Best of the Omo 2025

ONLY 6 GUESTS AND 2 LEADERS

Embracing a genuine expedition approach, Piper has incorporated flexibility into the program, allowing us to seize unexpected photographic opportunities. The duration of our stay in each village will be tailored to ongoing activities and the collective goals of the group. Additionally, our journey may lead us to encounter various other tribes along the route.

2 CHARTER FLIGHTS AND ONE DOMESTIC FLIGHT – While most itineraries involve extensive road journeys to and around the Omo region, our approach is different. We opt for a flight into the Omo and private charters, flying directly from the eastern side of the Omo to the secluded Suri area, and later returning to Addis by air. This strategy enables us to optimize the time spent with the tribes, eliminating the need for prolonged and tiresome drives that can leave you drained. By avoiding such extended road trips, we ensure that you remain energized and in a creative mindset to capture high-quality work during our interactions with the tribes.

This expedition is restricted to a maximum of ONLY 6 GUEST, ensuring that photographers participating in the trip benefit from a superior experience characterized by optimal group dynamics.

TWO CHARTER FLIGHTS

2 PHOTOGRAPHIC LEADERS- Bringing top creative and technical skills to only 6 guests!

Piper Mackay – has 20 years of experience photographing throughout the African continent and lives in Kenya. She has spent 15 years traveling to Ethiopia, multiple times each year- long before the advent of tarmac roads and widespread use of cell phones. Her expertise in photographing the tribes of the Omo Valley is globally recognized, with features in magazines worldwide and her pieces adorning collectors’ homes. Beyond her artistic prowess, her compassionate approach and genuine concern for her clients’ satisfaction and success are unmistakable.

Jeff Vanuga is an outdoor and adventure photographer who taught himself the trade of photography to capture and share his creative vision with others.  He uses his unique artistic eye to breathe new life into themes and subject matter that might otherwise appear common.  His ability to convey raw passion for the natural world has earned published credits over the last 30 years in National Geographic Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, People Magazine, The Guardian, Outside, BBC Wildlife, National Wildlife, Audubon, Sierra Club, Time, Smithsonian, Wyoming Wildlife, Outside, The New York Times, Ford, Nissan, Patagonia and thousands of other publications and advertising clients around the globe.  Jeff was also my mentor for nearly a decade!

Itinerary

Day 1, October 21, 2025

When you arrive at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and after clearing customs, you are met by our ground transport team and taken to the hotel by private vehicle.  Check-in begins at 14:00. After your long flight/s, you will enjoy a relaxing evening in a modern, upper-market hotel, which is the perfect way to rest up for the fantastic journey ahead.

Accommodation: Radisson Blu

Day 2 & 3, October 22&23, 2025

You will rise early in the morning to the smell of Ethiopia’s famous Coffee. Meet the group for breakfast and a briefing about your upcoming adventure. During the meeting, Piper and Jeff will share their philosophy and ideas on creating stunning, intimate images of the tribes.  The group will then depart to the airport for a flight to the Omo Valley.

Our team will greet us and drive us to our private mobile tent camp right on the banks of the Omo River. The next two days will be spent with the Karo Tribe

Accommodation: Private mobile tented camp BLD

 Day 4 & 5, October 24 & 25, 2025

After a morning shoot and breakfast, we will change locations to visit the Hammar and Abore tribes.

Accommodation: Buska Lodge BLD

Day 6 & 7, October 26 & 27, 2025

After breakfast, we will continue our journey south to the territory of the Dasanach. Our mobile tent camp is under large shade trees on the shore of the Omo River, almost to the border of Kenya. We will take a boat to the deltas and visit the more remote villages!

Accommodation: Private mobile tented camp BLD

Day 8-10, October 28 – 30, 2025
After a morning shoot and breakfast, we will drive a short distance to the airstrip for our private charter, which will take us far to the other side of the river to the closest airstrip to the remote and exotic Suri tribe.

Accommodation: Private Mobile Safari Camp BLD

Day 11, October 31, 2025
We will have one last sunrise with the Suri. After breakfast, we will depart to the airstrip for our charter flight to Addis. Dayrooms have been booked so you may clean up, organize, and have a meal before transferring to the international airport for your late flights home. If you prefer to stay overnight in Addis to rest up from your incredible expedition, we will happily make these arrangements. Flights should be booked after 10:00 PM.Most international flights depart after 10:00 PM.

Accommodations: Day rooms at the Radisson Blu BL

Is this adventurous trip for you?

This photographic expedition is crafted for passionate photographers exploring captivating African tribal cultures. The itinerary prioritizes optimal opportunities for unique image capture. Early morning ventures and occasional pre-sunrise starts ensure the best lighting conditions, but you are encouraged to proceed at your own pace. While dirt roads are part of the journey, comfortable 4X4 vehicles are provided. Special events may involve walking, but guides can assist with gear. Participants are encouraged to be in good physical condition for an enjoyable adventure.

This itinerary is designed for seasoned photographers with a solid grasp of their equipment and a comprehensive understanding of fundamental photographic elements such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure. While prior experience photographing such cultures is advantageous because of the inherent challenges, it’s important to note that this is not a formal workshop focused on teaching techniques. However, the leaders will share extensive photographic knowledge and are available to help you with your photographic vision.

While our expedition prioritizes high-quality imagery, we’re equally dedicated to approaching communities with sensitivity and respect. Our itinerary emphasizes meaningful interactions over a hurried rush between locations. We consider visiting these tribal areas a privilege and strive for a positive impact. To empower local communities economically, we partner with a licensed local operator and hire guides from the areas we visit. These longstanding relationships, built over years, contribute to the well-being of the local areas we explore.

Important Details

The Price

The cost of this incredible photographic adventure is $12,995.00 per person. The price is based on double occupancy.

We would be happy to arrange a private room for you. The supplement for a private room is $1,195

If you are a solo guest who wishes to share accommodations, we will do our best to match you with another guest of the same gender. If we cannot match you with another solo guest of the same gender, then you will be in a single room and the supplement will be charged.

A USD $3,000 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to secure your spot. Please highly consider purchasing travel insurance that will refund your deposit if you cancel your trip.

*** The cost of this safari is based on a minimum of 6 participants. If there are less than 6 participants, asupplement fee of $995.00 will apply.

Payment Terms

  • USD $3,000.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this trip
  • 2nd payment of USD $5,000.00(+ any single supplement) is due January 15, 2025
  • Final payment/balance is due June 15, 2025
  • We highly recommend proper trip and trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment

 

Included in the trip

  • All in-country travel in 4X4 Land Cruiser vehicles
  • All accommodation, as specified on the itinerary.
  • All meals as listed on the itinerary. B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, beginning with Breakfast on October 22, 2025 through Lunch on October 31, 2025
  • Gratuities for local guides and in the camps.
  • Drinks- coffee, soda, beer, wine in the mobile camp
  • Laundry services are included in the private mobile tent camps only and are available at the lodges for an extra fee.
  • All entrance fees to villages and village activities as listed on the itinerary and in the included activities.
  • Basic photo fees
  • Airport private transfers upon arrival and departure dates on the itinerary
  • Two In-country private charter flights as stated in the itinerary.
  • VAT and local taxes.
  • All activities listed as included.
  • One primary, English-speaking guide

 

What’s NOT Included

  • International airfare and/or between your home and Addis Abba
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal purchases (including shopping, spirits, laundry, telephone calls etc.)
  • Gratuities for our primary guide and drivers
  • Optional extra activities not included on the itinerary
  • Extra photo fees
  • Pre- and Post- expedition tours
  • Meals or accommodations before or after the expedition (except as noted in the detailed itinerary)
  • Meals and beverages on the day of arrival, this is considered a travel day

REGISTRATION AND DEPOSIT

If you are excited to join this expeditions, now is the time to secure your spot.  Use the buttons below to fill out your online e-registration form and to make your deposit. We must receive your completed registration form and deposit/s to confirm your spot.

Registration form
Please complete all the required fields. At the end of the form, you will be asked to confirm your email address, which will complete the registration. A copy of your registration will be emailed to you and Piper Mackay Photo Safaris.

Deposit
Click the deposit button under the registration button to make your deposit. You do not need a PayPal account to use this payment service. You may make more than one deposit at a time by changing the quantity on the purchase details that will come up once you click the deposit button.

Registration & Deposit

ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT

    Dates & Prices

  • Date(s): Oct 21st - 31st, 2025
  • Price: $12,995.00 USD
  • Tour Deposit: $3,000.00 USD
  • Single Room Premium: $1,195.00 USD
  • Participants: 6
Portrait of Piper Mackay at the Turkana Festival
Trip Leader: Piper Mackay
Trip Leader: Jeff Vanuga

Accommodations

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