Join me on a real Awe-Inspiring Tribal Expedition in Northwestern Kenya!
October 28 – November 11, 2022
In my passionate tradition of risk-taking, which most companies would never consider, I am offering eight people an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventurous photographers to travel through the truly remote authentic tribal regions of Northern Kenya. 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. We will be using the same fixers and local guides I have used while doing my own work in this remote region over the past six years, including my trusted friends who have a precise understanding of the types of opportunities that photographers crave.
Our adventure will start with a private charter taking us up to the north and dropping us into the heart of the golden savannahs of Samburu, lined with acacia woodlands that reflect the ambiance of what people envision when the dream of Africa. This region is home to the rare Grevy’s zebra, beautiful reticulated giraffe, the “red” elephant’s gerenuk, oryx, kudu, and the unique mane-less lions; we will spend the first two days on safari, recovering from the long flights, and preparing for the incredible adventure ahead!
Traveling in proper safari vehicles our expedition will take us up to 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 in 3 of our 6 locations! 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 traditional walk-in canvas safari tents, each with camp beds, linens, and private facilities at the back of your tent; the camp staff will supply hot water. Our dining cabana will also include a charging station (with plenty of power for everyone!), coffee/tea station and bar. We have taken the wonderful well-trained staff out of the camp in the Mara, so our personable 4-star service will include gourmet meals, sundowners around the campfire, and staff members who are just as passionate about our destination as you are!
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 Photography
Itinerary
ITINERARY
In true expedition style, there is flexibility in the itinerary to ensure plenty of time to immerse ourselves with these tribes and take advantage of any impromptu photographic opportunities.
Day 1, October 28, 2022
Upon your arrival at the international airport in Nairobi, Kenya, you are met by a member of our ground team and transferred by private vehicle to the historical and tranquil area of Karen. Built in the architecture of the “Out of Africa” era, Macushla house will make you feel as though you are more than a guest, but at home in Africa; the perfect place to unwind after your long journey.
Accommodation: Macushla House
Day 2, October 29, 2022
After an early breakfast, we will head to Wilson private Airport and catch our private charter to Samburu.
Our luxury tented camp sits along the Ewaso Nyiro River. The friendly, traditional Samburu tribe staff will greet us and provide us with a full briefing about the camp and the area. The camp sits on raised decks overlooking the river, cooled by the forest, and where the elephants are known to make an appearance. This environment will be perfect for relaxing and resting up for our great adventure ahead of us. In the early afternoon, we will head out on our first game drive to explore this spectacular reserve.
Accommodations: luxury tents, Samburu Intrepid camp (BLD)
Day 3, October 30, 2022
Today you will awaken to exotic birdcalls in a captivating new world. We will spend the day on safari, driving through this stunning African landscape seeking the leopards, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuk, Oryx, common waterbuck, kudu, the unique mane-less lions, and the “red” elephants. The elephants exhibit a special red color from rolling in the mud of the river and dusting themselves with the rich, red soil, making for extraordinary images in golden light.
You will also learn about the Samburu tribal lands, their culture, and their constant conservation efforts to live in harmony with the wildlife.
Accommodations: luxury tents, Samburu Intrepid camp (BLD
Day 4-5, October 31 -November 1, 2022
We will rise early for a scrumptious breakfast before we embark on our expedition. We will hop into our 4X4 Land Cruisers and head up north up to Lake Turkana, through the incredible Mathews range, and some of the last pure tribal lands in Kenya. Your first glance of the Jade Sea will take your breath away and you will instantly understand the special remote expedition that has just begun!
Unique to this area is that four tribes, the Randille, Turkana, Samburu, and El Molo all live in the same town. Over the next two days, we will focus on visiting multiple tribal villages along the shoreline of the lake, which make for a stunning background and will allow us to experience their ancient fishing practices, lakeside activities, and possibly witness the Gabra tribe bringing down their herds of a camel for a drink.
Overnight in Turkana (BLD)
Day 6-7 November 2-3, 2022
After one last sunrise shoot, we will enjoy breakfast before our adventurous journey continues. The harsh, barren environment will change before our eyes as we travel through the Northern Frontier lined with acacia trees and the towering peaks
peaks of Ol Donyo Niro and Ol Donyo Mara. In the wavering trees’ shadows, you may find the enchanting Samburu herders gathered with their camels. Although it is hard to see an area with no western influence, the Samburu residing in the area often live traditionally and virtually untouched by tourism. Historically, they have a good relationship with their neighboring tribe, the Rendille, who are similar in their ornate dress, only a little more colorful. During our time here, we will spend time with both these tribes and hope to see one of the camel trains as the tribes still lead a nomadic lifestyle.
Rendille Tribe. A Semi-nomadic Cushitic tribe, who migrated initially down from Ethiopia and settled in unfavorable desert land climatic condition were less affected by colonialism and are living on the same lands they originally settled on. Being Pastoralists, their lifestyle revolves around their livestock. Camels are their primary source of livelihood because they best adapted to the desert conditions. When migrating to new pastures, the camels are used to carry the family’s possessions in specially designed saddles.
Samburu Tribe. Formerly part of the Maasai tribe when they first came down the Nile River, the Samburu, a Nilotic tribe, split off when the Maasai continued their journey south to Tanzania. The name Samburu name means the butterfly people; they not only flew off from their original tribe, but they became more colorful in their traditional dress. In the north, camels are a part of their livestock.
Our safari camp is set among stunning scenery and will seem like pure bliss in this remote region. (BLD)
Day 8-10 November 4-6, 2022
Continuing south we will venture into to the pristine Turkana Tribal area. The terrain will transform into a desert environment, but will transition back into one of the most stunning valleys of rolling hills, Acacia forest lined dry river beds and mountain peaks in the distant background. When I first arrived, it was like time had stood still with so many Turkana women whisking through town dressed entirely traditionally; rows and rows of colorful beads around their necks, long skin dress, and bright colored African printed fabrics. The men reminded me more of the Omo Valley tribes, sitting around in circles and lying on their wood carved head stools. Like the hammer tribe, they live near the dry riverbeds when they can dig down to fetch water. To immerse ourselves into their daily lives, we will spend three days in the pristine area, virtually untouched by tourism, outside of maybe a few backpackers and single photographers. We likely would not see any non-locals here. There will be plenty of time to visit several villages, learn about their traditional lifestyle, and capture both documentary-style images and beautiful environmental portraits.
Tukana Tribe. Originally from the Karamajong district of North-eastern Uganda, the Turkana people, numbering 250,000, settled in Kenya’s northwest. The Turkana women wear layers and layers of colorful beads around their necks, metal through their ears, and older women still wear labrets that cut through their lower lips. The women wear full-length leather dresses, and the young girls bead theirs and cover them with red ochre. The men are very tall and similar in style to the Daasanach Tribe in the Omo Valley, with large yellow and red beads around their neck, bangles of the same color on their arms, and some elders still wear the hair buns. During ceremonies, the men wear beautiful ostrich feather hats and bells at their calves. They are one of the few tribes that practice no form of circumcision on women or men.
Our full safari mobile-tented camp will be in the heart of the Turkana territory nestled under a forest of umbrella acacia trees along a dry lakebed. (BLD)
Day 11, November 7, 2022
After one last morning village visit, we continue our drive south crossing back into Samburu territory where we will overnight in the tranquil lodge up in the hills.
This will give you time to relax, download and review images, and discuss any photographic challenges of the last week. Dinner will be in the luxurious cottage at the top of the hill with a breathtaking 180-degree view. (BLD)
Day 12-13, November 8-9, 2022
You may rise slowly or go for a brisk walk through the beautiful grounds at sunrise. Rejuvenated, after a scrumptious breakfast, we will continue our journey south to the famous Pokot Tribe Territory, which is rarely visited. The Pokot tribe most reminded me of the tribe of the Omo. We will be there during the season of the male initiation, and we will hope to get lucky that a ceremony will take place during our visit. The ceremony is similar to the bull jumping ceremony, but instead of jumping the bulls, they need to spear one, drink its blood and smear themselves with the contents of its stomach to pass into manhood and give them a better chance of marriage. During our stay, we will visit their villages and have a large party with them on our last night.
Pokot Tribe – They were also originally from the eastern Karamoja region in Uganda before migration south to Northern Kenya. They are the least visited tribe by outsiders. The women are most known for their adornment of big, bright, colorful, unique beaded neckpieces, headpieces and large metal rings hanging from their ears. Like the Omo Tribes, the men wear a wrap around their waist, adorn themselves with beads, metal, and ostrich feathers, and carry a walking stick and wood carved stools.
Accommodations – Safari Mobile Tent Camp – BLD
Day 14 November 10, 2022
We will have one final morning visit with the Pokot, before our breakfast, and then continue south to finish our expedition in style with a stay at Lake Elementaita. We will have a wonder last dinner along the shores as we share the mind-blowing experience of our expedition.
Accommodations – Lake Elementaita Serena Camp – BLD
Day 15 November, 11, 2022
After a wonderful breakfast overlooking the lake, we will make our way back to Nairob where you will be taken to the four points hotel, conveniently located at the airport. Dayrooms have been arranged so you may enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the roof top pool and bar, take a nap, enjoy a delicious meal, and have time to clean up before your flight back home later in the evening. In the evening, you will be transported to the international airport to catch your flights home.
Day rooms – Four Points – B
Is this trip for you?
This adventurous photographic expedition was created for experienced photographers who crave a more authentic tribal experience beyond the “Polished” mass tourism travel destinations where everything is set up for you.
The logistics of this expedition is designed for producing high-quality photographic opportunities. Therefore, we will be rising before sunrise to take advantage of the best morning light. We will also spend quality time with these tribes beyond a rush in, point and shoot hour of photography. While our trip is designed for photographers, we also want to ensure our visit is sensitive, respectful, and beneficial to the communities we visit. This brings a deeper connection to the people and is what creates more powerful images along with a more life-enriching experience.
These tribes are remote so we will be driving on dirt roads, but in comfortable 4X4 safari Land Cruisers with a small fridge and cold drinks! When the tarmac road begins to take you directly to these tribes, it brings mass tourism, which will change their appearance and behavior forever. In most locations, the electricity is not available 24 hrs a day, but we will have plenty of power for several hours every morning and evening, giving you plenty of time to charge up all your batteries and electronic equipment. If we get lucky, we will be invited to some unique events which may require you to do some walking. A participant should be enough physical shape to walk for 20 minutes. Participants should be able to carry their own photographic gear. Although we will be pushing hard to provide you with every possible photographic opportunity, we recommend that you should go at your own pace.
This photographic experience was created for experienced photographers with a firm knowledge of the basics of photography: shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, exposure, composition, and lighting. Depending on your vision, some experience working with
flash is recommended. Although this is NOT a workshop to teach you techniques, there will be a lot of discussion on photography and informal instruction throughout the trip. Piper is always available to assist you with your vision and for any questions.
When joining a remote expedition, it is essential to be flexible, have a good sense of humor, an open mind, and embrace this incredible experience!
Important Details
The Price – both the deposit and 2nd payment are due upon registration
The price of this unique tribal adventure is $14,390.00. This price is based on double occupancy.
The Single supplement for a private room is $2,495.00 ” if available”, which also includes a deluxe tent in Ngari Hills. Single accommodations are EXTREMELY LIMITED! Single accommodations request will be honored in the order the reservation is confirmed when the deposit is received.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, if a solo guest is willing to share and we can match with another guest of the same gender, we will do so. If a solo guest is unwilling to share, then a single supplement will be charged. If we are unable to match a solo guest with another guest of the same gender, then the single supplement will be charged.
***The cost of this safari is based on a minimum of 7-8 participants. If there are less than 7 participants a small supplement group fee of $895.00 will apply.
A USD $3,995.00 Non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to secure your spot. Most travel insurance companies will allow you to purchase insurance to cover your deposit and then increase he amount as you make payments.
Payment Terms
- USD $3,995.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this safari
- 2nd payment of USD $5,000.00 (+Single supplement) is due November 1, 2021
- Final payment/Balance is due May 30, 2022
- For this safari deposits and payments are non-refundable, which is why you should have trip cancelation insurance.
Included:
- All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
- All meals from breakfast on October 29 through breakfast on November 11, as stated on the itinerary B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
- Private charter to Samburu
- All village visits
- Local Beer and wine, soft drinks and water included at the mobile tented camps
- Laundry in the private mobile tented camps
- Gratuities for all local guides, camp/lodge staff, porters, and security escorts.
- All airport transfers on arrival/departure days
- Transportation and exclusive use of custom safari built 4-wheel drive Landcruiser vehicles
What’s Not Included:
- Visas
- Travel and medical Insurance
- Personal purchases (such as curious, spirit liquors, telephone calls, internet, laundry…)
- Gratuities for the main driver/guides
- Pre- and post-safari tours
- Meals or accommodation before or after the safari
- International flights to and from Kenya
REGISTRATION AND DEPOSIT
If you are excited to join this safari 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 both your completed registration form and your 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 to Piper Mackay Photo Safaris.
Deposit–
Click the deposit button, under the registration button, to make your deposit. You do not need to have 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.
