Our story
We never set out to build a travel company. We set out to keep going back, to the same valleys, the same families, the same long conversations by the stove.
Karai is what happened when we realised that the most precious thing we had to share was not a destination, but the relationships we had built over the years. So we decided to open those doors to a few people at a time, with the same care we bring to our films.
If you travel with us, you will not be a client. You will be our guest and, for a few weeks, part of the family we have found on the road.
Where it all started
Karai is founded by Thomas Cytrynowicz and Emilie Tricot, a duo of nomadic photographers and filmmakers. Soon after meeting in Brussels, we became inseparable, united by a shared belief that the world's most extraordinary stories are found far from the beaten path.
Our collaborative efforts began as we embarked on documentary projects and recce missions across diverse landscapes, from the enigmatic mountains of Northern India and Georgia to the untamed wilderness of Madagascar and the bustling metropolises of West Africa. Amidst our adventures, we laid the groundwork for Karai.
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2018
A first journey to Mongolia
Thomas leaves for the Altai to make a film with Timothy Allen and his Kazakh friends on their migration. An epic journey that led him to assist on his first group expedition.
Thomas Cytrynowicz
Thomas is the intrepid photographer and film director behind KARAI's expeditions. Drawing upon his wealth of experience in crafting compelling visual narratives and his deep-rooted involvement in humanitarian and development affairs, he brings a rare combination of artistic vision and field expertise.
He often works for NGOs on humanitarian and development projects, believing that well-crafted images can be a force for good.
- A place that changed me
- The Altai in February, at minus thirty.
- Always in my bag
- A 50mm lens, my Opinel knife and a head torch.
- On expedition
- Up before everyone, chasing the first light.
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2019
Iran & India
The ancient migratory routes of the Zagros, then leading a first expedition with a small group in Spiti Valley. Somewhere between two camps, the idea of Karai takes root.
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2020
Winter in Mongolia
A second trip to join Timothy Allen's expedition, this time in February and by -30°C, then the photo series Winter Migration.
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2022
Thomas meets Emilie
Within weeks, we are planning our first trip together to explore Georgia.
Emilie Tricot
With her background in film production and insatiable curiosity, Emilie is the agile producer who orchestrates meticulous planning and seamless execution for every expedition and film project, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence.
She emerged as the missing link, propelling our shared dream into reality and ensuring every Karai journey runs with the precision and care it deserves.
Behind the camera, she brings a woman's eye and a gentle, delicate approach to every encounter. Women and children in particular open up to her easily, and her images carry the trust and intimacy of those moments.
- A place that changed me
- The giant, sun-baked dunes of the Mauritanian desert.
- Always in my bag
- A 16-35mm lens, spare batteries and an energy bar.
- On expedition
- Making sure nobody notices how much was planned.
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2023
Madagascar
Our first recce in the country together, three weeks to start laying down the bricks of the Red Island expedition.
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2024
Karai is born
The studio is founded in Brussels to bring films, photographs and expeditions under one roof, offering Madagascar and Spiti Valley the following year as first destinations.
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2025
Our first expeditions
The year our expeditions launch: we set off to Spiti Valley and Madagascar with our first two groups.
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June 2026
Transhumances
A two-year project on the last great nomadic migrations begins, starting with 4 months in Mongolia.
Watch the teaser -
August 2026
First collaborations
Jody MacDonald joins as guest photographer in Mongolia, and collaborations with travel agencies on key expeditions begin.
Together, we drive Karai forward
United by our commitment to harness the power of storytelling to inspire others, we have built Karai around a simple principle: that the most meaningful encounters happen when you slow down, stay longer, and go deeper than anyone else dares.
Every expedition is personally designed, scouted and led by us. Every story is written, photographed or filmed by us. There is no outsourcing, no compromise, just two people entirely committed to giving you access to places and moments that most people will never experience.
Based in Brussels, we operate worldwide, with a particular focus on communities living at the intersection of tradition and change.
We create impactful stories and design bespoke expeditions in remote corners of the world, because both can be a force for good, if done right.
Social and environmental impact is at the core of Karai
Social and environmental impact is at the core of Karai
We actively work to ensure that our expeditions leave a positive trace on the communities we visit, on the environments we pass through, and on the individuals who join us.
Travel mindfully
Before and during each expedition, we share the customs, beliefs and etiquette of the places we visit, so that everyone travels with curiosity and respect, as a guest rather than a tourist.
Local development
We actively participate in local development by providing economic support to our partner and host communities.
Give back to nature
We donate 5% of our profits to a fund for environmental restoration.
Small groups only
Maximum 8 participants per expedition, to minimise our footprint and maximise the quality of every encounter.
Fair pay
All local guides, fixers, hosts and collaborators are fairly paid for their knowledge and hospitality and, on top of their pay, everyone is generously tipped.
Responsible storytelling
We never publish images or stories without the informed consent of the communities and individuals we portray.
A story we wrote together
Karai’s story wasn’t written by us alone. It belongs just as much to the families who open their homes, share their tables, and trust us with their heritage, but also to our guides and drivers who make the expeditions possible. Every journey carries a piece of their spirit. Meet a few of the people behind our story.
Now that you know everything, ready to jump in?
Whether you want to join an expedition, commission a documentary project, or simply have a conversation, we'd love to hear from you.
Letters from the field
New expeditions before they are announced, field notes and photo stories. A few emails a year, never more.
