From the Rift Valley where fossils of the oldest known upright hominid were discovered and an endless span of multicolored landscapes exist; to the vibrant energy of the annual Timket religious street festival, Ethiopia thrives with vivid images for your photographic eye. A trip designed for the truly adventurous photographer, PQA will take you beyond the tourists for the rare experience to photograph the remote local tribes along the Omo Rift Valley. Travel with PQA to east Africa and absorb Ethiopia’s dynamic scenery while our pro photographers lead you in capturing the heart of this stunning country with breathtaking photos!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Jan 15: Arrive In Addis
Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer from airport to hotel. O/N – Ghion Hotel (4*).
Day 2, Jan 16: Fly From Addis to Lalibela
A Morning flight form Addis to Lalibela. In the afternoon visit the first group of the rock-hewn churches of King Lalibela, a Unesco World Heritage Site. These unique churches sit below the ground level and were sculpted and carved, both inside and out, directly from the living bedrock. O/N – Roha Hotel.
Day 3, Jan 17: Lalibela
Morning mule back ride to the hill top semi monolithic church of Asheten Mariam (13th Century Ad). The peak of the hill offers a wonderful viewpoint of the surrounding area including the town of Lalibela. Afternoon visits to the second and the third group of churches of Lalibela. O/N – Roha Hotel.
Day 4, Jan 18: Lalibela
In the morning, we will visit Neakuto Leab church. In the afternoon, we will visit local villages in Lalibela. O/N – Roha.
Day 5, Jan 19: Fly to Gondar
After breakfast, we will fly to Gondar – the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. Gondar is also known as the Camelot of Africa. In teh afternoon, you will attend the eve ceremony of Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany) festival. A colorful religious street festival of priests and the deacons singing religious songs and dancing as the replicas of the Ark of the Covenant from each church are transported to the nearby common water place. O/N – Goha Hotel.
Day 6, Jan 20: Gondar
Attend the continuation of the ‘Timket’ ceremony in the morning and then in the afternoon visit the ‘Royal Compound’ with it’s many majestic castles constructed in the European middle age architectural style. Visit the ‘Bath of Emperor Fasiladas’ and finally Debre Birhan Sillassie church (‘Trinity at the mount of light’), which is the finest of the Gonderine churches. O/N – Goha Hotel.
Day 7, Jan 21: Gondar – Addis
Fly back to Addis with a half-day city tour of Addis including stops at the National Archaeological Museum of Addis location of the fossil remains of the oldest hominid – Lucy (3.25 mil years old.) Drive to Mt. Entoto for panoramic view of Addis and Merkato – the largest open-air market in Africa. O/N – Ghion Hotel (4*) or Global(4*).
Day 8, Jan 22: Addis - Jinka, Mursi Villages-Mago National Park
Fly from Addis to Jinka and drive to Mago National Park (3-4 hours) where you can visit the most famous people of the Omo Valley – the Mursi people. The women of the tribe are known for their practice of inserting clay lip plates in their lower lips. O/N- Camping at Mago Park.
Day 9, Jan 23: Mago National Park – Murulle
In the morning, drive to Murulle (5-6 hours) and in the afternoon visit the Karo people known for their tradition of clay face, body painting and body scarification. O/N-Camping Murrulle Lodge.
Day 10, Jan 24: Murulle
Spend the day visiting the Nyangatom (Bume) tribal villages crossing the Omo River. O/N Camping Murrulle Lodge.
Day 11, Jan 25: Turmi
In the morning, you will drive to Turmi, the settlement of the Hamer people. Hamers are known for the elaborate body adornments, extensive beadworks, and the bull jumping ceremony. In the evening, we will attend and photograph the Evangadi dancing and the bull jumping ceremony. O/N Turmi Campsite.
Day 12, Jan 26: Turmi – Dimeka – Turmi
Morning excursion trip to Omoratie to visit and photograph the Dasenech people who are known for their body scarification. Afternoon drive to Dimeka to attend the colorful weekly market of the Hamer and Benna people. Drive back to Turmi. O/N Turmi campsite.
Day 13, Jan 27: Turmi-Jinka
Drive North to Arba Minch visiting the Erbore people and Konso people who are famous for their rock terracing and colorful hand woven cotton clothes. O/N – Bekele Mola Hotel.
Day 14, Jan 28: Addis and Farewell Dinner
With an early breakfast, drive back to Addis with a stop off at Chencha to visit the Dorze people who are typically known for their huge huts and clothing. In the evening, you will be a guest of Dinknesh Ethiopia tour at one of the traditional restaurants of Addis to taste the cuisine of Ethiopians and see their folkloric dances. O/N Ghion Hotel.
Day 15, Jan 29: Morning departure back home
The tour will take place on the January 15-29, 2009
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Quest workshop Fee, leader, customized portfolio reviews, classes and materials.
- Accommodations based on double occupancy
- All meals out of Addis, and only breakfast in Addis
- All entrance fees
- Comfortable coaster bus for the north and air-conditioned
- Toyota Land Cruisers with fuel, and insurance
- Professional English speaking guide
- First class camping sites; cooking utensils. Cook for the c amping days
- Portage fees
- All local guides
Price does not Include:
- Lunch and dinner in Addis
- Video and Camera charges where applicable
- Any expense that is not stated in the ‘Included List’ above
- International airline ticket
- International departure transfer
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses, phone calls, laundry, other meals or services not mentioned in the itinerary description.
- Beverages during meals, alcoholic beverages
- Insurance
- Airport taxes
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Ethiopia
Cultural Journey
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