TRIBAL EXPEDITIONS

We take you MILES from nowhere

Remote tribal experiences are intricate journeys that demand extensive groundwork to unveil the realms beyond the beaten path. In numerous locales, Piper has devoted years, perhaps decades, immersing herself in tribal communities, forging enduring friendships. These adventures resonate deeply, fostering profound emotional bonds.

Our tribal expeditions are meticulously crafted to offer an intimate, authentic glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary tribes. Our seasoned team establishes exclusive private mobile camps, far removed from permanent accommodations and tourist routes, ensuring an unparalleled experience of cultural immersion and discovery.

Private Mobile Camp

Our private mobile tents are simple yet very important to your photographic experience. Most tribes, not permanently settled near popular safari destinations, are nomadic pastoralists; living in more remote and harsh environments. People often underestimate the importance of having some comforts out in the real African bush with tents set up for you and large enough to walk into, not crawl into; a simple camp bed with mattress for a good night’s sleep, charging stations for all your gear, and good meals with COLD beverages. 

When you are in these special areas that most will only experience through images across social media, you want to be well rested to be at the top of your game and make every photographic moment your best. 

A Race against TIME!

Visiting the last rich tribal regions is an extreme privilege and an awe- inspiring experience. With the advent of the smart phone reaching the far corners of the earth the race to modernization is increasing at a rapid pace; tarmac roads, small towns pop up, dams bring electricity, and modern brick homes with metal roofs replacing thatch roof huts. These beautiful tribes carry the deep secrets and wisdom of living in harmony with the earth. Their tribal traits and traditions are not vanishing, but visually changing from their beautiful colorful ornate appearance to blending into a generic society. 

These tribal Expeditions should be at the top of ones backlists or they may be permanently deleted from the list faster than one realizes. 

Expedition Vehicles

Our expedition vehicles are chosen correctly for the terrain we will be traversing; some are even costumes designed just for a particular expedition. Careful thought is not only put into the mechanics, but also the comfort of our guest when traveling over real African roads in the bush.

Our expedition vehicles and mobile camp abilities give us the freedom to continue to go deeper off the ever expanding tarmac roads that bring small towns and tourism into previous remote regions.   

In the words of our guest

“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

If you travel with Piper on one of her photo tours, there will never be a dull moment.  Piper is truly passionate about Africa, about her work, and about ensuring that her clients have a memorable experience.  I am not long back from a trip with Piper to the spectacular Gerewol festival in Chad.  As always, Piper had arranged a truly unforgettable trip.  From witnessing the arrival of the nomadic Wodaabe tribe members, to watching the men dance and listening to their hypnotic chant, I will treasure my photographic memories for many years to come – CW

This is my second trip with Piper—having enjoyed Ethiopia’s Lalibela at Xmas  & the Omo Valley a few years back. 

In a nutshell——Piper does it right———with passion and enthusiasm! The Turkana Festival along with Samburu and Amboseli National Parks was a smartly balanced trip—mixing game drives, village visits and the colorful dancing of the Turkana Festival. Piper’s hands-on knowledge of Africa creates a unique, well paced and memorable itinerary. She knows animal behavior and thus has us in the right location for the best shots. Piper is trusted and respected by the local village leaders which provides her groups access easily. Her driver teams are dependable, knowledgable and very entertaining…………which makes for a great experience.

I recommend Piper Mackay 110%…………no questions asked. – David Wild