Deep in southern Ethiopia live some of the most beautiful tribes on the African continent. Inspired by their environment of wild trees, exotic flowers, and lush vegetation, these tribes use the clay soil of bright yellows, startling whites, and rich earth-reds to paint each other’s bodies. They make bold decisions about their outfits’ hand-crafted from animal skins and decorated with beads, feathers, and shells. Known as a living museum to anthropologists, they become a walking body of art; to photographers, they are visually breathtaking. However, more than the photograph is the epic journey of discovery in a place so uniquely different than any other in the world. These tribes live side by side, each with their own traditions and unique appearance, making the Omo Valley one of the most ethnically diverse places on Earth.
We are sending special teams ahead to assemble proper mobile-tented camps – traditional walk-in canvas safari tents, each with a camp bed, mattress, linens, and small table. You will not need to worry about keeping your batteries charged, as there will be a generator at each camp! – to say nothing of the delicious meals and cold beverages! Staying near each of these villages and far from the tourist lodges will allow you to fully immerse yourself with the tribes and photograph them in the most beautiful light of sunrise and sunset.
2 CHARTER FLIGHTS & ONE DOMESTIC – while most itineraries spend several days driving you down into the heart of the Omo, we fly you. This allows you to maximize the quality of time with the most exotic of these tribes.
Throughout this life-enriching journey, you will be given in-depth insight to the tribe’s lifestyle, beliefs, and ancient traditions to gain a deeper understanding of their world and embrace the true spirit of the people. While visiting the villages, you will not only have the opportunity to document their daily lives photographically, capture stunning portraits, and possibly witness some of their timeless ceremonies, but embrace the experience by spending time with them in their huts, join them in a cup of coffee, or try the local drink.
In true expedition style, the program has flexibility to ensure you will be able to take advantage of any photographic opportunities that may arise. The precise time spent in each village will depend on what activities are taking place and the goals of the group. It is likely we will also meet several other tribes in route.
This trip is limited to ONLY 7 GUEST & to ensure that the photographers joining this expedition will have a higher quality experience with the best group dynamics.
ABOUT YOUR TOUR LEADER
Ben McRae spends 3-5 months of the year in remote African tribal areas. His connection with the people traverses the cultures he visits and allows him to build mutually respectful relationships with the tribes and people he stays with. His images are brought to life by the time he spends living with and learning about his subjects and their cultures. His images showcase these people, their stories, their daily lives, and the spectacular landscapes in which they live. His eagerness to share his knowledge and outgoing personality ensures a participant a wonderful experience.
He has won numerous international awards, most notably runner-up in the National Geographic World Nomads Scholarship 2015, Independent Newspaper/ Wanderlust Travel Photographer of the Year 2013 (UK), Shutterbug Award Winner 2012 (AUS), Canon Getaway Gallery Photograph of the year in 2014, Gett Images RePicture award 2015, Runner up in Australia Sony World Photo of the year 2105, and being a finalist for the past four years in the prestigious Travel Photographer of the Year.
