  you want an opportunity to experience and photograph this extraordinary tribs before their traditions are watered down by the encroachment of the modern world, then now is the time to register. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit and the completed on-line registration form is required to secure your spot. Once the tour is full, I will except request for the wait list by email.

Sign-up Now

  1. Fill out and e-sign the registration form (Ecosign)
  2. Make your trip deposit. $1,000 non-refundable (Paypal)