Capture the vibrant markets, historical landmarks, and cultural diversity of Ethiopia's capital.
Introducing Ethiopia Unveiled
A Photographic Journey Through Ancient Lands And Vibrant Tribes
Commence a journey on a mesmerizing photographic journey through Ethiopia's ancient lands and vibrant tribal communities. "Ethiopia Unveiled" offers a unique opportunity to capture the raw beauty, rich cultural heritage, and untamed landscapes of this captivating country. From the bustling streets of Addis Ababa to the remote villages of the Mursi, Hamer, and Karo tribes, every moment is a visual feast waiting to be captured.
Explore rock-hewn churches, witness traditional rituals, and immerse yourself in the daily lives of the tribespeople. This extraordinary expedition will take you through the Danakil Depression, Lalibela's mystical rock churches, the awe-inspiring Omo Valley, and more.
Join us on this captivating journey and uncover the hidden treasures of Ethiopia through the lens of your camera.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Explore the otherworldly landscapes of this geologically remarkable region and photograph the striking colors of Dallol.
Witness the ancient rock-hewn churches and document the devotion of pilgrims.
Venture into Mago National Park to meet the Mursi people and capture their unique traditions, including the iconic lip plates.
Experience the fascinating cattle-leaping ceremony, photograph the vibrant attire, and document the daily rituals of the Hamer people.
Visit the Karo tribe known for their elaborate body painting and capture their stunning adornments against the backdrop of the Omo Valley.
Photograph the stunning Arbore women and their traditional lifestyle in a scenic setting.
Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the Hamer people selling their goods, and immerse yourself in the bustling market.
Explore the remote villages of the Nyangatom tribe and capture their unique way of life on the banks of the Omo River.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by day Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ADDIS ABABA
- Fly to Addis Ababa; upon arrival at Bole international airport, your hospitality begins. We provide you with a meet-and-greet service at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel. After freshening up, you will start the day with a photoshoot in the Entoto hills, the highest point in Addis where the women wood carriers walk, donkeys roam and people pray at St. Mary's Church.
- From there you will walk the local Shiro Meda market where people shop for shema cloth and traditional clothing. You will photograph the pilgrims and priests at the ornate Holy Trinity Cathedral. Women in shama- traditional white shawls, and men deep in prayer are both inside this second most important place of prayer in Ethiopia as well as in the expansive courtyard.
- Lunch at the Lucy restaurant which is adjoining the Ethnological Museum which houses Lucy, the most complete skeleton ever discovered, being 3.2 million years old.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 2: FLY TO MEKELLE & DRIVE TO DANAKIL DEPRESSION
- After an enjoyable breakfast, transfer you to Addis Ababa airport for an hour's flight to Mekelle. At Mekele, you'll meet your vehicle and drive into the Danakil Depression. You'll begin the drive into the Danakil in good time so that you enjoy your drive in the cooler time of the day.
- The roads leading out of Mekele are smooth and asphalted, and driving further out of town there are some wonderful views of the landscape. As you drive further towards the Afar region, the roads are a maze of solidified lava, rock, and sand with an occasional palm-lined oasis.
- En route, you'll likely see long camel caravans going in and out of the Danakil as they are loaded with salt bars, the main export of this region.
- Overnight Camping in Danakil
DAY 3: EXPLORE THE DALLOL AREA & DRIVE TO GHERALTA
- Before dawn, after a light breakfast, you start driving to Dallol. It is like nowhere else; a bizarre landscape of colorful mineral deposits, sulfur pools and geysers, where you will have this early morning to explore this seemingly alien terrain. You then visit the salt canyons, a bizarre landscape where we go for a short walk.
- On the way back to camp you cross the salt flats where you see the arduous work of salt being extracted by hand and loaded onto the camels.
- After freshen up and having lunch, we will leave the Danakil and climb the steep mountains to Gheralta, climbing from 100 meters below sea level up to 2500m.
- Overnight in Gheralta
DAY 4: DRIVE TO GHERALTA
- Early in the morning exploration will take you to the very old and beautiful rock-hewn churches of Tigray. You will visit Mariam and Daniel Korkur which is perched on the top of Gheralta Mountain. In the afternoon, you will visit Abun Yemata Guh which is one of the finest rock-hewn churches in Tigray.
- Overnight in Gheralta
DAY 5: DRIVE TO AXUM & FLY TO LALIBELA
- Early in the morning, you will transfer by road (4hrs.) to Axum. This is one of the most amazing scenic drives along different magnificent terrains, and stunning vistas along rural villages. Upon arrival, you will check in to your flight to Lalibela. It is home of the rock-hewn churches and a World Heritage Site. It is located at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level.
- Lalibela is the 8th wonder of the world; 11 rock-hewn churches have been cut out of a solid red volcanic rock, some completely hidden in deep trenches, while others stand in open quarried caves and a complex series of tunnels and narrow passageways connect the churches.
- Lalibela indeed offers a great opportunity for any traveler. After checking in and having your lunch in your hotel, the afternoon will be devoted to visiting the first group (or the north–western cluster) of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel.
- Overnight in Lalibela
DAY 6: EXPLORE MORE ROCK CHURCHES
- After breakfast, drive to the cave church of Yemrhan Kristos. The drive will be on a good road passing through the most dramatic landscape of the countryside. This exquisite church is a masterpiece of Axumit wood and stone construction style. It is renowned for its interior decoration, its beautiful wooden coffer ceiling inlaid with hexagons, and medallions with both figurative and geometric motifs. Drive back to Lalibela.
- In the afternoon, you will visit the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which include the churches of Bet Gabriel - Rafael, Bet Emanuel, and Abba Libanos. Then you will continue your visit to the cruciform-shaped Bet Giorgis, the most beautiful church here. Its interior is dominated by depictions of Saint George killing the dragon. It is one of the newest and best-preserved churches.
- Overnight in Lalibela
DAY 7: FLY TO ADDIS & CONNECT TO YOUR FLIGHT TO JINKA
- After breakfast, you transfer to the airport and take the short flight back to Addis Ababa and transfer to your flight that departs at 11:40 am flight to Jinka arriving at 1:00 pm. The afternoon will be spent walking the packed village lanes of the Ari village.
- These very rural people are friendly, some homes are brightly painted, they do pottery, grow sorghum, and daily life is easily photographed. Chickens in the yards, kids wanting to hold your hands, and women cooking by fire all make for a great introduction to the Omo Valley.
- These people are not painted, pierced, or decorated but are an excellent representation of rural southern Ethiopia. You will visit the school in the village. The classrooms are visually compelling and great to document. We will walk up the main road visiting the houses and meeting the people.
- We will be spending the night in the Eco Omo Lodge which is on the banks of the river where people bathe, clothing gets washed and cars get cleaned.
- Overnight in Jinka
DAY 8: EXCURSION TO MAGO NATIONAL PARK TO VISIT MURSI
- Early morning before dawn, you will take the two-hour ride through Mago National Park to reach a Mursi village. As they are nomadic it is impossible to name the settlement you will visit. The women wear circular clay lip plates, the men are garbed in large towel-like wraps. Photographing women grinding sorghum and breastfeeding while making their morning coffee which they drink out of gourds is possible.
- Our guides handle the photo fee payments so you can shoot with abandon. For protein, the men bleed a bull in the early morning and drink its blood. The homes are thatched straw and sticks, and these people are known to keep traditions very much intact.
- Many men have body adornments. A sense of humor is needed to fully appreciate the Mursi photographic experience. The afternoon will be spent wandering the dirt street and markets of Jinka. The market is colorful and vibrant with many bars, and stores selling plastic woven baskets, and day-to-day items.
- Splitting into small groups a guide will help you with translation, setting up shots if desired, and see to it that you can photograph freely. Lodging nice again will be at the Eco Omo Lodge which has a patio where the group can have cold beer or hot coffee after this long day.
- Overnight in Jinka
DAY 9: TURMI VIA ARBORE
- Proceeding further into the scenic Weito lowlands, you will be visiting an Arbore tribal village located at the northern edge of Mount Buska. The Arbore women are absolutely stunning; they have extremely dark skin and strong features.
- Prior to marriage, the women have their heads shaved. They wear dark robes, colorful beads, and their huts are fabricated from tree branches. You will work on your portraiture skills in this village. Arriving in Turmi late in the afternoon, you will be spending the night at the Buska Lodge which will be your base for the next few days.
- These round-shaped tukul lodges have porches and are on the bank of a stream. If you like shooting star trails this is your mecca as there is little light pollution.
- Overnight in Turmi
DAY 10: TURMI - DUS - TURMI
- Departing Turmi at 5:00 AM, you will head to Dus, the friendliest village of the Kara tribe. Settled on the banks of the Omo River, this tribe is known for their creative and decorative body chalk painting. Many of the Kara women have pierced lips and insert nails and pins.
- Photographing on the bank of the Omo River can yield images of the kids diving into the water. You will shoot a cattle and goat drive which is iconic.
- Dust swirling, men with guns and long herders stick driving their herd to the water. You will photograph the ceremonial, communal dance performed by the people of Dus. They will invite you into their huts for coffee to be had out of a gourd.
- The Kara of Dus prides themselves as the best dancers in the Omo. You will also photograph these warm and inviting people on the banks of the Omo and in the shade, under the large umbrella-like trees.
- You will be bringing a picnic breakfast and lunch with us. Overnight in Turmi
DAY 11: TURMI - KANGATEN - TURMI
- Starting off from Turmi at sunrise you will be heading to Kangate, home to the Nyangatom tribe that historically is said to be a split group from the Toposa tribe of South Sudan. Settled on the other side of the Omo River, You will be crossing the Omo River where you will be able to access and visit remote tribal villages. The teenage boys are lively and like to play much of the day.
- The women are topless and wear many strands of heavy beads, the girls are playful and love to have their images taken.
- Mid-afternoon, you will return to Turmi where you will be spending another night at the Buska Lodge. You can also photograph the Hamer tribe digging for water, smoking out bees, or doing another local village sunset shoot.
- Overnight in Turmi
DAY 12: TURMI - OMORATE-TURMI
- Departing Turmi at 5:00 AM, you will be heading to Omorate, home of the Dassanach tribe who are said to be descendants of the Turkana tribe in North Kenya. Like many of these tribal groups, they use chain links and other Western ‘cast-offs' as decorative objects.
- Crossing the newly constructed Omo River Bridge and driving further for 12 km, we will be able to photograph a remote Dassanach tribal village, just 11 km from the shores of Lake Turkana.
- You will photograph the women cooking by fire, grinding corn meal, and the men with their flock. You will try to continue further south to Lake Turkana to see and photograph the small wooden fishing boats and Dassanch people.
- Overnight in Turmi
DAY 13: TURMI
- This being Monday we will attend the Turmi market. The Hamer people will be selling honey, snuff, foodstuffs, and local wares. You will be able to wander freely shooting the many stalls. Of note the stores have some artistic designs and the crafts market is the best in the Omo.
- The grain mills are amazing and many stores are great backdrops for street photography. You may encounter the ritualistic bull jumping ceremony usually around Turmi. The women dance, the bells on their ankles making a distinctive noise that blends in with the bugles they blow.
- The age group (16-25) of men called Maza to whip the women as a sign of devotion as they will be responsible for the women as they grow old. Not less than five bulls are lined up and the nude guy will run across them numerous times. Once successfully completed he is entitled to marry.
- Over Night in Buska Lodge
DAY 14: ADDIS ABABA
- Today we will fly back to Addis Ababa from the Jinka airport. The group will return to Addis early in the afternoon and go to a Fair Trade home goods store that has the highest quality fabrics/ shawls/ linen. Those leaving on late-night flights will be driven to the airport. The farewell dinner will be in the hotel.
- Overnight in Addis Ababa
How Can We Help You Create an Extraordinary Ethiopian Adventure?
At Sawla Tours, we are passionate about turning your travel dreams into reality. With years of hands-on experience in crafting unforgettable journeys to Ethiopia, we are your go-to experts in deciding when to travel, where to explore, and what to discover.
Whether you have a detailed itinerary in mind, seek professional advice, or simply don't know where to begin, we're eager to assist. Reach out to us today, and together, we'll create an extraordinary travel experience tailored just for you.
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