$7,800 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrive Addis Ababa and city Tour
Arrive Addis Ababa and city Tour
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Ethiopian Photography Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. After some time to refresh, begin exploring Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital city. Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil remains of Lucy, and explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an important religious and historical landmark. Depending on your interests and available time, continue to Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the city or visit local markets to experience everyday Ethiopian life. This first day offers an introduction to Ethiopia’s rich history, culture, and traditions, with opportunities for photography along the way. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Crescent International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches
Addis Ababa – Lalibela | Rock-Hewn Churches
After breakfast, you will take a morning domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable historical destinations.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and begin exploring the first group of Lalibela’s famous rock-hewn churches. These extraordinary churches were carved directly into the volcanic rock more than 900 years ago and remain active places of worship.
You will have time for photography and to observe the daily religious life around the churches, including priests, pilgrims, and local residents.
Overnight: Lalibela.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
-
Mountain View Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Yimrehane Kiristos & Lalibela Churches
Yimrehane Kiristos & Lalibela Churches
In the morning, drive to Yimrehane Kiristos, a remarkable cave church located outside Lalibela. Built during the Zagwe period, the church is beautifully preserved inside a natural cave and is surrounded by an atmospheric forested landscape.
After returning to Lalibela, spend the afternoon exploring the second group of rock-hewn churches, including some of the most impressive architectural and photographic sites in the town.
The afternoon light provides excellent opportunities for photography of the churches, local people, priests, and surrounding landscapes.
Overnight: Mountain View Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Lalibela (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Mountain View Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Lalibela – Gondar – Simien Mountains
Lalibela – Gondar – Simien Mountains
After breakfast, take a morning flight from Lalibela to Gondar. Upon arrival, drive toward the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park.
After entering the park and reaching the lodge area, begin your first wildlife photography experience. The Simien Mountains are particularly famous for their large troops of Gelada monkeys, an Ethiopian endemic species.
In the late afternoon, photograph Geladas as they gather on the dramatic cliffs and grasslands, with the setting sun illuminating the surrounding mountains.
Overnight: Simien Lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Simien Lodge
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Explore Simien Mountains National Park
Explore Simien Mountains National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of Simien Mountains National Park.
You will have opportunities to photograph:
Gelada monkeys – endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands
Walia ibex – one of Ethiopia’s most iconic endemic mammals
Ethiopian wolf – occasionally encountered in suitable highland habitats
Abyssinian grass rat
Klipspringer and other highland mammals
Thick-billed raven
Abyssinian catbird
White-winged cliff-chat
Rüppell’s chat
Lappet-faced and other highland raptors
The day will also include spectacular viewpoints overlooking the deep valleys, cliffs, and escarpments of the Simien Mountains.
Overnight: Simien Lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Simien Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Simien Mountains – Wildlife & Landscape Photography
Simien Mountains – Wildlife & Landscape Photography
Continue exploring Simien National Park, concentrating on wildlife photography and the spectacular mountain scenery.
Early morning is ideal for photographing Geladas while they are active and feeding. Depending on wildlife movements and local conditions, we will explore different areas of the park to maximize opportunities for photography.
The Simien landscape, with its dramatic escarpments, giant cliffs, valleys, and highland vegetation, also provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Overnight: Simien Lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Simien Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Simien Mountains – Gondar – Addis Ababa
Simien Mountains – Gondar – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive from the Simien Mountains to Gondar Airport to catch your flight back to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be free for relaxation, photography preparation, or personal activities.
Overnight: Crescent International Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Crescent International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Addis Ababa – Goba – Bale Mountains National Park
Addis Ababa – Goba – Bale Mountains National Park
Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Goba. Upon arrival, drive toward Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most important highland ecosystems and a key destination for wildlife photography.
You will visit the Dinsho headquarters and surrounding area, where you may have opportunities to photograph endemic mammals such as Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck, as well as a variety of highland birds.
The surrounding grasslands and forests provide a beautiful introduction to the Bale Mountains ecosystem.
Overnight: Wabe Shebelle Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba
Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP
Bushbuck Occasional
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Bale Mountains – Ethiopian Wolf & Wildlife Photography
Bale Mountains – Ethiopian Wolf & Wildlife Photography
Today you will explore Bale Mountains National Park in search of its unique wildlife.
The park is one of the best places in Ethiopia to photograph the Ethiopian wolf, Africa’s rarest canid and an endemic species of the Ethiopian Highlands.
Depending on the season and wildlife movements, there may also be opportunities to photograph:
Ethiopian wolf
Bale monkey
Mountain Nyala
Menelik’s bushbuck
Ethiopian highland hare
Starck’s hare
Common duiker
Hyrax
Abyssinian long-eared owl
Rouget’s rail
Abyssinian catbird
Wattled ibis
Blue-winged goose
With good timing and patience, you may also have the opportunity to observe Ethiopian wolf pups during the appropriate season.
Overnight: Wabe Shebelle Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Bale Mountains – Wildlife & Landscape Photography
Bale Mountains – Wildlife & Landscape Photography
Continue exploring Bale Mountains National Park, visiting different habitats in search of wildlife and birds.
The Bale Mountains offer an exceptional combination of wildlife, endemic species, forests, Afro-alpine landscapes, and high-altitude plateaus.
We will spend the day photographing wildlife and landscapes, with flexible timing to take advantage of the best light and animal activity.
Overnight: Wabe Shebelle.
- Main Destination:
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Goba – Addis Ababa – Jinka – Turmi
Goba – Addis Ababa – Jinka – Turmi
After breakfast, fly from Goba to Jinka via Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival in Jinka, drive south toward Turmi, the heart of Hamer country in the Omo Valley.
In the afternoon, visit a Hamer village and experience one of the most distinctive cultural environments in southern Ethiopia.
The Hamer people are traditionally agro-pastoralists and are known for their distinctive hairstyles, body decoration, colorful clothing, beadwork, and strong cultural traditions. This visit provides excellent opportunities for respectful cultural photography and interaction with local communities.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge.
Day 12
Hamer – Karo – Nyangatom
Hamer – Karo – Nyangatom
Today will be dedicated to cultural exploration and photography in the Omo Valley.
We will travel toward the areas inhabited by the Karo and Nyangatom peoples, depending on local conditions and accessibility.
The Karo are traditionally agro-pastoralists living along the Omo River. They are particularly known for their elaborate body painting and scarification, colorful cultural traditions, and spectacular location overlooking the Omo River.
The Nyangatom are traditionally pastoralist communities living in the Lower Omo region. Their distinctive clothing, beadwork, hairstyles, and traditional way of life provide fascinating opportunities for cultural photography.
We will prioritize respectful interaction and photography while following local customs and community guidance.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Turmi (Lower Omo Valley)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Paradise Lodge Turmi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13
Arbore or Dassanech – Jinka
Arbore or Dassanech – Jinka
After breakfast, visit either the Arbore or Dassanech community, depending on local conditions and the best cultural opportunity available that day.
The Arbore are an agro-pastoralist community known for their traditional villages, colorful clothing, beadwork, and distinctive cultural traditions.
Alternatively, we may visit the Dassanech, who live around the Omo River and Lake Turkana region. Their traditional lifestyle is closely connected to livestock, fishing, agriculture, and the river environment. Their unique hairstyles, jewelry, clothing, and community life offer excellent opportunities for cultural photography.
After the visit, drive back toward Jinka.
Overnight: Nasa Hotel or similar.
- Main Destination:
- Jinka (Lower Omo Valley)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Nasa Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 14
Mursi Village – Jinka – Addis Ababa
Mursi Village – Jinka – Addis Ababa
In the morning, drive toward the Mago National Park area to visit a Mursi community.
The Mursi are one of the best-known indigenous groups of the Lower Omo Valley. They are traditionally agro-pastoralists and are known for their distinctive cultural traditions, body adornment, lip-plate tradition among some women, and unique hairstyles and clothing.
The visit will provide an opportunity to learn about their traditional lifestyle and photograph the community respectfully.
After the visit, return to Jinka for lunch and catch the afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax.
Overnight: Crescent International Hotel or similar.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Crescent International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 15
Addis Ababa – Dire Dawa – Harar
Addis Ababa – Dire Dawa – Harar
Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa. Upon arrival, drive to the historic city of Harar.
Harar is one of Ethiopia’s most fascinating cultural destinations and is famous for its ancient walled city, colorful streets, traditional houses, markets, and unique Islamic heritage.
In the afternoon, explore the Harar Jugol, the historic walled city. The walls and gates date back centuries and surround a maze of narrow streets, traditional homes, colorful markets, and historic mosques.
In the evening, experience one of Harar’s most famous traditions, the feeding of the wild hyenas. Under the guidance of the local hyena feeders, you will have an opportunity to photograph these remarkable animals at close range.
Overnight: Ras Hotel or similar.
- Main Destination:
- Harar (Town)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- Harar Ras Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 16
Harar – Dire Dawa – Addis Ababa – Departure
Harar – Dire Dawa – Addis Ababa – Departure
After breakfast, drive from Harar back to Dire Dawa Airport for your flight to Addis Ababa.
Depending on your international departure time, you may have some free time in Addis Ababa for shopping, relaxing, or purchasing souvenirs.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Ethiopian cuisine and traditional hospitality.
After dinner, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Activities:
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
