Dates Sept 21–Oct 7, 2006
Leaders Joe Van Os
and Steve Turner
Fee $12,695 from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Deposit $850
Limit 10
Special Terms and Conditions Apply

Ethiopia lies at the northeastern corner of the African continent in an area known as the “Horn of Africa.” Its intriguing blend of African and Eastern tribal civilizations and tangible aura of religious fervor make it a spectacular cultural crossroads. Ethiopia is one of the few African countries that was not colonized by European powers. The people are friendly and justifiably proud of their ancient heritage—an exotic blend of African, Judaic and Egyptian influences. Their role has been unique and influential in the development of both Christian and Islamic religions, dating back more than 1,000 years.

This Photo Safaris tour will be a true photographic expedition to encounter some of the most remarkable tribal peoples on Earth! The Omo River Delta is rich in cultural and human history. It’s been said: “If Africa was the mother of all humanity then the Omo River acted as a main artery!” Hominid remains from the Omo Valley date back almost four million years, and it is believed this area had an almost continuous “human” presence during that time.

Our travels will take us down the Omo by private boat. We’ll camp along the river and visit a number of spectacular tribal areas including those of the Karo, Hamar, Nyangatom, Mursi and Dassenech. We will spend almost a week in the Omo Delta, photographing within the tribal villages by special paid arrangements with the local people. The precise time in each village depends on what ceremonies are planned and the photo opportunities that present themselves—in true expedition style! We have left the program flexible to ensure that there is enough time to immerse ourselves in these remote and fascinating cultures.

Our itinerary will also take us into Ethiopia’s magnificent 12th century churches at Lalibela. Each shrine is carved from a single rock—pillars, altars, graves, hermits’ niches, roof and walls. The myriad shapes of cliff, cave and cruciform windows will offer powerful photographic compositions.

The trip includes photography of some of the unique Ethiopian wildlife species—Simien fox, mountain nyala and gelada baboon at Simien Mountains National Park. Here we will wind down from the intensity of our week of tribal photography and enjoy some of Africa’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

This will be a trip of a lifetime, one so out of the mainstream that we are seeking only the most adventurous and hardy photographers to join us. Though this trip starts and concludes in a 5-star hotel, camping conditions along the Omo Delta will be marginally comfortable compared to the standard of our other trips to Africa. If you are inconvenienced by Spartan accommodations and lackluster food at some locations, or are apprehensive in unfamiliar situations, this trip is not for you!

Though this magnificent country closed its doors to the world for almost 20 years, its people and wildlife have endured and are once again being appreciated by adventurous travelers. This Vanishing Cultures Expedition is a chance to experience the land that, almost 4 million years ago, supported early mankind, and is home—even yet—to some of the world’s most remote and interesting tribal people. Today, Ethiopia enthusiastically welcomes outside visitors to share its superlative natural and cultural wonders.



Day 1
Depart from home.

Day 2
Arrive at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa.

Day 3
Early morning charter flight to Murule, drive to Lumale Camp. (BLD)

Day 4
We visit Karo villages today. The Karo excel in face and body painting, practiced in preparation for their dances and ceremonies. (BLD)

Day 5
Hamar villages, known for the people’s elaborate body adornments, extensive beadwork and the “bull jumping ceremony,” all of which are our photographic objectives. (BLD)

Day 6
We move on to Nyangatom villages, whose specialized crocodile hunters use harpoons as they hunt from their dugout canoes. These pastoralists are one of the largest and most feared of the warlike Omo tribes. (BLD)

Day 7
We visit the Mursi villages where the women practice some of the most profound forms of body adornment in the world—inserting a 7-inch-diameter clay plate into their lower lips. (BLD)

Day 8
We return to a village of our choice today. (BLD)

Days 9–10
Travel to Dassenech villages in the Omo Delta. Their cultural practices and body decorations resemble those of Kenya’s Samburu. (BLD)

Day 11
Charter flight to Addis Ababa. (BLD)

Days 12–13
Fly to Lalibela and explore the stone-carved churches. (BLD)

Days 14–15
We fly to Gondar and drive into the Simien Mountains searching for Simien wolf, gelada baboon and walia ibex. Here you are presented with perhaps the most dramatic scenery in Africa—great volcanic plugs, formed some 40 million years ago and eroded over the eons into fantastic crags, pinnacles and flat topped mountains—"the chess pieces of the Gods," as one writer has described them. (BLD)

Day 16
We return to Addis Ababa and depart. (B)

Day 17
Arrive home.


Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.