Ethiopia · December 2026

Retrato de un babuino de Hamadrías con pelaje gris y blanco, frente oscura y expresión serena mirando hacia la cámara
Aguas termales de colores verde y amarillo con depósitos minerales en Etiopía
Babuino Hamadrías con pelaje grisáceo y cara negra descansando en terreno rocoso árido de Etiopía
Lago salado con depósitos de sal blanca y canales de agua turquesa en Etiopía
Sacerdote etíope sosteniendo un antiguo manuscrito iluminado con iconografía religiosa tradicional
Vista aérea de río sinuoso con aguas blancas atravesando terreno árido y rocoso en Etiopía
Detalle de depósitos minerales blancos y formaciones geológicas con coloración ocre en terreno árido
Vista aérea de río con aguas color ocre atravesando depósitos minerales blancos y formaciones geológicas en terreno árido
Vista aérea de géiseres y piscinas termales con agua verde y bordes minerales amarillos en Etiopía
Roca volcánica con cristales minerales blancos y depósitos de azufre amarillo en Etiopía
Retrato de anciano etíope con turbante azul y traje oscuro contra pared de tierra ocre
Bosque de cipreses amarillos reflejados en lagunas geotérmicas de aguas verdeazuladas en Etiopía
Corredor en playa de arena mojada al atardecer, con aguas tranquilas y horizonte despejado
Depósitos minerales amarillos y grises en formaciones geotérmicas con texturas cristalizadas
Babuino Gelada en habitat rocoso de las tierras altas etíopes entre vegetación seca y piedras
Piscinas termales de aguas azules rodeadas de depósitos minerales amarillos y blancos en el desierto etíope
Lagos ácidos con aguas amarillo verdosas rodeados de depósitos minerales sulfurosos en el volcán Dallol, Etiopía
Rocas gigantes en llanura desértica con piscina mineral y atardecer rosado en el horizonte
Géiseres y fumarolas de azufre amarillo en el desierto de Danakil, Etiopía

Expeditions

Ethiopia · December 2026

Photography expedition · 4 – 11 December 2026

Dec 4-11, 2026 8 days Group of 7 at most 1 seats free
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At a glance

8 days · 7 nights Dec 4-11, 2026
7 participants at mostWith a Zero photography guide
Addis Ababa (Aya Addis Hotel or similar) · Camping at Saba River (fully supported mobile camp) · Amdina Hotel, MekeleAccommodation
3,945 kg CO₂e per travellerEstimated trip footprint

About the expedition

Three hits. One impossible Ethiopia. In just seven days we concentrate three of the most extreme and singular photographic experiences on the planet — no filler, no empty transit days.

The Danakil Depression and the Dallol Hydrothermal Field, one of the most hostile and overwhelming places on Earth, where we fly the drone thanks to special permits. The rock-hewn church of Abune Yemata Guh, carved into the rock hundreds of meters above the Gheralta cliffs. And the Gelada, the world's only herbivorous primate, photographed at close range in their natural habitat.

Seven days. No compromise. No tourism. Just purpose.

  • Dallol Hydrothermal Field with a drone flight, thanks to special permits in Ethiopia
  • Sunset and sunrise sessions in the Danakil Depression and over Lake Asale
  • Climb to the rock-hewn church of Abune Yemata Guh and its 5th-century frescoes
  • Two sessions with the Gelada in their habitat: sunset and sunrise
  • A full day dedicated entirely to photography along the Gelada escarpment
  • Small group: 5 to 7 photographers

Itinerary

Day by day

  1. 1
    Callejón estrecho en ciudad etíope con habitantes, tiendas de artesanía y cables eléctricos entre edificios de piedra
    Day 1 - Dec 4

    Arrival in Addis Ababa · City & cultural photography

    Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the expedition team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we begin a photography-focused city tour: Entoto Hills — panoramic views…

    Addis Ababa (Aya Addis Hotel or similar)
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    Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the expedition team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

    Depending on your arrival time, we begin a photography-focused city tour:

    • Entoto Hills — panoramic views over Addis Ababa, ideal for late afternoon light
    • Holy Trinity Cathedral — architectural and cultural photography
    • Local markets (Merkato or neighborhood markets) — street and documentary photography
    • Traditional coffee ceremony — intimate cultural shots and storytelling moments
  2. 2
    Vista aérea de río sinuoso atravesando llanura desértica con grietas de sequía en tierra blanca y árida
    Day 2 - Dec 5

    Addis Ababa → Mekele → Hamedela · Danakil Depression

    Early morning flight to Mekele. On arrival, meet your Afar guide and expedition team. Drive approximately 4 hours into the Danakil Depression toward Hamedela, with a stop at Lake Asale (Karum) — salt extraction activities and…

    Camping at Saba River (fully supported mobile camp)
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    Early morning flight to Mekele. On arrival, meet your Afar guide and expedition team.

    Drive approximately 4 hours into the Danakil Depression toward Hamedela, with a stop at Lake Asale (Karum) — salt extraction activities and geometric salt formations — before continuing to the Saba River campsite.

    Photography highlights:

    • Salt flat patterns and textures
    • Human interaction with the landscape
    • Sunset shoot over Lake Asale and the salt plains
  3. 3
    Lago salado con depósitos de sal blanca y canales de agua turquesa en Etiopía
    Day 3 - Dec 6

    Saba River → Dallol → Mekele

    Early departure before sunrise to reach the Dallol Hydrothermal Field. Morning photography session: Sunrise at DallolVibrant sulfur pools, acid formations, and mineral terracesAlien-like landscapes with strong color…

    Amdina Hotel, Mekele
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    Early departure before sunrise to reach the Dallol Hydrothermal Field.

    Morning photography session:

    • Sunrise at Dallol
    • Vibrant sulfur pools, acid formations, and mineral terraces
    • Alien-like landscapes with strong color contrasts
    • Nearby salt mountains and formations
    • Drone flight over the hydrothermal field (subject to weather conditions and current permits)

    After the shoot, return to camp for breakfast, then drive back to Mekele. Lunch en route or in Mekele.

  4. 4
    Águila posada en acantilado rocoso con valle agrícola al fondo en Etiopía
    Day 4 - Dec 7

    Mekele → Gheralta Mountains · Abune Yemata Guh

    Drive approximately 2 hours to the Gheralta Mountains (Hawzen area). Visit the iconic Abune Yemata Guh rock-hewn church: a moderate-to-challenging climb with dramatic cliff exposure and, inside, ancient frescoes and unique light…

    Gheralta Lodge (spectacular mountain views)
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    Drive approximately 2 hours to the Gheralta Mountains (Hawzen area).

    Visit the iconic Abune Yemata Guh rock-hewn church: a moderate-to-challenging climb with dramatic cliff exposure and, inside, ancient frescoes and unique light conditions.

    Photography highlights:

    • Epic mountain landscapes
    • Climbers against the sandstone cliffs
    • Interior low-light photography of ancient art
  5. 5
    Babuino Hamadrías con pelaje grisáceo y cara negra descansando en terreno rocoso árido de Etiopía
    Day 5 - Dec 8

    Gheralta → Gelada Baboon Experience

    Morning drive (~1 hour) to Edaga Arbi, the starting point of the trek. A 2-hour scenic hike to the guesthouse, with stunning escarpment views and rural highland landscapes. Afternoon photography session: Sunset session with the…

    Gelada Baboon Experience guesthouse
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    Morning drive (~1 hour) to Edaga Arbi, the starting point of the trek. A 2-hour scenic hike to the guesthouse, with stunning escarpment views and rural highland landscapes.

    Afternoon photography session:

    • Sunset session with the Gelada in their natural habitat
    • Golden-light landscape photography
    • Village life and authentic interactions
  6. 6
    Construcción de piedra sobre acantilado en meseta etíope con montañas al fondo y paisaje árido
    Day 6 - Dec 9

    Full photography day · Gelada Baboon Experience

    A full day dedicated entirely to photography. Morning: sunrise session with the Gelada — with the option to extend the morning depending on troop activity — and misty escarpment landscapes. Daytime: visit local farmers' houses…

    Gelada Baboon Experience guesthouse
    Read the full day

    A full day dedicated entirely to photography.

    Morning: sunrise session with the Gelada — with the option to extend the morning depending on troop activity — and misty escarpment landscapes.

    Daytime: visit local farmers' houses, daily life, agriculture, and cultural portraits.

    Afternoon & sunset: landscape photography along the escarpment and wildlife and environmental storytelling.

  7. 7
    Day 7 - Dec 10

    Gelada Baboon Experience → Mekele → Addis Ababa

    Optional early morning shoot (sunrise or Gelada activity). Hike back to Edaga Arbi and drive to Mekele. Afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival: transfer to the airport for your international departure, or an optional…

    International return flight (or day-use room on request)
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    Optional early morning shoot (sunrise or Gelada activity).

    Hike back to Edaga Arbi and drive to Mekele. Afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa.

    Upon arrival: transfer to the airport for your international departure, or an optional day-use room and farewell dinner (on request).

Gallery

Aguas termales de colores verde y amarillo con depósitos minerales en Etiopía
Las aguas geotérmicas del valle etíope revelan su paleta natural de verdes y oros, testigos de la tierra viva.
Retrato de anciano etíope con turbante azul y traje oscuro contra pared de tierra ocre
Encuentro con la sabiduría local en Etiopía. Los rostros de sus gentes reflejan historias milenarias.
Bosque de cipreses amarillos reflejados en lagunas geotérmicas de aguas verdeazuladas en Etiopía
Paisaje surreal donde cipreses dorados rodean lagunas termales en tonos esmeraldinos. Un espectáculo geotérmico único de Etiopía.
Babuino Hamadrías con pelaje grisáceo y cara negra descansando en terreno rocoso árido de Etiopía
Majestuoso babuino hamadrías en su hábitat natural etíope, emblema de la fauna salvaje africana.
Lago salado con depósitos de sal blanca y canales de agua turquesa en Etiopía
Las aguas minerales del Rift Valley etíope trazan surcos de turquesa entre depósitos de sal cristalizada, un espectáculo geológico único.
Retrato de un babuino de Hamadrías con pelaje gris y blanco, frente oscura y expresión serena mirando hacia la cámara
Encuentro cercano con un babuino de Hamadrías en las tierras altas etíopes, majestuoso habitante de estas ancestrales montañas.
Corredor en playa de arena mojada al atardecer, con aguas tranquilas y horizonte despejado
Soledad y movimiento en las playas etíopes: un viajero en su conexión con la naturaleza salvaje.
Sacerdote etíope sosteniendo un antiguo manuscrito iluminado con iconografía religiosa tradicional
Un guardián de la fe etíope muestra un manuscrito sagrado de siglos de antigüedad, testigo vivo de una tradición espiritual milenaria.
Depósitos minerales amarillos y grises en formaciones geotérmicas con texturas cristalizadas
Aguas termales de Etiopia revelan sus minerales en tonos dorados. Naturaleza volcánica en su expresión más pura.

What's included

Included

  • All ground transportation (private 4WD vehicle, fuel, and driver)
  • Domestic flights
  • Professional English-speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Local Afar guide and escorts for the Danakil Depression expedition
  • All accommodation as per itinerary
  • Full board meal plan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner throughout the trip)
  • All entrance fees and permits
  • Danakil Depression logistics: Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, cooking gear),Cook and camping crew, generator
  • Bottled mineral water during the tour
  • All airport transfers and pick-up/drop-off services
  • Government taxes and service charges
  • Professional photography guide

Not included

  • International flights
  • Ethiopian visa (apply online: www.evisa.gov.et)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Drone permit 50-100 EUR (we will arrange it)

Your guide

Néstor Rodan

Nature photographer

Néstor Rodan is a landscape photographer and photographic travel guide from León, Spain. With deep expertise in the landscapes of northwest Iberia and a passion for extreme, cold-climate destinations like Baikal, Greenland, and Lofoten, he combines storytelling and technical mastery—including drone photography—as a Canon ambassador. Recognized internationally, he leads transformative real-world photography experiences.

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See their 7 trips
€2,700 per person · 1 seats free

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