Ethiopian Experience  - special photography_holiday to Ethiopia

Ethiopian Experience Photo_Holiday - a special photography and walking holiday in Ethiopia for independent, adventurous photographers!
Dates  September 29/30th - 15th/16th October 2010 (15 nights accommodation + 2 nights traveling). Flights/transfers not included. Group Size  4-8 people 
     



  

On this photography holiday in Ethiopia you will experience the hospitality of a Country that  is rich in history and culture, and has some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world.  Our special photo and walking holiday provides some unique and memorable opportunities - not just for photography, but to really get to know and understand Ethiopia through the eyes of the people who live here. Non photographers are welcome to join us on this holiday. Next year's itinerary will be slightly different - this is a unique for 2010.

 
 
   


Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Addis Ababa (International flights not included).
Day 2
Early morning arrival in Addis Ababa. Met and transferred to Hotel to take a rest. After lunch we start our photography holiday with a city tour of the Capital with visits to the National Archeological Museum and a local project.
Day 3 - 16
Leaving Addis, we drive  through villages and dramatic landscapes to one of the most beautiful places in Ethiopia, home to indigenous animals including the Ethiopian Wolf, Walia Ibex and Gelada Baboons, interesting birds ,native flora and fauna.  Our holiday then continues and includes lots to see, experience and photograph:-
  • Mountains and views of the Great Rift Valley,
  • Scenic drives, zigzag hairpin bends, diverse landscapes, dramatic plateaus
  • Learn about life in different regions of Ethiopia with visits to projects, markets and communities
  • Experience special celebrations and ceremonies
  • Trek in the mountains, staying in community run accommodation
  • Visit rock-hewn churches and monasteries  - be prepared for uneven ground, climbing and lots of steps
  • Excellent photographic challenges and opportunities

Day 17
An early morning flight back to Addis Ababa.  Allowing time just in case there are delays / changes. In Addis we'll visit one of Africa's largest open-air markets. Day use rooms will be available to freshen up/repack before dinner. Transfer to the airport for your return flights. Accommodation is not provided on Day 17 but can be arranged. Supplement payable.

     
 


International Flights (not included)
We have chosen to recommend flights on the National Air Carrier Ethiopian Airlines and this holiday is based on the following flight timings from the UK; other airlines fly to Addis but please check that flight timings fit with the programme before confirming a reservation. If you choose to fly with another airline, please  let us know as soon as possible as this may impact on the price of any internal flights in Ethiopia (which are included in your holiday price). If this does happen, we reserve the right to charge any difference in the internal air fare. A visa is required.

September 29th (Wed)  Dept LHR  ET 701 21.00hrs / Addis Ababa 07.30hrs on 30th
October 16th (Sat)        Dept Addis Ababa ET 710  0025 / LHR  07.15hrs on 16th

Fitness and other information about our photography holidays to Ethiopia.
You need to be fit to enjoy this photography holiday. We trek in the mountains, at altitudes between 1800m - 3800m, paths can be steep, uneven and sometimes wet. There are sheer drops so if you suffer from vertigo, or don't like heights, you need to be aware of this. In Lalibela, visiting the rock hewn churches involves climbing steps and scrambling through underground tunnels.We spend four nights  at community run accommodation with basic facilities and no electricity. Electricity and water supplies can also  be eratic in hotels and guesthouses.  Ethiopia is developing it's tourism and wherever we go you will receive a very warm welcome, however you must remember that you are visiting an extremely poor country. We try, through our local partner, to make sure we work with people who are employed fairly and properly. Our driver/guides are all professionally trained and the team are all keen to learn. Come to Ethiopia with an open mind and the spirit of adventure and you will not go home disappointed.  There are guidelines for photography and we respect the wishes of local people and communities when taking photographs.

Important - Need to know.
This holiday starts and finishes in Addis Ababa, with transfers included to/from the Addis Ababa Bole (ADD) International Airport  to meet the Ethiopian Airline flights on which this holiday is based. Other transfers available. We can also organise additional nights accommodation at the beginning/end of this holiday depending on your flight times.  Gail Ward and English speaking local guides accompany you throughout.

What's included

Guides
Professional English speaking driver/guide. Porters at campsites, Hotels and airports. Local guides and helpers. Local scout.    
Transport    
Air conditioned 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with trained drivers and comprehensive insurance. Internal Domestic flight with Ethiopian Airlines. Does not include flights to and from Ethiopia.
Accommodation
We stay in a variety of accommodation - basic lodges, guesthouses, community run accommodation and hotels. Sometimes the only suitable accommodation for a location is a hotel, which will be touristy and busy as there are not many hotels in Ethiopia. We have tried to choose ones built in a traditional way or reflecting some of the Ethiopian architectures; most are privately owned. We spend two nights in  Community run accommodation in stunning locations. you'll need a sleeping bag - bring your own or use one of ours (let us know in advance).
Meals:                     
Full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from day 2 - day 17. Two bottles of water a day. All camping and cooking equipment.
Entrance and other Fees:        
As stated in the itinerary. All village and village elders' fees. Community based accommodation and fees while trekking. Mule/donkey hire while camping/trekking. All Government taxes.

What's not included
International flights to and from Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD)
Transfers for flights arriving at different times to the flight timings detailed above.
Visas
Vaccinations
Personal expenditure, drinks and tipping.
Sleeping bag (or you can borrow one to save bringing your own)
Optional activities on free days.
Meals on days 1 (depending on flight times).
Accommodation on night of 17th September and Meals on 18th September (depending on your flight choice).

Full details and itinerary of our photography holidays to Ethiopia on request.

 
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