South West Ethiopia - a memorable roadside stop
After spending time with the Suri tribe we had a wonderful unplanned stop on my Omo Valley photography tour.
I often say that unplanned stops are some of my highlights on my African photo tours. They are unexpected and therefore there are no expectations. When travelling in the Omo Valley and especially getting to the Suri tribe, there is a lot of time travelling in the car. However, these don’t need to be lost travel days…in fact some of these days I have had absolutely incredible experiences.
Not only does the landscape change dramatically throughout most days, but also the styles of homes and villages. There is always something interesting to see and people to meet.
long drives can create wonderful opportunities
Living in Australia means I’m used to long drives and I like road trips. Ideally I prefer driving up to 8 hours a day. More than that and it’s more of a mission to get to your destination rather than having time to enjoy stops and opportunities as they arise. Some roads in Southern Ethiopia are good and smooth and others are bumpy to very bumpy. Set your expectations low and you’re never disappointed. In Australia an 8 hours drive you could drive many kilometres (especially if mainly freeway driving!). However in Ethiopia the driver is dodging potholes, donkeys, people, motorbikes and more.
expect long days in the car
If you are visiting the Suri Tribe (Surma tribe) in the Upper Omo Valley and go on the safer roads to get there (which I always do on my Omo Valley photo tours) then expect some long days in the car. It is part of the journey and adventure. The unplanned stops and coffee breaks along the way ad to your experience and the people you meet can create some unforgettable and wonderful memories.
If you want to limit the amount of driving days on an Ethiopian tour there are cheap domestic flights within Ethiopia. Sometimes you can take a quick 1.5hours flight (or less) and save an 8 hour drive!
Beautiful scenery between Maji and Mizan Teferi
On this trip I went via Maji from the Suri tribe towards Mizan Teferi. I had planned on spending a few days in Maji but decided to stay longer with the Suri tribe so only stayed in Maji for a couple of days. Between Maji and Mizan Teferi we made some unforgettable roadside stops. Here’s my experience of one of our unplanned stops…when we stopped the car on the side of the road opposite some homes.
we stopped opposite some houses and were welcomed to join the families for a coffee
It wasn’t long until we were invited to share coffee with the beautiful and curious families that came out of their homes to meet us.
phone photo from inside their home
They welcomed us in their home and showed us around. They enjoyed looking at photos of our children on our phones.
This guy was taking photos of me on his phone and then I took some photos of him. I always love to share in the fun of photography. Whilst I am learning the official language of Ethiopia there are so many languages and dialects spoken that I often can’t communicate with people we meet, but fortunately photography, smiling and friendly gestures are universal in their meaning.
When they got to together for a photo they put on their serious faces…
So I made sure I captured their happy smiles too…of course!
Best photo bomb lol!!!!!!!!!
It is obvious that they enjoyed our unplanned visit and had fun infront of my camera. When I first visit I usually just take my phone with me. However, if I feel there is a right and respectful opportunity (and enough time to not shoot and run) then I will go back to the car and get my camera after meeting and spending time with them. After spending some time in their home and sharing coffee I got my camera and they loved it.
These girls were having fun being in front of my camera. You can see from the wide shot below that all the younger ones were trying to get in their shot :-)
An emotional drive after a heart warming visit
These lovely mums gestured for me to follow them to another house. I was taken to a dark room at the back of the home where they showed me fast asleep on a mattress on the floor were gorgeous newborn twins. There were people all around me trying to communicate something with me about the babies which I did not understand. I was by myself with them and I couldn’t understand what they were saying to me. All I knew how to say in their language was that they were beautiful and precious.
It wasn’t until we had said goodbye and were back in the car that I asked my guide about the newborn twins (he didn't come with me to the second home). My heart broke as he explained that they were asking if I would take one or both of the babies to give them a better life.
As we drove that afternoon my mind was in a whirl thinking about the inequalities in the world and sacrifices parents make.
I hope to visit them again on a future trip and see the twins grown up and these beautiful families…it certainly will be special to return.