Upon arrival on your international flight, our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Addis Ababa. After check-in, you’ll have time to freshen up and rest before we proceed with the local currency exchange.

In the evening, we will gather for a traditional Ethiopian dinner at a local restaurant—a perfect introduction to the country’s vibrant culture and cuisine.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Addis Ababa.

After breakfast, we board a comfortable domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Jimma, a charming and historically rich city in Ethiopia’s southwestern highlands. Upon arrival, we embark on a scenic journey to Mizan Teferi, traveling through some of the country’s most pristine and fertile landscapes.

This region is famed for its lush forests, rolling green valleys, and Ethiopia’s largest and most prestigious coffee plantations—an area celebrated as the birthplace of some of the finest coffee on earth. The drive offers a serene and refreshing immersion into rural Ethiopia, with elegant viewpoints and tranquil natural beauty throughout the route.

Settle in for the night at the Salayish International Hotel, offering comfort and warm hospitality after a relaxing day of travel.

After breakfast, we begin our journey toward Kibish, the remote homeland of the Suri tribe. Upon arrival, we will set up our camp and prepare for our first interactions with one of the most visually striking tribal communities in Africa.

In the afternoon, we visit a Suri village to begin photographing traditional body paint, scarification, ornaments, and everyday life. We return to camp for refreshments, followed by a second portrait session in the late afternoon when the light becomes beautifully soft and atmospheric.

Dinner and overnight stay at our private campsite near Kibish.

After breakfast, we drive to another Suri village to meet and photograph women renowned for their distinctive clay lip plates and vibrant floral decorations. These unique adornments are powerful expressions of identity, beauty, and cultural heritage among the Suri.

We spend the day creating a variety of portraits and documentary images, capturing both intimate close-ups and expressive environmental compositions.

Overnight stay at our camp near Kibish.

Today we travel to meet and photograph the Nyangatom tribe (also known as Bume or Gnangatom)—one of the most colourful and visually expressive groups in the Omo Valley. They live close to the border of South Sudan, and their traditional dress, body ornaments, and scarification make them uniquely captivating photographic subjects.

Historically, the Nyangatom migrated from northern Uganda into southern Ethiopia approximately 150 years ago, and their cultural identity still reflects a fascinating blend of influences from this long migration.

Overnight stay at our camp in Kangatan.

After breakfast, we drive toward the Karo tribe, renowned for their intricate and colourful body painting—an expressive art form used during ceremonies, rituals, and social gatherings. Although the Karo are the smallest tribal group in the Omo Valley, their visual culture is among the most distinctive and photogenic in the region.

In the afternoon, we continue to Turmi, where we check in at Emerald Lodge for our overnight stay.

In the morning, we photograph the Hamar tribe, one of the most renowned and visually striking communities in the Omo Valley. Their traditional hairstyles, ochre body decorations, and distinctive beaded jewellery make for compelling portrait and documentary photography.

In the afternoon, we drive toward the Kenyan border to visit the Dassanech tribe, where we will learn about their hunting and pastoral traditions and explore their unique village architecture. The Dassanech are known for their energetic communal dances, and with luck we will have the opportunity to witness and photograph this lively cultural expression.

In the evening, we return to Turmi for another night at Emerald Lodge.

Early in the morning, we travel through Mago National Park to visit the extraordinary Mursi tribe. Mursi women are widely known for their distinctive clay lip and ear plates, symbols of beauty, maturity, and cultural identity. This visit offers some of the most compelling portrait opportunities in the Omo Valley.

After our session, we return to Jinka, and in the afternoon explore one of the oldest and most colourful markets in the region. Here, we will have the opportunity to photograph members of various tribes, including the Bena and Tsemay, as they trade, socialise, and exhibit their vibrant traditional attire.

We end the day with an overnight stay at NASA Hotel, Jinka.

Our local support team will accompany you to the airport and assist with your onward connection to your international flight.

It is always hard to say goodbye after such a meaningful journey—wishing you a safe trip and wonderful memories to take home!

Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, then transfer to the town, located approximately 25 km from the airport.

In the afternoon, we visit the Northwestern Cluster of Lalibela’s remarkable rock-hewn churches, including Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha. These ancient structures are among Ethiopia’s most sacred sites and represent masterpieces of medieval architecture and devotion.

In the evening, we visit a local home to witness the preparation of traditional dishes and join the Ganna celebrations—a unique opportunity to experience Ethiopian hospitality and festive rituals from within the community.

After breakfast, we continue exploring the remaining rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, including Bete Amanuel, Bete Abba Libanos, Bete Gabriel-Rufael, and the iconic Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George)—widely regarded as the most elegant and architecturally refined of all the Lalibela churches.

After lunch, we return to the hotel for rest. Later in the evening, we revisit Bet Maryam to witness and photograph night-time rituals, spending approximately 3 to 4 hours inside the ancient church complex. We then return to the hotel for overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we visit Bete Marqorewos, Bete Abba Libanos, and Bete Gabriel-Rufael, continuing our exploration of Lalibela’s extraordinary monolithic churches.

After lunch, we return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Today we have an early dinner, as the evening leads into one of Lalibela’s most spectacular ceremonial events. Late at night, we make our way to Bet Giyorgis (Church of St. George) to witness the unforgettable candlelight ceremony, when thousands of pilgrims illuminate the ancient complex as part of the Ganna celebration of Christ’s birth.

Just before sunrise, we return to the hotel for rest and overnight stay.

Today is our final day in Lalibela. We spend the morning documenting the vibrant Ganna celebrations, as pilgrims gather in traditional attire to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. This is one of Ethiopia’s most sacred and visually inspiring religious events, offering powerful opportunities for photography and cultural immersion.

After breakfast, we fly back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, our support team will accompany you to the airport for your onward flight, concluding the Lalibela Photo Tour.

Absolutely! Whether you’re accompanying a photography enthusiast or simply fascinated by ancient cultures, living traditions and authentic travel experiences, you are warmly welcome to join us.

Although this journey is designed with photographers in mind, it is equally rewarding for anyone interested in culture, anthropology, visual storytelling, spirituality, and authentic encounters. Over the years, many non-photographers—including spouses, friends, partners and curious travellers—have joined these tours and found them deeply meaningful.

As long as you enjoy observing traditional cultures, interacting respectfully with local people, and witnessing unique ways of life, you will have an unforgettable time. Even without a camera, there is so much to experience: tribal encounters, colourful markets, ancient religious ceremonies, remote landscapes, and the truly unique human heritage of the Omo Valley and Lalibela.

You certainly won’t be left out. Every participant is included in all cultural visits, interactions, activities, and ceremonies. Many non-photographers often say that watching the moments unfold—without the pressure of taking photographs—allows them to connect even more deeply with the experience.

There is genuinely a place for everyone on this journey.

All of the locations we visit in the Omo Valley are accessible by our Land Cruiser vehicles, so a high level of physical fitness is not required. Most activities involve short walks around villages and markets, with plenty of time to rest and move at your own pace.

However, if you choose to join the Pre-Extension Lalibela Photo Tour, please note that some walking is necessary to reach the rock-hewn churches. The paths are generally easy to moderate, and we take our time to ensure everyone is comfortable.

If you are able to walk at a normal pace and climb short stairs, you should have no difficulty participating. This tour is suitable for most travellers, including those with limited photography equipment or mobility.

• Altitude: The maximum altitude during the tour will be around 2,400 meters, which is generally comfortable for most travellers.
• Basic facilities in the Suri region: While staying with the Suri tribe, facilities are minimal and shower access may be limited for up to two days. Our campsite is located beside the river where you can enjoy a natural bath, and we also bring a portable shower setup, which will be installed at our Suri campsite for added comfort.
• Limited connectivity: In several locations throughout the Omo Valley, there may be little or no internet or mobile network coverage. This is part of the remoteness of the region and offers a rare chance to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the cultural experience.

• A luxury holiday: While we have arranged the most comfortable accommodations and reliable transport available in this region, this is a photographic expedition, not a resort-style vacation. Expect early starts, long days in the field, and occasionally challenging shooting conditions—all part of the adventure.
• Strictly fixed schedules: Flexibility is essential. Weather, lighting, cultural access, and unexpected opportunities often influence our daily plans. We may adjust the schedule to optimise light, tribal interactions, or ceremonies. This is part of working in remote environments and ensures the best photographic results.

This is not a cold-weather trip, so you don’t have to bring warm clothing, but for the Lalibela, only bring light warm clothing like a windcheater because at night at churches it will be slightly cold.

This is a suggested packing list to make your trip a fulfilling and comfortable experience.

• Backpack or suitcase
• Comfortable light boots for walking
• Headlamp/flashlight
• Lightweight trousers
• Sunglasses
• Sun care cream
• Mosquito repellent
• Water bottle with 1 litre of capacity
• Wet tissues
• Insurance confirmation copy
• Emergency contact number
• Carry your essential and basic medicines for headaches, fever, stomach upset, etc.
• Extra battery for the camera
• Adequate storage media

You should bring cameras, a laptop (for editing in the evenings), and a head torch these kinds of things instantly spring to mind. Don’t worry about recharging since we will have generators to top up during each camping night. Once you confirm your booking with a 50% deposit, we will send you all the information you need to fully prepare yourself for this epic journey.

This is just an idea about the suggested camera and accessory:

• One or two DSLR or Mirrorless (Full Frame or Crop Sensor) cameras. If you use a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, for much of the time, when photographing the tribes or rituals, you will want to cover focal lengths of around 24-70mm or 24-105mm. However, a kit lens (18-55/3.5 or 4.0) will also work.
• For photographing tribal portraits, consider bringing a prime telephoto lens of 85mm.
• If you bring a good quality bridge camera instead of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it will be best if it has an optical zoom of 18-20x or more, combined with a reasonable wide-angle at the other end of the zoom range.
• Protector for your lens.
• Power Bank & Electric Socket Extension.
• Adequate memory card and Card reader.
• Be sure to bring plenty of spare battery power for your camera and external hard drive with adequate space and a card reader.
• A Computer with photo-processing software [Lightroom, Photoshop]. (If you are not having this software, don’t worry we’ll provide it.)
• Carry a small size soft cloth or towel which you may require to wrap your camera during the night shoot.
• Carry a microfiber to wipe the lens.

Travellers to the Omo Valley should be up to date on routine vaccinations. Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Meningitis are commonly recommended. Please consult your doctor or travel clinic 4–6 weeks before travel for personalised advice.

Required

Yellow Fever: Recommended for all travellers to the Omo Valley. A valid Yellow Fever certificate may be required if arriving from a risk country.

Recommended

• Routine vaccinations (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio)
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Meningitis

Additional

• Malaria: Medication recommended; use mosquito precautions.
• Rabies & Hepatitis B: Consider depending on travel plans.

🩺 We recommend consulting your physician at least 4–6 weeks before departure to discuss your personal needs. For more advice on vaccinations, you can also visit: the WHO Travel Health Advisory

During this season, the weather conditions in Omo Valley are usually warm and sunny, with typical daily maxima being between ranging from +30°C to +19°C.

Most travellers require a visa to enter Ethiopia. E-visas are strongly recommended and can be obtained easily through the official Ethiopian government website.

Many nationalities are also eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which costs approximately USD 50 for a 30-day single-entry visa.

There are two types of tourist visas available:

• E-Visa (online application)
• Visa on Arrival (for eligible nationalities at Bole Airport)

We recommend applying online in advance for convenience.

Official application link: (https://www.evisa.gov.et/visa)

EXPOSURE cannot be held responsible for your entry/exit arrangements, so please note that obtaining the required documentation is solely your responsibility. No refunds will be made in the event of you being refused entry into the country where travel is to take place.

Arrival Airport: Bole Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD)
Departure Airport: Bole Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD)

We highly recommend that you get travel and medical insurance. Your own domestic medical insurance and private health scheme will not cover you whilst you are overseas.

Registration is open from 15th December 2025 till 31st October 2026 or till the seat reservations end.

• This photo tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to proceed. If the minimum number is not met, the trip may be postponed or cancelled, and any deposits will be fully refunded.
• While we’ve carefully curated the itinerary and logistics, flexibility is essential. Local conditions, festivals, or weather may lead to changes in schedule or route.
• Participants will be granted the trip based on email confirmation on a first-come come first first-served basis. Feel free to call +91 8509333385 or WhatsApp at +918900702900 for any further assistance.

To reserve your spot, a 30% deposit of the full tour amount is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid 90 days before the tour. You can pay via the online payment link on our website, or request our account details or PayPal information for the transfer. Your reservation may be cancelled if full payment is not received by the specified deadline. After making the payment, please send us a copy or screenshot of the bank receipt. Upon confirmation, we will email you the Rules and Regulations of the tour, securing your spot on the photo tour.

All cancellations must be made in writing (email is acceptable) and will take effect on the date of receipt (by standard mail or electronically). Once the tour begins, there can be no refunds for any unused portions, including rooms, meals, flights, tour days, events, or services. Please note that the cancellation penalties outlined below are based on costs incurred by EXPOSURE on your behalf, including non-refundable deposits or payments to agents, hotels, airlines, etc.

In the event of a cancellation or modification of your confirmed booking, EXPOSURE’s Cancellation and Refund Policy will apply, and you must fully agree to be bound by it. Any refunds will be processed within 15 working days from the date of written confirmation of cancellation, via the same method used for payment.

Cancellation fees are as follows:

• 40% of the total fee if cancelled 90 days or more before the start of the trip.
• 100% of the total fee if cancelled 59 days or less before the start of the trip.

Please carefully read all details on this page and the Detailed Terms and Conditions, as well as the Disclaimer/Undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.

Trip cancellation by EXPOSURE:

• In the unlikely event that EXPOSURE must cancel a tour or workshop due to a lack of participants or any other reason, a full refund, including the deposit, will be issued.
• We will notify you in advance if a cancellation is being considered. If a photo tour is cancelled, 100% of your deposit and payments will be refunded.
• However, EXPOSURE is not liable for any expenses incurred, such as airfare, accommodations, or equipment costs. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage.