In a world that pushes for speed—more images, more stories, more noise—this is something else. A deliberate step back. A chance to trade urgency for patience, noise for quiet observation, and surface impressions for something lasting.
This November, I’ll be returning to Ethiopia—a place where life unfolds slowly, traditions remain vivid, and days take shape without rush or outside noise. I invite you to join me for an experience that blends photography, culture, and thoughtful time in one of the most visually rich regions on Earth.
We begin in Addis Ababa, Nov 13–16, with the Most Traveled People Summit—an annual gathering that brings together explorers, photographers, and cultural travelers from around the world. It’s a space for sharing experiences, learning from one another, and connecting with those who value thoughtful, immersive travel. During the summit, I’ll share ideas on patience in photography and why the most meaningful images often come not from chasing, but from waiting—allowing real moments to unfold on their own terms.
From Nov 16–23, we’ll step away from the city and into Ethiopia’s Omo Valley—traveling as a small group of just eight guests. This isn’t a packaged tour. It’s a slow, deliberate experience shaped by years of work building trust with local communities. We’ll be guided by Aziz Ahmed, Ethiopia’s most respected cultural expert, whose knowledge and long-standing relationships allow us to move quietly and respectfully through places few visitors ever reach.
The Landscape and Experience
Imagine waking to the quiet clink of cattle bells as the first light softens the edges of the valley. The air is cool and still, carrying the scent of wood smoke and dust from the villages nearby. Overhead, acacia trees filter pale sunlight as we set out by 4x4—driving slowly through open skies and across dry riverbeds, the land wide and unhurried.
We camp in places where time isn’t counted by hours, but by seasons, by ceremonies, by the simple rhythm of people moving through their days. Villages rise quietly from the landscape: thatched huts, children herding goats, a line of warriors silhouetted against the morning light.
You’ll meet Surma warriors, their bodies marked with scarification patterns that speak of strength and belonging. You’ll observe Donga stick fighting—young men preparing carefully, faces steady as they step into a tradition passed down through generations. And you’ll see body painting done not for tourists or photographers, but as living expression: bold colors mixed from ash, earth, and ochre, traced carefully across skin with brushes made from grass stems.
There’s no need to rush. Each day is shaped by conversation, by walking quietly through villages, by waiting until trust makes space for real moments. Some days open slowly. Others surprise you—a glance, a shared meal, a boy preparing for his rite of passage at sunset.
And in that slower rhythm—away from the usual noise and pull of other things—you may notice something else: the quiet satisfaction of time spent fully in the moment.
Itinerary Overview
Nov 13–16: MTP Summit, Addis Ababa
Nov 16: Fly to Jimma, drive to Mizan Teferi through coffee plantations
Nov 17–19: Surma Territory—cultural immersion, Donga stick fighting, scarification rituals
Nov 20–21: Omo National Park—game drives, Nyangatom and Karo tribes
Nov 22: Turmi—Hammer tribe, bull jumping rites of passage
Nov 23: Visit Desanech tribe, fly Jinka to Addis
Logistics and Details:
Date: Nov 13-23, 2025
Group Size: Maximum 8 guests
Price: $4450 per person
Includes: Domestic flights, 4x4 transport, camping, meals, permits, expert guiding
Excludes: Tips, local photography fees, personal extras