Suri Tribe: Cultural Photo Tour

This cultural photo tour focuses on the Suri tribe who live in one of the wildest corners of Ethiopia - Kibish, in the Omo Valley. The remoteness of the area means that the Suri see far fewer photographers than other tribes in the Omo Valley yet they are undoubtedly the most photogenic. They adorn themselves with flowers, feathers and even fruit and use their bodies as canvasses on which they create art through scarification and painting in bold colours and striking patterns.

We will have the opportunity for both candid photography as the Suri go about their daily lives and posed portraits - ensuring that you will come away from this cultural photo tour with a diverse and holistic portfolio of images.

We will stay in our own mobile camp that is set up for us exclusively and gives unprecedented access to the Suri. Because we are focusing on a single tribe we are able to explore their culture and ways of life in a depth that is unattainable on a shorter visit and we will be accompanied by the best professional local guides who know the area intimately.

Book your spot on this photo tour now!

 

Photographic possibilities on this photo tour...

Itinerary

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Today is set aside as an arrival day in Ethiopia's fascinating capital city. After landing in Bole International Airport and taking care of passport control and luggage formalities, you will be met by a tour representative and driven to the nearby Sheraton Hotel. That evening you will meet Mike, our Ethiopian guide and the other tour participants and discuss in detail the adventures that lie ahead, followed by a scrumptious meal and good nights rest.

Overnight Sheraton Hotel
Fly from Addis Ababa to Jimma

At a time to be advised we will head back to Bole International Airport to check in for the flight to Jimma. Jimma is the largest city in south western Ethiopia and is our destination for the night. It used to be the capital of the former Kaffa Province, the region which is widely recognised as the home coffee. Overnight Dololo Hotel/i>
Drive Jimma to Mizan Teferi

Today we will be continuing on our south westerly journey, making our way to Mizan Teferi. The 240km drive takes approximately 7 hours and is made up of a mosaic of forest and cultivated land, dominated by coffee, tea and various spices. We will have ample opportunity to stop and take advantage of any photographic opportunities that we may encounter along the way.

Overnight Kashinin Hotel
Drive Mizan Teferi to Kibish

This is an exciting travel day as we head deep into the seldom-visited portion of south western Ethiopia. En route we pass through Bebeka coffee plantation which is the largest and oldest coffee plantation in Ethiopia. After passing through the town of Tulgit we will finally arrive in Kibish where we will be camping for the next 4 nights. Our focus here will be photographing the fabulous Suri people who, due to their remoteness, are one of the least visited of the Omo Valley's tribes. The Suri are known for their incredibly ornate and creative bodily decorations which they achieve through painting, scarification and adornment with flowers and other natural objects.

Overnight Private mobile camp
Kibish area

We have three full days during this cultural photography tour to explore and photograph the fascinating Suri, making the most of our time in this remote region of Ethiopia.

Overnight Private mobile camp
Drive Kibish to Jimma

After a scrumptious breakfast prepared by our camp crew, we depart for a full day’s drive (approximately 10 hours) back to Jimma where we will overnight.

Overnight Dololo Hotel
Fly Jimma to Addis Ababa and depart

Today we will fly back to Addis Ababa where this incredible Ethiopia photo tour comes to an end.

Tour cost includes...

– All accommodation as per the itinerary
– All meals
– Photographic fees for when photographing people
– Gratuities for local guides and services
– Bottled water
– Portage fees
– All airport transfers
– All ground transportation using 4x4 vehicles
– Professional local English speaking guide and all local guide fees
– Government tax
– All costs and hands-on photographic tutoring by Mike Dexter

And excludes...

– All international and internal flights
– All beverages other than bottled mineral water
– Visa costs
– Laundry
– Personal expenses such as souvenirs, telephone calls etc.
– Travel/medical/cancellation/curtailment insurance
– Anything not mentioned in inclusives above

Book your spot on this photo safari now!