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Boy seated on a Sudan Photo Tour Closed


South Sudan Photo Tour

From 8,950 US$ Closed: Click for Next Date

This unique photography tour takes you into the heart of South Sudan remote communities, providing a rare opportunity to document the traditions, rituals, and everyday life of distinct tribes. In an authentic experience between photography and personal ties, we will be staying next to their camps.

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure led by the Award-Winning Travel Photographer Roberto Pazzi on an Exclusive South Sudan Expedition! With an unmatched depth of expertise in Sudanese cultures, Roberto brings an intimate understanding and respect for the region.

A captivating photo-expedition delving into the mosaic of tribes that define South Sudan and are among the world's most authentic and untouched ethnic groups and tribes in the world.

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A very interseting South Sudan Photo TOur

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A 12 days South Sudan Photo Tour in an authentic Photography Expedition
  • With the  world-renowned tribal photographer and Tour Leader Roberto Pazzi 
  • Share the daily life in one of the less-visited tribes of the world
  • A photographic intense experience with the Mundari, Lopit, Larim, Jiye, Kapoeta and Toposa.
  • Two days and one morning with the fascinating Mundaris
  • The market of Kapoeta with traders from Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea and South Sudan
  • Experience the magical atmosphere of the camp
  • Each photographer has a window in the off-road car.

The people and, tribes of South -Sudan are the true highlights of this photographic expedition. Beginning in Juba, we will make the journey through the country to isolated rural villages, where we will meet some of the country's various tribes.  The Toposa villages, famous for their piercings and scarifications, the journey continues to the home of the Jiye tribe, before passing through  Kapoeta territory on the way to meet the Mundari tribe in their livestock camp. A journey based primarily on getting to know people from the world's newest country. In an authentic experience between photography and personal ties, we will be staying next to their camps. Sudan is one of the world's youngest countries, home to the Mundari, Kapoeta, Jiye, and Toposa ethnic groups and tribes, who are among the world's most authentic and untouched ethnic groups and tribes.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit this scarcely populated country with professional guides who are intimately familiar with the tribes and their people.

The extraordinary plasticity of the images is what makes this Sudan photo tour a powerful and extraordinary adventure. In the camps we will live the unique experience of capturing mythical photographs of dust lifted by the cattle, sunrise smoke, as everything develops into an almost magical atmosphere. The haze of fire smoke and the dust of the plains provide a one-of-a-kind photographic moments.

While there is a massive cultural gap between us and the tribes we are visiting, they are friendly and welcoming. Curiosity draws the locals, who want to learn everything they can about the visitors.


 

Nearly a Private Photography Trip

 

It's an incredible photographic opportunity to be a part of this Sudan photographic experience. This is a Photography Expedition where we blend photography as well as the everyday experience of being next to an ancestral culture.

The group is small and we are all passionate travelers and photographers. 

It's difficult to put into words how wonderful it is to spend time in a Mundari cattle camp.  Mundari breeders, who are mainly herders and breeders, have a special bond with their animals. Between sunrise and sunset sessions with these amazing people, we will learn about the daily life of the camp and fell asleep at night listening to the cowbells and the Mundari people singing. It's a magical feeling to be out there.

Cattle are a symbol of their faith as well as their whole reason for being. The Mundaris' history, present, and future are all intertwined with their livestock to the point that men and cows are almost indistinguishable. They have a mutually beneficial friendship. The beasts are more than just a food source (milk, even blood, but not meat), a source of wealth, or a status symbol.

Two weeks after our arrival in the states, we are just now coming down from what was probably one of the best trips of our lives. As professionals in the photography business, we went into this experience open-minded and ready to explore. Harry’s energy and commitment not only matched ours, but exceeded it. You would think that a photographer who has been to a country numerous times would somehow let the cumulative effect of all his knowledge make him a complacent and a “dial it in” kind of leader. Harry was the very opposite. His energy and enthusiasm was infectious. His knowledge and compassion combined with his ability to adapt made our trip incredible. His thirst for humanity and ability to highlight what we would normally walk past, was phenomenal and for two people who are no strangers to the profession of street shooting, we learned and we grew immensely. Harry takes your hand when you want him to, and he will step to the side when you are ready to soar. He is an ally, a confidant and a true teacher.

Ami And Chris Riess (www.riesshill.com Santa Monica, California)



ITINERARY

 

DAY 1: PREPARATION DAY

Arrive by air in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, the youngest country on Earth. Our representative  will meet you  at the airport and take you  to Hotel Royal Palace. You’ll have a briefing with him and your Tour Leader .  The guide will take care of the travel permits and register your passports. The rest of the day is free.

 

 

DAY 2: TOUR TO MUNDARI CATTLE CAMP

After breakfast, we'll depart by 4WD jeep cars to the northern part of Juba to visit the Mundari cattle herders. The location of the camp destinations will depend on the season of migration. Upon arrival, we'll witness the Mundari morning activities and explore nearby villages.

After lunch, we  will walk to  the nearby villages of Mundari to explore their traditional buildings. While waiting for cattle to arrive back at the grazing land, and this is the best time to witness the love between Mundari and their cows.

Photographic Activities: Document Mundari morning rituals, interactions between Mundari and cattle, traditional village architecture, and local scenery.

 

 

DAY 3: WHOLE DAY WITH MUNDARI CATTLE HERDERS

Early morning at 5:30 am, we'll wake up for coffee, tea, and snacks, and start with our morning photography  with sunrise. This is a  full day to explore and learn more about the Mundari cattle herders and their culture. Our guide will help us experience various activities like milking and caring for the cattle.

Photographic Activities: Capture morning photos with sunrise, intimate shots of cattle care practices, Mundari cultural expressions, and daily life scenes.

 

 

DAY 4: MORNING  WITH MUNDARI AND DEPARTURE TO LOTUKO HILLS

We will wake up for our last morning photos with the Mundari people.  Have breakfast and then pack and depart for the Eastern part of the country (about 3-hours drive).  On your way, we will stop in Juba to buy some liquors,  soft drinks and snacks in the super-market or have a shower at the hotel.  We will have our lunch upon arrival at Torit hotel located with the main town of Torit capital of Eastern Equatoria while the guide clears permits with the state authorities. 

Later a one hour drive to Lotuko village-chalmini . Upon arrival,we will be met by the village guide who will take you for nature walk to the village and firstly to the village traditional healer  considered to be the Queen of the village or God of the village.  

Lotuko people build their huts with grass and coconut leaves, practice substance farming, growing mainly sorghum and maize. And also keep cows, sheep and goats.  They believe in two gods, being God of Roman Catholic and African traditional religion/ God of the mountains.

We will go back to your camp to witness the Lotuko traditional Dance.

Photographic Activities: Focus on farewell moments with the Mundari, transition to Lotuko village scenes, traditional architecture, and interactions with the locals.

 

 

DAY 5: LOTUKO MORNING EXPERIENCE AND DEPARTURE TO LOPIT HILLS

Morning coffee with snacks, then a walk to the village for sunrise and morning photos, followed by the amazing traditional dances of the Lotuko people. Afterward, return to the camp for breakfast while the team packs up the tents and loads luggage into the cars. Depart for Lopit Hills, a three-hour drive where you'll have packed lunch en route. Upon arrival, take an hour to relax before embarking on a nature walk guided by a village guide.

Explore the rocky, hand-paved streets of Imehejek village, witnessing tall traditional houses made of grass. Overnight in tents .

Photographic Activities: Capture Lotuko morning ceremonies, dances, village life, and scenic shots during the drive to Lopit Hills.

 

 

DAY 6: LOPIT TRADITIONAL DANCES AND DRIVE TO LARIM/BUYA

We'll have a whole day to observe aspects of the Larim daily lifestyle. Spend this time fully engaging with the Larim people, learning about their ways of life through storytelling and conversation. After breakfast, you'll witness the Larim traditional Dance, featuring women dressed in traditional costumes made of goat skin, displaying beautiful scars on their bodies. Few men join the dancers as Larim men tend to shy away from dancing with their women during the daytime due to the sensual nature of most songs. 

You'll marvel at the fascinating scars of the Larim people, and if fortunate, witness how they cut these scars. Additionally, you'll take a nature walk through more than three villages, surrounded by stunning mountains and breathtaking scenery.

Photographic Activities: Document traditional dances, musical instruments, cultural expressions of Lopit, and scenic views during the drive to Buya Hills.

 

 

DAY 7: SPENDING WHOLE DAY WITH LARIM PEOPLE

Experience a full day immersing ourselves  in the Larim daily lifestyle. You'll have the opportunity to engage extensively with the Larim people, learning about their ways of life through storytelling and conservation efforts.

After breakfast, you'll have the chance to witness the Larim traditional Dance, where women adorned in traditional goat skin costumes proudly display their beautiful scars.

Few men participate in these daytime dances as the songs sung are often intimate and romantic. You'll be captivated by the remarkable cultural aspects of the Larim people and might even witness their scarification practices. Additionally, you'll take a nature walk, visiting more than three villages surrounded by breathtaking mountains and stunning scenery. The overnight stay will be in tents, and meals will be prepared by our chef.

Photographic Activities: Capture Larim cultural expressions, traditional dances, scars, storytelling moments, and scenic landscapes.

 

 

DAY 8: DEPARTURE TO TOPOSA VILLAGE

After your last morning experience with the Larim people, have breakfast, pack, and embark on a 2-hour drive to Kapoeta Town. Take time to relax and enjoy lunch at Kuleo Hotel while the guide sorts out permits with the authorities. Subsequently, drive for 3 hours to Mogos, the Toposa village, which stands as one of the largest among the Toposa clans. 

En route, you'll witness the gold mining activities of the Toposa people and encounter local trade markets. Upon arrival at Mogos village, take a moment to relax while the guide introduces you to the village elders and chiefs. Later, engage in a nature walk through the village, experiencing evening activities like milking, cooking, and night dances accompanied by prayers.

Photographic Activities: Document farewell scenes with the Larim, transitions to Toposa village life, gold mining activities, and interactions with locals.

 

 

DAY 9: TOPOSA-JIE (LAST DAY WITH TOPOSA)

You'll take your final morning photos with the Toposa, enjoy breakfast, then prepare for departure to the Lopet village of the Jie people. Before leaving, you'll have the opportunity to experience the Toposa traditional dances in the morning. The journey to the Jie Territory will take about 3 hours, and upon arrival, you'll have lunch. Afterwards, you'll either drive or walk to one of the largest villages in Lopet payam to witness the ways of life of the Jie people. The Jie people share a linguistic connection with the Toposa and are believed to have originated from Northern Ethiopia. This evening, you can participate in a farewell party with the Jie people.

Photographic Activities: Focus on morning rituals, Toposa traditional dances, and document the Jie way of life upon arrival.

 

 

DAY 10:  LAST DAY WITH THE JIE

Morning last photos with the Jie people accompanied with traditional Dances,  have breakfast and then pack and drive to Kapoeta Town,  the main city of Toposa People. You will have your packed lunch inclusive of cold drinking water and fruits on the way.

Photographic Activities: Capture farewell moments, Jie morning rituals, and cityscapes during the drive to Kapoeta Town.

 

 

DAY 11: MARKET TOUR AND FAREWELL

After breakfast, you'll visit the bustling main market of Kapoeta Town, where you can make purchases of local items to bring as gifts for your friends and family. The market hosts traders from various countries like Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and South Sudan. Among them, the local Toposa traders specialize in gold, tobacco, and bead shops.

Following the market tour, you'll head to Kapoeta Airport, which is just 800 meters from the hotel, to catch your flight back to Juba. Meanwhile, the rest of the team will travel by road to Juba. Please note, this is the last day of the tour! 

Photographic Activities: Document market scenes, local interactions, and moments of departure.

 

 

DAY 12: END OF THE TRIP (FLY BACK HOME)

Visit Konyo-Konyo market in Juba, have lunch, and depart from Juba Airport.

Photographic Activities: Capture bustling market scenes, cityscapes in Juba, and moments of departure.

 



Prices per person
5-6 Participants 8,950 US$
3-4 Participants 9,900 US$


Supplements
Single Room Main Itinerary 500 US$


WHAT'S INCLUDED


SAFETY. READ THOROUGHLY.-

 

Travelers to South Sudan should be aware that the country may present safety challenges due to ongoing political and civil unrest. It's advisable to stay informed about the current situation, follow government advisories. In joining this photo-expedition you will be required to sign an informed consent document prior to departure

 

PRICE

 

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. A limited quantity of single-occupancy rooms is available for an additional charge.

The maximum number of participants is listed under "Maximum Group" in the Price section of each photo tour. However, we reserve the right to add by up to two, the maximum number of 2 participants per tour at any time.

 

IMPORTANT PRICE LINKED TO NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

 

This photo tour price is directly related to the number of travelers. As our group increases, we're able to reduce the per-person price.

 

Upon registration, you'll be invoiced for the highest published price.

 

This amount will be adjusted 60 days prior to departure, when your final payment is due, reflecting the group size at that time. Your final invoice will be calculated based on the ultimate number of participants.

 

Should the group consist of fewer than 5 people, the fee will be $9,900. For groups of 6 or more, the cost will be $8,950.

 

If participation falls short of our minimum threshold, a small group surcharge may be necessary. Our past experience indicates that travelers generally prefer paying more to ensure the trip proceeds.

 

 

COMFORT AND FITNESS LEVEL.-


Lodging: Best Available Hotel in Juba, Tents, Tented Camps

 

The schedule will /could change, frequently. We will be traveling on most decent and some rough roads and sometimes have very long days. Road conditions vary greatly, especially in rural areas. Unexpected conditions (weather, government restrictions, etc.) can occur and make alternate routings necessary.

 

A flexible, adventurous attitude, good humor, and a good book are important things to bring with you. There may be times when everything goes perfectly and without delay; other times you wonder if you will ever reach your destination. These comments are not meant to alarm you but only to forewarn you that travel in South Sudan can sometimes be frustrating.

 

We are working with people in a country where the service industry is non-existent. The few hotels are decent but not luxurious. Occasionally the hotel where we stay is the only acceptable alternative. We could face the frustration of not being able to photograph what we planned to achieve on the day.

 

Moderate Fitness: A reasonable level of fitness is required. You will need to be able to walk for a few hours -most of the time taking pictures - at a gentle pace, remain standing, get on and off cars, planes, unassisted.


Trekking: No


Altitude: No

 

 

SERVICES INCLUDED.-

 

- Tutoring by photographer/expert Roberto Pazzi
- Local Flight
- Reception at the airport on arrival and exit
- Transportation by 4x4 vehicles air-conditioned.
- Accommodation
- All meals except the arrival and departure days
- All visits
- Expert guide

 


SERVICES NOT INCLUDED.-

 

- International Flights
- Optional activities and visits
- Tipping to Guide and Driver
- Personal extras, such as drinks, laundry, telephone, etc.
- Visas.
- Air taxes
- Airport taxes
- Any other item not mentioned as included