Ethiopia - Lalibela & Danakil Depression Tour.

Explore ancient rock churches and dramatic volcanic desert terrain.

Join us on an extraordinary photographic journey through Ethiopia's most dramatic landscapes and ancient spiritual sites. This carefully crafted adventure takes us from the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved by hand from solid stone over 800 years ago, to the volcanic landscapes of the Danakil Depression – one of the hottest and most geologically active places on Earth.

Our adventure begins in Lalibela, where we photograph several remarkable churches carved from single pieces of rock during the 12 - 13th centuries. These architectural marvels, still active places of worship for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, provide extraordinary opportunities to capture the scale of ancient engineering and intimate moments of spiritual devotion. Each church reveals intricate details, from cross-shaped windows to ornate carvings, while the interplay of natural light and shadow creates compelling compositional possibilities throughout the day.

We watch the Sunday liturgy as morning light filters through stone-carved windows, filling the interiors with chanting, incense, and the sounds of ancient prayer. Photographing devoted congregations and bustling local markets offers vibrant color and authentic cultural engagement. Pilgrims in traditional white robes gather for worship, creating powerful documentary images, while the open-air market presents countless opportunities to capture portraits, colorful textiles, spices, and the dynamic energy of daily trade in this historic mountain town.

We also visit the extraordinary Yimerehane Kirstos monastery, carved into a solid rock cave over a sacred lake. This floating rock church, with its ancient burial chambers and weathered stone corridors, presents hauntingly beautiful photographic opportunities that few visitors ever witness. The profound spiritual atmosphere, combined with the physical remains of those who chose to spend their final days here, adds remarkable depth to our images, while the unique architectural setting offers perspectives unlike any other religious site in Ethiopia.

From Lalibela's spiritual heights, we descend to the Danakil Depression, where the Earth reveals its raw, volcanic heart. Here, at the Dallol Geothermal Site, we witness and photograph a surreal landscape of vibrant sulfur deposits, acid pools, and mineral formations displaying a range of colours rarely seen elsewhere on our planet. The live chemical reactions create an ever-changing kaleidoscope of yellows, oranges, and greens against stark white salt plains – a photographer's dream of otherworldly compositions.

Our expedition continues to Erta Ale, Ethiopia's most active volcano, where we camp near the summit and photograph the mesmerizing glow of molten lava in the crater lake. The 30-minute walk to the rim rewards us with one of nature's most spectacular displays as darkness falls and the lava illuminates the night sky. This extraordinary geological phenomenon offers photographers rare opportunities to capture the raw power of Earth's volcanic forces, with glowing magma creating dramatic contrasts against the surrounding darkness.

We also document the traditional salt mining operations at Lake Karum, where workers using age-old techniques harvest salt from crystallized lake beds. The combination of human endeavor against vast, mineral-rich landscapes provides compelling storytelling opportunities. At Lake Afdera, positioned 102 meters below sea level and among the hottest places on Earth, we'll capture the stark beauty of this primary salt production hub.

Throughout this journey, we'll travel in well-equipped 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers with experienced guides, cooks, and support staff ensuring both comfort and safety in these remote locations. Our camping facilities provide clean beds, fresh linens, and ample water, allowing us to focus entirely on capturing these extraordinary landscapes and the resilient people who call them home.

This is more than a photography tour – it's an opportunity to witness landscapes and traditions that exist nowhere else on Earth, building a portfolio of images as unique and unforgettable as the journey itself. It will be led by Maciej Radomski, a seasoned photographer with 30 years of experience who has spent more than 15 years organising and leading photography expeditions in East Africa and Asia.

Please get in touch for more details of this exciting new tour or to register your interest.

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