SIGNATURE SURI EXPEDITION 2025

Only 6 guest with two photographic leaders

Deep in southern Ethiopia lives one of the most beautiful tribes on the African continent. Inspired by their environment of wild trees, exotic flowers, lush vegetation, and colorful birds, the talented Suri tribespeople use the clay soil of bright yellows, startling whites and rich earth-reds to decorate their bodies and create elaborate headpieces. Beyond their beauty is their fascinating way of life, traditions and ceremonies. 

My first trip to the Omo Valley was life-changing and a defining moment in my career. Many years later, ” The Tribes of the Omo” became the first trip offered at Piper Mackay Photo Safaris in September of 2011. Therefore, in celebration of 10 great years, it seemed only fitting that the final celebration be spent with 6 wonderful guests in one of the most unique places I have been in all of Africa. The expedition was so successful I am going to offer ONE MORE time!

I have spent 20 years roaming the wilds of Africa, and the Suri Tribe in South Ethiopia continues to fascinate me. Coming from a career in the fashion industry, I am constantly in awe of their talent in using the gift of nature to transform themselves into a walking body of art in only a few minutes. And yet, they are stunningly beautiful before their transformation.

The Suri live in a lush, rich environment in the hills of the Great Rift Valley with a river running through it. They farm year-round and have enough grass to sustain large herds of healthy livestock except in extreme drought. I have even seen them panning for gold in the streams. Located away from the villages, the cattle camps of the Suri are incredible. Camp life is highly traditional, and they still practice daily rituals. In the evening, fires are started throughout the camp as the cattle are brought in. While humming and singing, the men use the ashes to cover their bodies and the cattle to protect their skin from insects and the elements. A horn is often played as part of the bloodletting and drinking ceremony. 

The Donga, known as the stick fighting ceremony, is an essential tradition of the tribesmen. It combines combat with ritual and sport. It has been said it is a way to prepare young men for battle, impress women, and settle differences. It begins with clans gathering in song and coming from every direction. The men prepare by painting their bodies, putting on colorful protection, and deep tribal singing as they build their courage to go into battle. Then, suddenly, two groups of 20-30 fighters go into battle. Suddenly, one is declared a winner and then they embrace while humming and singing. It is one of the most profound rituals I have experienced, which I cannot explain in a few words. It is something one must experience to understand. 

 “This unique trip created the most extraordinary opportunity to live adjacent to the Suri villages for 8 days. I had the opportunity to make images from dawn to dusk as in-between our outings the villagers wandered into camp to interact and be photographed.   My tent had 5 windows, 2 doors, a real bed with linens, solar light, a workspace for my laptop, my own 6-socket power strip, an en-suite toilet and shower, and my own patio in the shade to sit and watch the river  I cannot emphasize enough that the comfort and access on this trip was well worth the cost.  This was a very special experience!” – Ivy Gorden

We will spend a full week immersed with this beautiful tribe, their way of life, and their traditions. This will give us time to learn more about them while we visit their villages, cattle camps and town. We will have an abundance of time to create beautiful portraits of them as naturally beautiful as they are and when transformed into walking bodies of art. 

We have pulled out all the stops for an extraordinary trip. We will have two charter flights from Addis to deep into the Omo and return to Addis. We will be setting up a full Mobil Safari Camp. Each large canvas tent will have a private en-suite shower and toilet, a real bed, mattress, linens, a table for your gear, and charging in your tents. Our meals will be a wonderful blend of Western European cuisine and some favorite local dishes and served under a large, comfortable dining cabana. We will have two empty tents to use as studios.

I will be teaming up with Greg Thomason, an incredibly talented portrait and commercial photographer. Not only does his dramatic lighting set him apart, but how he connects with his clients to bring out the beauty of who they are. Together we have a unique vision that we wish to bring to life. 

Learn more about Greg in this interview