Some of the best days of my life have been with the Suri Tribe in Ethiopias Upper Omo Valley!
Being the most remote tribe in Ethiopias Omo Valley the Suri are the least visited by tourists. When you look at a map you can’t appreciate their remote location as they look like they are not far from the Mursi tribe. The Suri and Mursi tribes are both part of the Surma tribe and they share a few traditions like the lip plates. The Mursi are quite easy to drive to as you can fly from Addis to Jinka and then you can drive to visit the Mursi tribe. However to travel to the Suri Tribe is a lot more challenging. The Suri are in the Upper Omo Valley and due to the terrain and road access (and possible security challenges) it is quite a distance from the other Omo Valley tribes. The accomodation and facilities near the Suri are also not catered for tourists (the town of Kibish has quite basic supplies and is very small) so this will deter a lot of people from visiting.
Buying some supplies in Kibish from this shop.
where to stay when visiting the Suri Tribe
Whilst there are a couple of options in regards to camping locations near the Suri tribe, we stayed at the most beautiful campsite next to the river. Bush camping at its best - no facilities, but surrounded by absolutely beautiful scenery and people! The perfect choice for both myself and my client.
There is another option closer to town if you want a toilet or don’t want to be camping in such a remote location, but this will ultimately be determined by either your tour operator and their contacts, whats available and what your preferences are. I can’t stress enough the importance of visiting this part of Ethiopia with a ground team you trust (especially a good, experienced driver). It is quite different than travelling to the other tribes in the Omo.
This is a Suri campsite next to ours and hadn’t been cleared as no one else was staying here. It is absolutely beautiful and the surrounding area of this remote location in south west Ethiopia is naturally breathtaking.
This was our campsite when staying with the Suri Tribe. Our hut in the distance was used by our chef for his kitchen.
bush camping with no facilities, but surrounded by wonderful people and nature
Everyone has their own tent. Comfortable mattresses and you can either bring your own sleeping bag or use a blanket. Not luxury, but comfortable enough and the experience is worth the lack of facilities.
I’ve done plenty of bush camping since I was a child in Australia, so I am more than happy with this campsite. The river next to camp was so convenient and great to have a wash. With the water coming from the mountains it was surprisingly clean and not too cold - once you were wet lol! There’s no crocodiles or hippos, so it is safe to go in the river - of course I checked first.
A refreshing wash in the river! There had been heavy rain so the river was running fast and quite strong - just before this photo I nearly got washed downstream ha! ha! I soon decided there was a safer river section to bathe!
the river is great to cool off, keep clean and wash your clothes!
I’ve never had people watch me wash my hair and shave my legs before! There was always a crowd watching my every move - especially when I was leaving camp towards the river with the much requested soap in my hands! Some of them joined in and used the shampoo/soap to wash and we all shared a laugh throughout!
Watching me shave my legs after i’d washed my hair in the river.
We had so much fun in the river and enjoyed such relaxing days around camp.
Love this shot that one of the children took while I was in the river!
I love sharing the joy of photography with others. Especially when you are visiting tribes it is so nice to let them join in and take photos with my phone or cameras. They absolutely love it and when they enjoy taking photos they have a greater understanding of what we are doing behind our cameras.
genuine connections and experiences created by time
I don’t want my trips just to be just about taking photos. Many tourists just come, capture and leave - I want my trips to have genuine connections and interactions and to enjoy spending relaxing time with the people around us. Some mornings we would wake up and join a game of frisbee as soon as we got out of our tents. Some days we joined in on the games and sometimes I just loved watching the joy that surrounded me. We also bought some games and colouring books to share which they loved. I’m always mindful of the impact my visits have on these remote villages and also not bringing anything with rubbish. Wooden games are great. Frisbees are light and easy to pack. Also balls and writing books etc can be bought in Ethiopia in the markets and shops so then you are supporting local businesses.
Spending quality time with this amazing African tribe makes them all relax and enjoy their time with you. It also creates better photography opportunities with a good balance of enjoying the moment and also enjoying yourself behind the camera.
the camp chef works his magic and in the makeshift kitchen
When camping we have our guide, camp chef and driver. Our chef for this trip was absolutely hilarious and his food was great! Always a great variety for dinner and very talented with his limited camp cooking facilities/supplies!
Time to connect, to enjoy being around these unique and remote villages is what camping here allows. Here I am with the chief who is singing and with these two mums sharing a laugh as they are looking at all the red scratches on my white legs.
unforgettable nights with the Suri Tribe around the fire
The highlight of camping with the Suri tribe was definitely the atmosphere and experience around the campfire each night. Sitting with Chief Tenakoro and the Suri tribe, our AMAZING chef, AMAZING guide and MOST AMAZING driver, sharing songs, dances and drinks and so much laughter! My client was so respectful and fully immersed himself in the experience. He slept by the fire one night with the chief and was celebrated as one of the tribe and given his tribal name. It certainly changed my clients life - in a very good way.
I’ve never experienced anything like when I have stayed with the Suri Tribe and not sure I ever will anywhere else! The team spirit on this tour was incredible! I am already looking forward to a few beers around the campfire next trip there!
The first few nights I was the only girl around the campfire. I asked the chief if his wives could join us the following evening. It was simply the most amazing experience with so much singing, dancing and absolute joy.
The women were hugging me and kissing me - with their lower lips (from removing their lip plates) wobbling on my cheeks.
The chiefs voice I could listen to for hours. I cannot understand what he is saying, but the sound of his voice with the crackling of the fire is unforgettable. I cannot wait to be back in their presence and bring my next client for her private tour to this magnificent part of the world.
travel with a friendly attitude and be part of the team
With my private tours we work as a team so helping to pitch the tents and set up or pack up are all part of the experience. You don’t need to do everything, but just need to have a willingness to assist and lend a hand when needed. Good team work makes a great trip experience for everyone and is greatly appreciated by our guide, driver and chef.
My client had a life changing experience camping with the Suri Tribe. Amazing connections, unforgettable memories and heart warming friendships.
My tours are a combination of photography and adventure. A good balance of both.
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