15-Day Ultimate Ethiopia Photography Expedition

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be greeted by your Origin Abyssinia representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, meet your photography guide for a comprehensive tour briefing covering the expedition, recommended camera equipment, photography techniques, and the best opportunities for sunrise, sunset, wildlife, landscape, and cultural photography throughout the journey. Depending on your arrival time, relax at your hotel or enjoy a short introductory walk around the city before preparing for the adventure ahead.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

+6 Photos

+5 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Fly to Gondar & Trek into Simien Mountains National Park

Fly to Gondar before driving to Debark, the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Simien Mountains National Park. Meet your park ranger, scout, and trekking team before beginning your hike toward Sankaber Camp through dramatic escarpments and rolling alpine meadows. Along the trail, photograph large troops of endemic gelada monkeys against spectacular mountain backdrops while learning about the unique wildlife and geology of the Ethiopian Highlands. Arrive at camp in time to capture the warm afternoon light over one of Africa's most breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery)

High Season October to April (Lodges are busy)

Best Weather October to April

Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP

Gelada Monkey Abundant

Walia Ibex Occasional

Ethiopian Wolf Rare

Klipspringer Rare

Bushbuck Rare

Show more

Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Trek to Geech via Jinbar Waterfall

Continue trekking through the spectacular Simien Mountains toward Geech Camp, following one of Ethiopia's most scenic hiking routes. Photograph dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, endemic wildlife, and the magnificent Jinbar Waterfall as it plunges into the canyon below. Throughout the day, your photography guide will help you find the best viewpoints for landscape compositions while keeping an eye out for gelada monkeys, klipspringers, and colorful endemic bird species. Spend another unforgettable night camping beneath the stars in the Ethiopian Highlands.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Imet Gogo Viewpoint, Return to Gondar & Fly to Addis Ababa

Begin the morning with a trek to the spectacular Imet Gogo viewpoint, considered one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the Simien Mountains. Capture breathtaking photographs of towering cliffs, endless mountain ridges, and deep valleys while searching for the endangered Walia ibex, found only in Ethiopia. After completing the trek, return to Debark and continue to Gondar Airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Spend the evening reviewing your photographs and preparing for the next stage of your photography expedition.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Bale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, depart Addis Ababa and journey south through the scenic Great Rift Valley toward Bale Mountains National Park. The drive passes picturesque lakes, rolling farmlands, and traditional villages, offering excellent opportunities for landscape photography along the way. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, surrounded by pristine forests and cool mountain air. As the sun begins to set, capture the changing light across the highlands before relaxing at your lodge in preparation for tomorrow's wildlife photography adventure.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit November to February (Little rain)

High Season October to January (Park is never busy)

Best Weather November to February

Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP

Ethiopian Wolf Common

Mountain Nyala Common

Warthog Common

Menelik's
Bushbuck Occasional

Guereza Monkey Occasional

Show more

Olive Baboon Occasional

Bohor Reedbuck Occasional

Starck's Hare Occasional

Giant Mole-rat Occasional

Bale Monkey Rare

Giant Forest Hog Rare

Golden Jackal Rare

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Sanetti Plateau & Ethiopian Wolf Photography

Spend the day exploring the spectacular Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa's highest alpine plateaus at over 4,000 meters above sea level. This remarkable ecosystem provides the world's best opportunity to photograph the endangered Ethiopian wolf in its natural habitat. Accompanied by your experienced photography guide, position yourself for the best natural light while maintaining a respectful distance from the wildlife. The plateau is also home to mountain nyala, giant mole-rats, endemic birds, and dramatic Afro-alpine scenery, providing countless photographic opportunities throughout the day.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Harenna Forest & Return to Addis Ababa

Descend into the lush Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia's largest remaining cloud forests and a paradise for nature photographers. Capture images of towering moss-covered trees, wild coffee plants, and troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys living among the forest canopy. The cool, misty atmosphere creates exceptional conditions for forest photography and wildlife portraits. After exploring the forest, begin the scenic drive back to Addis Ababa, arriving in the evening for an overnight stay before continuing to the Danakil Depression.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Fly to Mekele & Journey into the Danakil Depression

Take a morning flight to Mekele before beginning your overland journey into the extraordinary Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Travel across dramatic volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and remote Afar villages as the scenery transforms into a surreal desert environment. Arrive at Hamedela in the late afternoon, where you'll enjoy sunset photography over the endless salt flats before spending the night camping beneath one of Africa's clearest night skies.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Dallol Hydrothermal Fields & Lake Karum

Depart before sunrise to photograph the extraordinary hydrothermal landscapes of Dallol, one of the world's most surreal geological wonders. Wander through vibrant sulfur deposits, bubbling mineral springs, brilliant green acidic pools, and dazzling white salt formations that create an incredible palette of natural colors. Continue to nearby Lake Karum, where generations of Afar salt miners continue the ancient tradition of cutting salt blocks by hand and transporting them across the desert by camel caravan. The dramatic contrast of colorful geothermal formations, endless salt flats, and traditional desert life offers exceptional opportunities for landscape and documentary photography before returning to Hamedela for another night under the stars.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Erta Ale Volcano Photography Expedition

Travel across the volcanic landscapes of the Afar Depression toward Erta Ale, one of the world's few continuously active volcanoes. In the late afternoon, begin the guided trek across ancient lava fields to the summit during the cooler hours of the day. After sunset, arrive at the crater rim to witness the unforgettable spectacle of the glowing lava lake, where molten rock continuously shifts and bubbles beneath the night sky. Your photography guide will assist you in capturing dramatic nighttime images while ensuring a safe viewing experience. Spend the night at the basic volcano camp overlooking one of Earth's most extraordinary natural phenomena.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Return to Mekele & Fly to Addis Ababa

Wake before sunrise for one final opportunity to photograph Erta Ale's glowing crater before descending from the volcano. Drive back across the Danakil Depression to Mekele, passing dramatic lava fields, salt flats, and remote Afar settlements that provide additional opportunities for documentary photography. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel and preparing for the final chapter of your photography expedition in the South Omo Valley.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Fly to Arba Minch, Lake Chamo & Dorze Village

Fly south to Arba Minch, the gateway to Ethiopia's culturally rich South Omo Valley. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Chamo, offering excellent opportunities to photograph giant Nile crocodiles, pods of hippos, and a variety of waterbirds. Later, travel into the Guge Highlands to visit the Dorze people, renowned for their towering beehive-shaped bamboo houses and traditional weaving techniques. Capture authentic portraits and architectural photographs before returning to your lodge for an overnight stay surrounded by beautiful Rift Valley scenery.

Main Destination:

Arba Minch (City)

Accommodation:

Paradise Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Arba Minch (City)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Konso Cultural Landscape & Drive to Jinka

After breakfast, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Konso Cultural Landscape, renowned for its remarkable stone terraces, traditional villages, and centuries-old agricultural practices. Photograph the distinctive terraced hillsides, intricately carved wooden grave markers, and daily life of the Konso people while learning about one of Ethiopia's most fascinating cultural landscapes.

Continue your journey through the scenic South Omo Valley to Jinka, the gateway to Mago National Park. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to capture the region's dramatic scenery and rural life before arriving at your lodge for an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

Accommodation:

Eco Omo Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Mursi & Hamer Photography, Fly to Addis Ababa

Begin the day with a visit to Mago National Park to meet the Mursi people, one of Africa's most distinctive indigenous communities. Photograph their unique traditions, colorful attire, intricate beadwork, and the famous lip plates worn by many Mursi women, always with respect for local customs and guidance from your local guide.

Continue to the Hamer community near Turmi, renowned for elaborate hairstyles, ochre body decorations, and beautifully crafted jewelry. If your visit coincides with a traditional Bull Jumping Ceremony, you may have the opportunity to photograph this important cultural event; however, ceremonies depend entirely on community schedules and cannot be guaranteed.

Later, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner hosted by Origin Abyssinia, celebrating an unforgettable photography expedition across Ethiopia's diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Departure

Enjoy a relaxed morning depending on your international departure schedule. If time permits, take one final walk through Addis Ababa or browse local markets for handcrafted souvenirs while capturing your last photographs of Ethiopia's vibrant capital.

At the appropriate time, your Origin Abyssinia representative will transfer you to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your onward flight. Your 15-day Ultimate Ethiopia Photography Expedition comes to an end, leaving you with an exceptional collection of images capturing Ethiopia's dramatic mountains, endemic wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.