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
CHARTER FLIGHTS
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





Itinerary
Day 1, October 8, 2025
Upon your arrival at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, you are met after clearing immigration and escorted through customs. You will then be transported by private vehicle to the Radisson Blu. Hotel 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, October 9, 2025
We will meet for breakfast at 6:30, arranged in the private back room of the dining area.
We will depart for the airport at 7:30 for our 9:00 private charter to the closest airstrip to the remote Suri. Our team will be waiting to drive us to this magical area.
Late afternoon photo shoot along the river in front of the camp.
We are sending a special team to set up the highest-level mobile tent camp. Each guest will have their own large safari tent with a private en-suite shower and toilet, a real bed, mattress, linens, 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.
Accommodation: Private Mobile Safari Camp BLD –
Day 3-9, October 10-16, 2025
We will be sending every day with the Suri: village visits, cattle camp visits, possible ceremonies, portrait sessions, and learning with them and from them.
Accommodation: Private Mobile Safari Camp BLD
Day 10, October 17, 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