Tribal Expedition Northern Kenya 2024

NOVEMBER

This off-the-grid expedition was designed for those who want to have a deeper travel experience beyond the “Polished” mass tourism travel destinations. We will be exploring the remote villages and locations that I visit when driving my Land Rover for my own photographic work, deep in the interior! We will be using the same fixers and local guides I have used while doing my own work in this remote region over the decade, including my trusted friends who have a precise understanding of the types of experiences that photographers crave.    

Our adventure will start with a private charter taking us far up to the north and dropping us along the shores of Lake Turkana. We will then head south through some of the most beautiful and pristine landscapes in Kenya, including a stunning umbrella acacia tree forest. Our journey will take us through the territories of the Rendile, northern Samburu, Turkana in the mid-western region, and the rarely visited Pokot tribe. We will be staying in the heart of all these communities, and you will be given intimate access to a world seldom visited by foreigners or locals due to the lack of infrastructure. You will feel more like friends of the tribe rather than visitors who are just passing through the area. This area is reminiscent of what it was like to travel to the Omo Valley over ten years ago before tourism poured in. 

There are no tourist accommodations where we will be going. Therefore, backed by a very experienced team in 4x4s, a large truck, and a group of 7 staff members (who will also have local support), we will erect three proper safari style mobile-tented camps The authentic African bush is exhilarating but can be very exhausting especially after a long day of photography. Thus, having all of the creature comforts of a proper safari camp can significantly help to rejuvenate you and keep up your stamina throughout the entire expedition. 

Our team will provide us with walk-in canvas safari tents, each with camp beds, mattress, linens, and a table to spread out your gear; the camp staff will supply hot water for showers. Our dining cabana will also include a charging station (with plenty of power for everyone!), coffee/tea station and bar.  

TRIP LEADERS

Piper Mackay – has over 18 years of experience photographing throughout the African continent and lives in Kenya. Fascinated by their beauty and ancient traditions, Piper has spent hundreds, if not thousands, of hours deep in the tribal areas on her own. She passionately creates each expedition from her own personal experiences for a sensitive and intimate visit. She highly encourages guest to bring a laptop for image review and suggestions to achieve the goals of their vision. 

Dominic Lekupie – A Samburu and very talented writer, Dominic grew up in a small tribal village in Northern Kenya. He took up photography and video to create documentaries about nature, wildlife, and tribes in his homelands. Domonic will be co-hosting, taking care of all organizational aspects during the trip to ensure everything runs smoothly for the guest. He will also be capturing memories of the trip to share with all the guests. 

Our camps will support the local communities along with the food and school supplies that we will donate to the local villages we visit. 

In their own words, here is what guest are saying about the first Authentic Tribal Expedition!

“I have traveled to many remote tribal areas all around the world, both with Piper and with other leaders.  Our trip to Northern Kenya was the most authentic tribal experience I’ve ever had while also being one of the most comfortable camping experiences. We visited tribes that had never been visited from photography groups, and still wore their traditional necklaces and clothing made from skins.  There was no commercial vibe in our interactions with them.  The entire team, from the chefs to the drivers to our guides, added their passion to our adventure with their stories and their good spirits. The value was absolutely worth it!!” – Terri Gold –  Terri Gold World  Imagery

“Piper, it’s with heartfelt gratitude that I say, “thank you” for everything while traveling through the Rift Valley on the Kenya Tribal Expedition.  What an amazing and unique experience it was.  I’ve been on a number of photography expeditions focusing on tribes, that were top-notch, but the amount of effort that you put into this special itinerary took my experience photographing tribes to another level.  I particularly liked the fact that we focused on cultural sensitivities with how we entered villages and interacted with the people.  It was really nice to see the warm welcomes (and hugs good-bye) that we received, everywhere we went.  The beauty of the experience was topped off by how great the mobile camps were.  Kudos to the staff that traveled with us and had such attention to detail with everything from the delicious menus to well-appointed tents.  (Sleeping under the umbrella of the Acacia trees was really special.)  Thanks, again, for everything.  It was truly excellent. “- Lisa Brighton – Lisa Brighton Photograph