7-Day Photography Tour in Northern Part of Ethiopia

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Your Ethiopian journey begins in Addis Ababa, the country’s vibrant capital. After arrival and check-in, begin your tour with a drive to Entoto Hills for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Capture the interplay of modernity and tradition from above. Later, visit the National Museum, home to the fossilized remains of "Lucy" a must capture artifact for cultural context.
In the afternoon, explore Mercato, one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. It's a dream for street photographers: chaotic, colorful, and full of life. End your day with sunset shots from a rooftop overlooking the capital.
Overnight stay Daamat Hotel.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Da'amat Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar – Blue Nile & Lake Tana

Drive north to Bahir Dar, a city on the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake. Take a boat trip to photograph ancient monasteries on the islands, with their vivid murals and mysterious ambiance. The priests and monks provide compelling portrait opportunities.
In the afternoon, visit the majestic Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat” Smoking Water. Capture the falls from different angles as mist rises into the lush surroundings. As the sun dips low, set up for golden-hour shots over Lake Tana, with silhouettes of fishermen in papyrus boats. Overnight stay Delano Hotel.

Main Destination:

Bahir Dar (City)

Accommodation:

Delano Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Bahir Dar to Gondar – Castles & Churches

Drive to Gondar, a city rich in medieval history. Your primary focus is the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with towering castles and ancient banqueting halls a rare subject in African architecture photography.
Later, visit Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its stunning ceiling filled with winged angel faces. This church provides interior lighting challenges that reward patient and skilled photographers. Wander the cobbled streets for candid shots of daily life in this highland city. Overnight stay Ag Hotel.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

AG Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Gondar to Simien Mountains National Park

Early departure to Simien Mountains National Park, one of the most photogenic places in Ethiopia. These jagged peaks and deep valleys offer dramatic landscape compositions ideal for wide-angle and telephoto lenses alike.
Spend the afternoon photographing gelada baboons, endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands. These primates, with their expressive faces and social behaviors, offer powerful portrait possibilities. Capture the golden-hour light falling on the cliffs and grasslands before settling in for overnight stay Simien Lodge.

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:

Simien Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Simien Mountains to Lalibela – The Rock-Hewn Churches

Take a scenic drive to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia's most iconic photography destinations. This ancient town is famed for its 11 rock-hewn churches, carved directly into the earth in the 12th century. Each church is a masterpiece, rich with texture and religious symbolism.
You'll have the opportunity to photograph monks and priests draped in white, holding crosses as they perform ancient rituals deeply spiritual moments captured in stillness and shadow. The interplay of light and architecture here is a photographer’s dream. Overnight stay Top Twelve Hotel.

Main Destination:

Lalibela (Town)

Accommodation:

Top Twelve Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Lalibela (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Lalibela to the Danakil Depression Alien Landscapes

Fly to Semera, then drive into the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most otherworldly places on Earth. Here you’ll photograph vibrant, surreal landscapes: acid pools, sulfur chimneys, and salt flats. Dallol's colors neon greens, yellows, and oranges create compositions that seem out of this world.
You’ll also encounter Afar nomads and camel caravans transporting salt amazing opportunities for cultural and environmental storytelling through your lens. This is a challenging day physically but immensely rewarding visually.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Return to Addis Ababa

Return to Addis Ababa for your final day. Spend time editing your favorite shots or photographing a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony a cultural highlight perfect for close-ups and storytelling sequences. Visit local artisan markets for last-minute street photography and souvenirs.
Optionally, capture the pulse of Addis at night neon signs, street vendors, and nightlife. End with a group dinner to reflect on the week’s visual journey.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

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