UNTAMED AFRICA 2027

SOUTH SUDAN TRIBAL EXPEDITION

February 08-20, 2027

Ancient villages with pristine thatched roofs are scattered across the vast, untouched wilderness of South Sudan. With its unspoiled landscapes and untamed spirit, South Sudan brings back memories of my earliest adventures on the African continent. Exploring one of the last remaining raw, wild, and hidden places is a rare privilege, especially in a world where rapid growth and expansion have left few untouched regions. Very few have had the chance to travel to this remarkable part of the world.

LARIM TRIBE
Tucked into the rugged hills of South Sudan, the Larim people live in one of the most visually striking tribal settings in Africa. Their rounded, beehive-like huts are sculpted from earth and crowned with thatched domes and intricate finials. The Larim are known for their bold body scarification, elaborate beadwork, and tall, lean stature. Larim women wear distinctive chain jewelry that elegantly links the ear to the nose—a striking symbol of beauty and cultural pride.

LOPIT TRIBE
The Lopit tribe of South Sudan presents a striking sight against the rugged landscape they call home. Their presence is defined by tall, lean frames that seem molded by the expansive plains and the mountainous terrain they inhabit. Adorned with intricate beadwork and leather ornaments, the Lopit men and women move with a graceful strength that echoes their resilience in the face of nature’s challenges. Their traditional attire, often vibrant with earthy hues, complements the natural tones of their surroundings, creating a harmonious blend of human culture and the untamed wilderness.

TOPOSA TRIBE
The Toposa tribe of South Sudan radiate a bold, raw elegance shaped by their harsh, beautiful land. Women wear layered leather skirts, their skin dusted with ochre and adorned with heavy beads, iron coils, and stretched earrings that speak of strength and tradition. Men often carry carved walking sticks and wear simple wraps, their posture proud and watchful. Their villages, with rounded thatched huts encircled by thorn fences, rise from the earth like an extension of the land itself—rugged, striking, and deeply rooted in ancestral rhythm.

JIYE TRIBE
The Jiye tribe of South Sudan are a striking people, known for their bold scarification, intricate beadwork, and powerful sense of identity. Women wear layers of colorful beads across their chests and a distinctive beaded headband that frames the face with elegance and meaning. Elaborate hairstyles, sculpted with clay and red ochre, often feature feathers or beads, turning every head into a work of art. Each adornment tells a story—of beauty, status, and deep-rooted tradition.

COMFORT!

The raw, untouched African bush is exhilarating but can be exhausting after a full day of photography, especially when you’re genuinely roughing it! A few basic comforts, however, can make a world of difference in rejuvenating you and maintaining your stamina throughout the expedition. This level of convenience in South Sudan is rare, yet our outstanding team will set up a simple, mobile tent camp near each of the tribes we visit. The camp will feature spacious canvas tents where you can stand up and walk around, each equipped with a camp bed, mattress, quality linens, a blanket, and a table to organize your gear. 

A cabana will provide shade for meals, image downloading, editing, and relaxation, with the bonus of a cold beverage to refresh you. Hot showers will be available, and a generator will allow charging devices, giving us ample time to review our images, share inspiration, and learn from one another while in the field. This level of comfort in South Sudan is rare, but can be critically important in keeping your energy at its peak!

In true expedition style, putting up a private camp allows us access to villages far from the nearest towns, bringing you deeper into the authentic tribal areas for a more intimate and authentic experience.  We can walk to the villages at sunrise and fall asleep under a brilliant star-filled sky while listening to beautiful tribal singing. 

We will fly by private charter to and from the deep south, where the main tribal villages are located.  This avoids very long, tiring drives that will cut into the time we can spend in a village, or that logistically would force overnight camping to break up the drive. 

We work with a properly licensed South Sudan company. You will have ALL the proper required documents and photography permits to legally move throughout the country.

This exciting expedition is being offered to ONLY 7 participants. This is a custom specialized photographic expedition and NOT a commercial trip. Therefore, traveling in a true remote off-the-beaten-path location requires flexibility, patients, open-mindfulness, a good sense of humor, being in good healthy physical condition, and an adventurous spirit to embrace cultural idea’s that differ vastly from your modern culture.  If you have any questions, please email me in advance of registering – Info@PiperMackayPhotography.com.