
Ultimate Ethiopia
The Omo Valley in Ethiopia is unlike anywhere else in Africa, indeed it is unlike anywhere else on Earth. The authentic ethnic diversity in this remote destination is unparalleled and this cultural photo tour has been meticulously crafted to take you to the very best that the Omo has to offer. This unique place has over ten distinctly different tribes existing within a 38 mile / 60 km radius, each with its own language, clothing, hairstyles, bodily ornamentation and customs. On this photo tour we will interact with and photograph 4 of these tribes; the Suri, Mursi, Karo and Hamar as they welcome us into their lives and allow us the privilege of witnessing lifestyles that have been carrying on for hundreds of years.
Mike's approach to cultural photography is that authenticity and mutual respect are key - you will not be visiting "cultural villages" that are put on for tourists, this is the real deal. Each and every cultural photo tour to the Omo Valley is different but one thing that always remains the same is that horizons are broadened, egos are humbled and an incredible portfolio of images is created.
19 - 26 Jan 3 Spaces Available
USD 8 795 pp sharing
6 guests
+
photo tour leader
Mike Dexter
Photographic possibilities on this photo tour...
Itinerary
Today is set aside as an arrival day in Ethiopia's fascinating capital city. After landing in Bole International Airport and taking care of passport control and luggage formalities, you will be met by a tour representative and driven to our Hotel. That evening you will meet Mike, our Ethiopian guide and the other tour participants and discuss in detail the adventures that lie ahead, followed by a scrumptious meal and good nights rest.
Our journey out of Addis Ababa commences with a chartered flight to Mizan Teferi, and drive approximately 4-5 hours to Kibish in south western Ethiopia. En route we pass through Bebeka coffee plantation which is the largest and oldest coffee plantation in Ethiopia. After passing through the frontier town of Tulgit we will finally arrive in Kibish, where we will be camping for the next three nights.
Overnight Kibish
Our focus will be photographing the fabulous Suri people who, due to their remoteness, are one of the least visited of the Omo Valley's tribes. The Suri are known for their incredibly ornate and creative bodily decorations which they achieve through painting, scarification and adornment with flowers and other natural objects.
Nights Kibish
After a scrumptious breakfast prepared by our camp crew we depart for Mizan Teferi which will be a 4-5 hour drive and catch a charter flight to Omorate. On arrival we will visit the Dassanech people who are a semi-nomadic tribe living mainly near the delta of the Omo River, near Lake Turkana, on the border with Kenya. After some time with the Dassanech we will drive to our hotel in Turmi, 1-2 hours.
Overnight Buska Lodge
Our focus is now on the Hamar and Karo tribes. The Hamar are one of the most well known tribes in Southern Ethiopia, inhabiting the territory east of the Omo River and have villages in both Turmi and Dimeka. With our local knowledge we will aim to time our visits to coincide with the best light of the day and the most activity in the villages to ensure a host of photographic subjects. The Karo are known for their elaborate body and facial paintings. They live along the east bank of the Omo River and practice flood retreat cultivation.
Overnight Buska Lodge
After a final morning photographing the Hamar we will drive to Jinka where we will stay for one night.
Overnight Eco Omo Lodge
We have an early morning start as we enter Mato National Park at 06:00 in order to reach the Mursi while the light is still soft. Most famous for the clay lip plates that the women insert in their lower lips and elaborate body scarification. After a morning's photographic session in a Mursi village our incredible time in the lower Omo Valley comes to an end and we drive to the airport in Jinka in time for our flight back to Addis. Sadly this is where our incredible Ethiopian adventure comes to an end.
Book your spot on this photo tour now!
This photo tour is for you if...
– You are interested in experiencing ancient cultures that are almost untouched by the influences of the modern world.
– You have a passion for photographing people who are living lifestyles that are centuries old.
– You are happy with accommodation that is clean, comfortable but not lavish.
– You enjoy travelling with a small group of like-minded individuals. The small group size means that Mike will be on hand throughout this cultural photo tour as both your host and photographic tutor.
– You want to travel with the support of a team that has been operating in Ethiopia for over a decade.
– You want to experience the very best photographic opportunities that the Omo Valley has to offer, cherry picked to ensure that you have the ultimate cultural photo tour.
Tour cost includes...
– All accommodation as per the itinerary
– All meals
– Photographic fees for when photographing people
– Gratuities for local guides and services
– Photographic fees in national parks
– Portage fees
– All entrance fees as per the itinerary
– All airport transfers
– All ground transportation using 4x4 vehicles
– Professional local English speaking guide
– All local guide fees
– Bottled mineral water
– Government tax
– Hands on photographic tutoring by Mike Dexter

And excludes...
– All international flights
– Internal flights (US$ 399 pp which will be booked on your behalf and added to the final invoice)
– All beverages other than bottled mineral water
– Visa costs
– Laundry
– Travel insurance
– Personal expenses such as souvenirs, telephone calls etc.
Book your spot on this photo tour now!
