
10 DAYS

4-8 PEOPLE

LODGES
CAMPING
Welcome to one of the most fascinating and culturally diverse countries on Earth. Home to authentic indigenous tribes and some of the world's most unique man-made wonders. We will sample as much of it as is possible to pack in 11 days. This may well be the most emotionally thrilling trip of your lifetime.
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From deep spirituality of Lalibela to hair-raising encounters with Omo Valley tribes, Ethiopia is one of the most rewarding places for travel portrait photography. The people, the mood, the ambience - I will show you how to bring this all to life in your images.
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You need be fit to climb near-vertical rocks (with ropes) to reach Tigray churches - and prepared to rough it out in Omo Valley, with 5am starts to catch best light, many hours of driving on dirt tracks, and camping in tribal villages.
Locations
Itinerary
Fri 3 Dec - Lalibela
Arrival in Addis Ababa (early morning)
Flight Addis Ababa - Lalibela 11:40-12:40
Lalibela underground churches
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Sat 4 Dec - Lalibela
Saturday market
2h trip to a church built in a cave, with stopovers en route
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Sun 5 Dec - Lalibela
Watch Sunday morning prayer at Lalibela churches
Lalibela underground churches cont'd
Rock-hewn church on a top of a mountain
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Mon 6 Dec
Flight Lalibela - Addis 13:10-14:10
Flight Addis - Mekele 16:00-17:25
Drive to Gheralta lodge (2h)
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Tue 7 Dec - Tigray
Climb to Maryam & Daniel Korkor rock-hewn churches
Wed 8 Dec
Flight Tigray - Addis 8:50-10:00
Flight Addis - Jinka 11:45-12:55
Drive to Buska Lodge (2h)
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Thu 9 Dec - Omo Valley
Arbore tribe
Hamer tribe
Overnight camping in Hamer village
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Fri 10 Dec - Omo Valley
Banna tribe
Karo tribe
Overnight camping at Karo village
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Sat 11 Dec - Omo Valley
Dimeka Saturday market
Mursi lip-plate tribe
Overnight in Eco Omo lodge
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Sun 12 Dec - Addis Ababa
Flight Jinka - Addis Ababa 13:25-14:35
Visit Mercato - one of Africa's largest markets
Departure (evening)

Photographic Coaching
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Full-time coaching by Pawel Lipski
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Creative techniques & tips for travel portraits - both candid & posed
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Camera settings for travel portraits
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Location-specific briefings & assignments
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Daily reviews of best photos
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Written feedback on your 15 best shots after the trip
Included:
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Full-time travel portrait coaching
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Accommodation in lodges and 2 nights village camping in Omo valley
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All meals (with beverages)
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All 6 domestic flights
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Ground transportation in private minivan / 4WD
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English-speaking local guide
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Airport transfers
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Entrance fees
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Tips for guides & people we photograph
Not Included:
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International flight into Addis Ababa
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Visa
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses (e.g. room service, porters, laundry)
Price
PAYMENT
20% (CHF 1,000) refundable deposit to reserve your place
Balance 3 months before the trip
DISCOUNTS
CHF 500 (10%) for returning trip customers
CHF 400 if you fly into Ethiopia with Ethiopian Airlines
SUPPLEMENTS
Single room occupancy: CHF 450
Based on twin room sharing
CHF 4,995
This Trip Is For...
This trip has been designed primarily for people who have already completed my training "3 Steps To Stunning Portraits", and are already familiar with natural light and composition techniques for people photography.
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During this trip, you will learn how to apply these techniques to travel portraits - both candid and posed.
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You need a good camera with a telephoto lens up to at least 200mm (full frame) - plus a wider lens for the churches (inside & outside) & when we can get up close to our subjects.
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Personally, I will bring 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8.
Important To Know
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Information pack including a packing list and clothing recommendations will be sent 2 months before the trip
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Mandatory vaccinations (list available) + malaria prophylactic
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Visa: most nationalities are eligible for eVisa, usually issued within 2-4 days. Apply: www.evisa.gov.et
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If you don't have travel insurance, you can get it here: www.worldnomads.com
Recommended Flights
FROM ZURICH
Lufthansa+Ethiopian via Frankfurt
Out 18:05-06:25, return 23:55-07:25
CHF 670
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FROM SINGAPORE
SIA+Ethiopian via Dubai
Out 15:05-07:40, return direct with Ethiopian 00:35-14:50
S$ 1,260
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FROM HONG KONG
Ethiopian with stopover in Bangkok
Out 22:55-06:30, return 23:55-18:20
HK$ 8,650
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For more flight options, check:
skyscanner.ch
traveloka.com
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Pawel Lipski
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International photography coach, specialising in people photography in natural light - from posed to travel portraits
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30+ years of photographic experience
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An avid independent traveller with a passion for remote, non-touristy places with authentic cultures
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Polish based in Zurich, Switzerland

Cancellations
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100% refund if canceled at least 90 days before trip start
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50% refund if canceled 30-89 days before trip start
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No refund if canceled less than 30 days before trip start