Ethiopia - December 2015 Photographic Expedition

Transcription

1 Ethiopia - December 2015 Photographic Expedition Simien Mountains & Lalibela I N C O O P E R A T I O N W I T H M A N G I N I P H O T O G R A P H Y & O R Y X W O R L W I D E P H O T O G R A P H I C E X P E D I T I O N S B O O K I N G C O N T A C T : O R M E D I V I A G G I O M I L A N O E M A I L : R O B E R T O R M E D I V I A G G I O. C O M TOU R I N F O C O N T A C T : A D A L B E R T O M A N G I N I M I L A N O E M A I L : A M A N G I N I 6 G M A I L. C O M

2 Ethiopia 2015 Simien Mountains & Lalibela Photographic Expedition December 2015 Simply put, Ethiopia is undoubtedly one of Africa s most productive and rewarding photographic destinations, with awe-inspiring scenery, photogenic and approachable birds and mammals, plus some striking ancient buildings and cultures making this a photographer s dream! Our Ethiopia Photographic expedition will allow you the opportunity to capture the exceptional scenery and wildlife of the Simien Mountains, with the ancient cultural landscape of Lalibela, and together these attractions combine to ensure a truly fascinating and enjoyable experience.

3 YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC HIGHLIGHTS Simien Mountains National Park: The endangered Waalia Ibex Massive troops of Gelada Baboons - one of the world s great primate photography experiences! The spectacular Simien Mountains Massif, rising to the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dashen (4,620m) Gondar: Medieval Castles Debre Birhan Selassie Church - the walls and ceiling are completely covered with murals Lalibela: Ancient churches Rich, colourful landscapes Local Pilgrims YOUR EXPEDITION AT A GLANCE Tour Dates Tour Size Day 1 05 th December Day 2 06 th December Day 3 07 th December Day 4 08 th December Day 5 09 th December Day 6 10 th December Day 7-11 th December Day 8-12 th December 5th December to 12 th December 2015 (8 days / 7 nights) Limited to 8 partecipants and leader Adalberto Mangini Photographic Expedition Arrival in Addis Ababa Addis Ababa flight to Gondar, onward to Simien Mountains NP Simien Mountains NP Simien Mountains NP Simien Mountains to Gondar, exploration of Castles etc. Gondar flight to Lalibela pm visiting first group of churches Lalibela Asheten Mariam, and pm visiting second group of churches Lalibela and fly to Addis Ababa and Depart for Final Destination

4 YOUR EXPEDITION IN DETAILS Day 1, 05 th December: Arrival Addis Ababa. On arrival in Addis Ababa and completing your customs and immigration formalities at the Bole International Airport, an ORYX representative will meet you outside the baggage hall. You will then be transferred by private vehicle to our group s hotel where you will overnight. Overnight Jupiter Hotel or similar Day 2, 06 th December: Addis Ababa flight to Gondar, onward drive to Simien Mountains NP We have an early start this morning as we fly from Addis to Gondar, in northern Ethiopia. On arrival we will meet our driver and depart for the Simien Mountains. Every journey into this mountainous wilderness is a photogenic wonder! The spectacular highlands of Simien Mountains National Park are a haven for endemic and endangered species and our photographic targets here are without a doubt the magnificent Waalia Ibex and incredible Gelada Baboon. These verdant moorlands encompass the largest single area of Afro-alpine habitat in the world, forming "an island of mountains in a sea of lowlands", truly a photographer s dream destination! Overnight Simien Lodge

5 Days 3 and 4, 07 th and 08 th December: Simien Mountain National Park. The next two days will be spent exploring and photographing the legendary Simien Mountains and its unique inhabitants. In Simien Mountains National Park we will be presented with some of the most dramatic scenery in Africa great volcanic plugs formed 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 aptly described them. This dramatic topography is a result of the erosion of basalt lavas over 3000m (almost 10,000 feet) thick. Fissures in the dense basalt were carved by countless floods that poured into them, creating bottomless gorges and incising an incredible array of jagged rock formations reminiscent of America s Grand Canyon and Namibia s Fish River Canyon. Amidst beautiful alpine meadows punctuated with Giant Lobelias and flowering red hot pokers (Kniphofia s), we will find ourselves surrounded by massive troops of extremely photogenic and docile Gelada Baboons. At the same time we should be thrilled by the headbutting battles of Waalia Ibex rams preparing for the forthcoming breeding season, whilst spectacular Bearded Vultures cruise the sky above against a breathtaking backdrop of high wilderness peaks. The Ibex is a form of mountain goat that sports a monstrous set of horns and inhabits the rugged rocky and grassy slopes of this seldom-visited region. Through habitat loss and hunting, its numbers decreased to between 200 and 250 individuals in the early 90 s, although gradually the numbers of these animals are recovering since the area has been protected and greater awareness has been created around them. Still, it will be painfully

6 obvious how much the cultivation within the national park has reduced available habitat for native highland fauna. Troops of Geladas up to four hundred strong thrive here, and we will spend quality time observing and photographing these unique and fascinating primates. With long woolly capes, tasseled tails, bare red chests and an arrogant swagger, these remaining relics of once widespread grass-eating baboons are now restricted to the highlands of Ethiopia. Geladas roost on the massive cliffs that dominate this park but spend their days hunched over the grasses that form the bulk of their diet. Despite sporting massive canines (the largest in proportion to body size of any mammal!), Geladas are non-aggressive and, with patience, we may find ourselves amongst a troop of these gentle animals as they concentrate on their foraging. Here we may be treated to a formidable lip-flip the imposing grimace put on by Geladas to reveal their impressive upper jaw and canines, but will more likely be completely ignored as they go about their daily business. Geladas are extremely vocal, being able to pronounce all nouns and five of our seven vowels! Other attractions include superb opportunities to watch soaring birds, including the aforementioned Bearded Vulture, Tawny Eagle and the outrageous Thick-billed Raven, which often cruise by at eye level! Ethiopian Wolf may also be found parading around this beautiful landscape, although their numbers have suffered due to various diseases passed on from domestic dogs. Overnight Simien Lodge

7 Day 5, 09 th December: Simien Mountains to Gondar. After a short photographic excursion or a relaxed morning simply enjoying the views, we will return to Gondar. This, the Camelot of Ethiopia, is a city noted for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches. Between 1632 and 1855 Gondar served as Ethiopia s capital city and it remains one of the country s richest areas in terms of culture, history and natural beauty, with plenty of both Islamic and Christian influence in the cities architecture. Built at around 2,500 metres above sea level, Gondar commands spectacular views over surrounding farmlands and on a clear day, even to the gleaming waters of Lake Tana 35 kilometres to the south. We will spend the first portion of the afternoon exploring the Castle Complex (a UNESCO World Heritage site) with its impressive buildings. The oldest and most impressive structure is the two-story palace of Emperor Fasilidas, built of solid basalt stones. Some of the other royal buildings we visit include the library of Emperor Yohannes I, the House of Song where royal ceremonies took place, the elegant reception and banquet hall of Emperor Bakaffa, and the palace of this king s wife. Thereafter, we take some time to view the Church of Debre Birhan Selassie, an imposing structure with its harmony of brightly coloured ceilings completely covered with intricately painted angels, before ending off nearby at the tranquil royal bath (more of swimming pool really!) of King Fasilidas (where modern-day Timkat ceremonies are performed). Overnight Goha Hotel or similar

8 Day 6, 10 th December: Gondar flight to Lalibela. After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport and fly to Lalibela. Lalibela is home to the 12 th century hand-carved rock churches of King Lalibela ( ), after whom the town is named. Lalibela is truly an ancient world and includes 11 magnificent, medieval, rock-hewn churches, dimly lit passageways, and hidden crypts and grottoes carved into the red volcanic rock underlying this remote Ethiopian town, constructed almost a millennia ago by the Zagwe dynasty. Today that world still remains, frozen in stone, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch at the hotel we will begin an afternoon s exploration at the first group of churches of Lalibela which are found northeast of a stream named River Jordan The first groups of churches are: The twin churches of Bete Debre Sina and Golgotha with Selassie Chapel Bete Methane Alem (the house of the Redeemer of the World) Bete Mariam (the house of St. Mary) Bete Meskel (the house of Cross) Bete Danagil (the house of Virgins) After a relaxed afternoon photographing some of the amazing rock-hewn churches, we will retire to our hotel and enjoy the expansive views over the mountains and valleys that stretch out below us. Overnight Mountain View Hotel or similar Day 7, 11 th December: Lalibela Asheten Mariam, and then afternoon visit to second group of churches In the morning we will take a mule ride to the hilltop semi-monolithic church of Asheten Mariam. This 13 th century monastery is situated about 8 km from Lalibela and is built on a ridge at an altitude of 3150m. The steep road to this monastery has very beautiful scenery and is really rewarding to experience, while the wonderful viewpoint at the very top of the hill offers excellent views over the surrounding countryside, including the town of Lalibela. In the afternoon, we will then visit and photograph the second and third group of Lalibela s churches. Bete Gabriel - Raphael (The house of Archangels) Bete Mercurious (House of Mercurious) Bete Lehem (the chapel of Bethlehem) Bete Emanuel (the house of Emanuel) Bete Aba Libanose (the house of Aba Libanose) Be te Ghiorgis (the house of St. George)

9 The final church, Bete Ghiorgis is the most spectacular of all Lalibela s churches, and we will spend time photographing it as the sun sinks lower in the sky, and it is bathed in warm afternoon light. Overnight Mountain View Hotel or similar Day 8, 12 th December: Lalibela to Addis Ababa and Depart for Final Destination After breakfast we will transfer to the airport and fly back to Addis Ababa, where this incredible journey in the land of Abyssinia unfortunately comes to an end. All photos

10 Please Note In the Simien Mountains we sometimes reach an altitude of close to 4000m (13,000ft) above sea level; walking and photography is done at this altitude. Our accommodations in the Simiens are at 3260m (10,7000ft). Accommodation throughout the trip is comfortable but is slightly more basic outside of the capital Addis Ababa. Please note that the hotels that we make use of are usually the most suitable (locality-wise) and the best available accommodations in most of the areas that we visit (exceptions are in Addis where there are expensive luxury hotels that we use). The food on this tour is of a fair standard and consists of both western and local cuisine. Much of our time is spent in vehicles photographing and wildlife viewing. The more luggage you pack the less room there is in the vehicle, so it is important for the comfort of your fellow travellers that you do not over-pack. Kindly stick to 20kg for check in luggage and 8kg for hand luggage. ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS: Day 1 is scheduled as an arrival day for the tour, so you are welcome to arrive at any time on this day (Those participating in the ORYX Omo Valley Photographic Expedition will arrive in Addis from Arba Minch on this day). This Simien Mountains & Lalibela tour will conclude in Addis Ababa in the afternoon of Day 8 (this is the arrival day for those participating in the ORYX Bale Mountains Extension which departs Addis Ababa the following morning). Further meeting details in this regard will be forwarded to you in due course. PLEASE NOTE: If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late for either the main tour or the extension and would like assistance or advice in this regard, kindly contact the ORYX office. FLIGHTS: Bole Airport in Addis Ababa is the main port of entry for international flights into Ethiopia and is well serviced by British Airways and Ethiopian Airways. We have the capacity to advise you on the best route according to your preferences, but your local travel agent will best be able to book these flights for you. If you would like further assistance, kindly contact the office. IMPORTANT: please DO NOT book your international flights until you have consulted the office for confirmation on the status of the tour.

11 RATES ETHIOPIA SIMIEN MOUNTAINS & LALIBELA Max 8 pax + 1 Tour Leader.. Euro 3.550,00 US$ 3.900,00 - Internal flights as per program (subject to change) Euro 510,00 US$ 560,00 - Single room supplement.. Euro 400,00 US$ 440,00 It is possible to book individual trips rates upon request Price include - All accommodation as listed in the itinerary as listed on the itinerary - All meals as stated in the itinerary - All non alcoholic beverages during the meals and the escursions - All transports from/to Airports - All escursions using 4x4 vehicles max 2 pax per car - Photo/Tour leader (italian & english language) during all tour - Gratuities for local tribal guides - Gratuities for Camp and Lodge staff - Photography fee s - Goverment and National Park TAX Price do not include - International flight to Addis Ababa - Internal flights as per itinerary - Entry Visa (approx US$ 50,00) - Medical & Baggage insurance (mandatory) - Personal expenses (souvenir, phone calls, etc ) - Alcoholic beverages - Airport tax