Ethiopia Photo Expedition

14 days
From $571/day
$7,995
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
57%
Trip last updated: 9/4/2024
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
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Overview

Highlights

    • Document the unique traditions of the peoples of the Omo Valley, described by National Geographic magazine as “Africa’s Last Frontier,” during dances and gatherings specially arranged for our group.
    • Frame a wide array of subjects, from bustling village markets and everyday life among thatched huts to the birdlife of Lake Chamo and the pilgrims of Lalibela.
    • Visit Omo Child, an organization co-founded by National Geographic Explorer Lale Labuko, dedicated to rescuing mingi children in the Omo Valley.

What's this trip about?

    Between its ancient wonders and its vibrant ethnic traditions, Ethiopia presents a rare chance for photographers to document fascinating cultures barely touched by the centuries. In the Omo River Valley, meet and photograph diverse peoples who distinguish themselves with elaborate body paint, scarification, and lip plates. Document bustling market scenes, and train your lens on the exquisite underground churches of Lalibela.
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeOperator does not provide
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityAddis Ababa
End CityAddis Ababa

Travel Themes

Activities

Trip includes

    • Accommodations
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Educational materials
    • Pre-departure information
    • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
    • All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
    • Ground transportation during the expedition
    • Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
    • Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders
    • Other staff
    • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges
    • Internal airfare is included on some international expeditions as indicated in the itinerary.

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Days 1 & 2: U.S./Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Radisson Blu

Depart for Addis Ababa on an overnight flight. If you wish, head to the Ethnographic Museum for an introduction to Ethiopia’s cultures before we gather for a welcome dinner tonight.

Day 3: Addis Ababa/Arba Minch

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Paradise Lodge

Begin the day with a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Museum of Ethiopia. See historical treasures as well as some of the most important early human fossils finds in the world. Fly south...

Day 4: Arba Minch/Jinka

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Eco Omo Safari Lodge

During a cruise on Lake Chamo, zoom in on a wide variety of birdlife, as well as hippos and crocodiles wallowing by the shore. Then drive south and west by 4x4 through ever-changing land...

Day 5: Jinka

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Eco Omo Safari Lodge

The distinctive cultural identities of the Omo Valley make it an extraordinary place to photograph. This is the home of tribes such as the Kara, the Hamer, and the Mursi, who decorate th...

Day 6: Jinka/Turmi

Meals:: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Buska Lodge

Head south into the heart of the Omo Valley, stopping at villages and market towns along the way. Get acquainted with Hamer people, who fashion their clothing out of goat skins, cowrie shells, and beads, and cover their hair and skin with a mix of butter and red minerals.

Days 7 & 8: Turmi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Buska Lodge

Work on portraiture and capturing scenes from everyday life during a fantastic photo adventure. We’ll hop in canoes, drive, and walk to reach the diverse communities around Turmi, including the D...

Days 9 & 10: Turmi/Konso/Addis Ababa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Day 9); Breakfast, Lunch(Day 10)

Accommodation: Kanta Lodge

Our last Omo Valley encounter is with the Arbore people, who live in tall, rounded huts. After a photo shoot, drive to the terraced hills of the Konso region, de...

Days 11 & 12: Lalibela

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tukul Village

Fly north to the World Heritage site of Lalibela. Hewn out of sheer rock below ground level, Lalibela’s eleven freestanding churches date from the 12th century and have welcomed worshippers eve...

Days 13 & 14: Addis Ababa/U.S.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Radisson Blu

Return to Addis Ababa and enjoy time to explore the city. Set on a photo shoot, wandering amid the stalls of the Mercado, the largest open-air market in Africa, where metalworkers recycle scrap metal an...

Dates & Availability

Price from
$7,995
Price per day
$571

Ethiopia Photo Expedition Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

National Geographic Expeditions

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Details

Trip Excludes:

  • International airfare transportation and related fees
  • Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for train or ship’s crew,
  • Passport, visa, and permit expenses
  • Medical expenses and immunizations
  • Baggage/accident/cancellation insurance
  • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages
  • The “B, L, D” notations apply to the period during the expedition only and do not include any meals on flights to/from the expedition

Meals included:

12 Breakfast, 11 Lunches and 9 Dinners

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