26-Day Adventure Tour to Africa and Socotra 2026/2027

Your adventure begins with your arrival in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. Upon arrival at N'Djamena International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local tour guide and driver and transferred to your hotel in the city. N'Djamena, located on the banks of the Chari River, offers a unique glimpse into the Sahel region. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at the hotel after the long journey, or take a short evening exploration of the city and experience its lively streets and local atmosphere.

Meals: D
Accommodation: N'Djamena

After breakfast, you will leave N'Djamena at around 8:30 a.m. and travel north via Zina toward the Massinya region. As the urban landscape gradually gives way to open Sahelian scenery, your Africa tour will also allow you a glimpse into the traditional world of Chad's nomadic people.

Along the way, you will pass localities belonging to Arab, Boulala, and Wodaabe (Fula people) communities. You may encounter nomadic families travelling with their herds in search of water and pasture. You will have a rare opportunity to observe the rhythms of pastoral life and gain a deeper understanding of the communities who have adapted to this demanding environment for generations.

As evening falls, you will settle at the campsite. Enjoy a peaceful evening in the wilderness before the cultural experiences of the coming days.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: M'bororo Camp

Today, you will spend a full day immersed in nomadic life and experience the vibrant dances, ceremonies, and traditions of the Gerewol.

After breakfast at the camp, you will spend the entire day exploring the surrounding plains and experiencing nomadic daily life. You will see people of all ages going about their everyday activities. Some travel by donkey while others work in small vegetable gardens or seasonal agricultural fields.

You will have the opportunity to observe how the Wodaabe people maintain their traditional way of life. Throughout the day, you will witness traditional Gerewol dances and ceremonies, where young men dress in elaborate costumes, decorate their faces, and perform rhythmic dances accompanied by traditional songs.

The Fulani people living in this area still maintain the tradition of holding various ceremonies for the part of their community that remains on the plateau.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: M'bororo Camp

After two nights of Gerewol ceremonies, you will leave the nomadic camp.

On your way to the plains, you will continue to encounter other tribes, each with its own traditions, customs, and distinctive sense of beauty. Among them are the Shuwa Arab and Baguirmi people. You may visit local camps or markets, giving you the chance to experience their culture beyond the Gerewol celebrations.

You will arrive in N'Djamena in the evening and check into your hotel. The remainder of the evening is free for you to relax after the journey or explore the city at your own pace.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: N'Djamena

After breakfast, you will leave your hotel in N'Djamena and travel toward Hadjer Lamis (Elephant Rocks), where you will visit the remarkable rocks shaped naturally like elephants.

After exploring the rocks, you will continue toward the nearby Douguia riverside resort for lunch. Located along the Chari River, Douguia provides a peaceful setting to take a break from the journey. You will have time to relax and enjoy the riverside surroundings and visit the village in Sudanese style that is currently under construction.

Later in the afternoon, you will be transferred to N'Djamena International Airport for your flight to South Sudan.

Depending on your flight schedule and connections, you may spend the night on board the aircraft or in a transit city.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: On board / Transit city

In the morning, you will arrive in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. After meeting your local guide, you will transfer to the hotel, conveniently located near the airport and city centre.

Your first stop will be Konyo Konyo Market, the main open-air comprehensive market of Juba. As you walk through the market, you will see a wide range of local products, food, clothing, and everyday goods. It offers an authentic glimpse into daily life in South Sudan. The meat section is particularly lively, with strong aromas and a local atmosphere.

Near the market, you will also visit a Murle Refugee Camp, where you can get a close-up look at the ongoing tribal conflicts and their impact on this African country. For lunch, you will enjoy a meal at a Lebanese restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Juba Old Botanic Garden, where you can take a relaxing walk in a peaceful atmosphere. As the day comes to an end, you will enjoy dinner before returning to your hotel for the night.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Juba

After breakfast, you will begin your second day of cultural exploration in Juba. In the morning, you will visit Konyo Konyo Market to experience the city at its busiest. You will have time to explore the stalls and capture authentic scenes of daily life.

Then, you will leave the busy market and enjoy lunch beside the White Nile. After lunch, you will have some time to rest before beginning the afternoon journey into the Mundari tribe.

In the afternoon, you will depart from Juba and head for the Mundari tribe, one of South Sudan's well-known pastoral tribes. Upon arrival at a Mundari cattle camp, you will encounter thousands of long-horned Mundari cows. At around 6:00 p.m., you will witness the cattle returning to their respective pastures.

You will also have opportunities to meet and chat with young Mundari people and learn more about their pastoral lifestyle and connection with their animals.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Near Mundari cattle camp

You will begin the morning with time for additional tribal and market photography. This is your final opportunity to capture any scenes of Nomadic tribes and markets that you may have missed during the previous days. You will also prepare your luggage and your photography equipment.

After that, you will travel toward Juba Airport for your flight to Ethiopia (transfer to Mekele / Semera / Logiya).

In the evening, you will attend a detailed pre-departure safety briefing. You will learn about the challenges of the coming journey, including extreme heat, sulfur fumes, protective masks, and appropriate safety procedures. Have an early night and prepare for the intense exploration expedition ahead in the Danakil Depression.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Ethiopia

You will set out early by 4×4 vehicle toward the Dallol area, crossing the vast and barren landscapes of the Danakil Depression. Along the way, your local guide or geological specialist will introduce you to the extraordinary forces that have shaped this region. You will learn about the causes of this type of geology and the role of tectonic plates.

In the afternoon, you will hike to explore this area and photograph its extraordinary geothermal features, including colorful sulfur and mineral pools, salt formations, mounds, and steaming hydrothermal vents. If weather and local conditions permit, you may also capture the reflection of the starry sky on the salt pools.

Kind Reminder:
Some areas of Dallol may be covered by a thin crust of salt and mineral deposits. Please follow the guide and avoid walking on unmarked areas.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Ethiopia

Today, you will visit Lake Asale and closely photograph the traditional salt production process. The workers break and collect blocks of salt from the vast salt flats and then load them onto waiting camels.

In the afternoon, you will appreciate and shoot the surreal landscape from different perspectives. With the beautiful sunset, the salt pools take on warm golden tones, providing an ideal setting for photography.

In the evening, enjoy your leisure time. You will have time to review the photographs in the Danakil region and make full backups of your images.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Ethiopia

Today, you will begin a long 4×4 journey across the desert toward the base of Erta Ale. Depending on road and weather conditions, the transfer will take much of the day.

In the afternoon, you will arrive near the volcano and prepare for the night expedition. Before setting out, you will check your hiking and photography equipment, refill your water supplies, and make sure your headlamp, batteries, protective clothing, and other essential gear are ready. Your guide will review the planned route, rest points, and emergency procedures with you.

Later in the night, you will reach a safe observation area near the volcanic crater. From the designated viewpoint, you may observe the lava lake of the active volcanic area and take photographs of the wonderful landscape.

Kind Reminder:
The gas emissions, harmful dust, unstable terrain, and intense heat of Erta Ale can present serious hazards. You must remain with the professional guide at all times and use the required protective equipment.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Ethiopia

Today, you will get up early to photograph sunrise over Erta Ale. Then, you will hike back to the designated meeting point.

After the adventure in the Danakil Depression, you will leave the desert and fly back to Addis Ababa and continue to Asmara, Eritrea. When you arrive in Asmara, you will transfer to your hotel for checking in and have time to rest after the long journey.

Kind Reminder:
Please note that Erta Ale is an active volcanic environment, and conditions can change rapidly. The itinerary may be adjusted slightly according to the status of the volcano.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Asmara

After breakfast, you will begin a walking tour through the historic centre of Asmara. Known for its distinctive Italian colonial architecture, the city presents an unusual combination of modernist buildings, broad avenues, cafés, and workshops. You will explore the old city area at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to observe the details of the city.

One of the photography highlights will be the iconic FIAT Tagliero Building, an extraordinary Futurist-style building whose dramatic wing-like structures have become one of Asmara's most recognizable landmarks. You will also experience Italian neighborhoods and coffee culture.

In the afternoon, you will continue your exploration through local markets and artisan workshops. You will encounter craftsmen working with traditional techniques and photograph retro architectural details.

The remaining time tonight is set aside for rest and to prepare for the next stage of the Africa tour.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Asmara

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hargeisa. Depending on available flight schedules, the journey may require a connection through Djibouti or Addis Ababa.

After arriving in Hargeisa, you will transfer to your hotel and take some time to settle in. If your schedule allows, you will make a short photographic excursion around the city. You can visit local markets and capture street scenes.

In the evening, you will attend a detailed briefing for the upcoming visit to the Laas Geel rock art site. Your guide will explain the photography guidelines and protection requirements.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hargeisa

Today, you will drive toward Laas Geel, a complex of natural caves and rock formations, among which are preserved very exquisite prehistoric rock paintings. You will explore the rock shelters and admire the extraordinary prehistoric paintings preserved on their walls. You can photograph the paintings and surrounding rock formations, carefully following all regulations.

After exploring Laas Geel, you will return to Hargeisa in the afternoon. You will enjoy free time exploring the city, visiting local shops, or meeting Somaliland artisans. You will have further opportunities to photograph traditional crafts and locals' lives.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hargeisa

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your journey to Djibouti by flight or car. After arriving in Djibouti, you will meet your local team and begin the journey toward Lake Abbe. On the way, enjoy the barren and dramatic landscape.

In the evening, you will arrive at a basic camp or simple lodge near Lake Abbe. For the rest of the time, you can enjoy sunset at the limestone chimneys of Lake Abbe. These huge limestone chimneys stand as high as 50 meters (164 feet). You will have the evening free to photograph the landscape or relax at camp.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Lake Abbe

This morning, you will capture the sunrise over the limestone chimneys and Lake Abbe. Enjoy the scene where steam is diffusing over the water surface.

In the afternoon, you will continue your journey through the surrounding region and visit a nearby Afar community. With permission from local residents, you will have opportunities to observe their daily life and learn about the traditions and pastoral culture of the Afar people. Photography will always be conducted respectfully and only with appropriate consent.

Later, you will continue to Lake Assal, the world-famous high-salinity salt lake, and discover the dazzling salt landscapes of Lake Assal.

In the evening, you will return to Djibouti Ambouli International Airport for your flight to Jeddah or Cairo. After arrival, you will check into your hotel and rest.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Jeddah / Cairo

Complete your final preparations before flying to Socotra. After breakfast at the hotel, you can replenish essential supplies, like spare batteries, memory cards, or suitable clothing.

In the afternoon, you will complete the final confirmation for your Socotra flight. If you are travelling with a drone, you will also review the relevant declaration and approval requirements with the tour guide before departure.

Your guide will provide a briefing covering the upcoming itinerary and ecological protection tips. Have a good night, and you will travel to Socotra tomorrow.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Jeddah / Cairo

Today, you will set foot on Socotra and begin discovering its extraordinary flora, rugged coastline, and otherworldly landscapes. After landing, you will complete the arrival formalities and meet your local tour guide and driver.

After arrival, you will travel to your eco-lodge, where you can settle in and have some time to rest after the flight. You could spend some time capturing the scenery of the coast.

In the evening, you will return to the eco-lodge for a welcome dinner. Later, you can listen to the tour guide's explanation of the key points for shooting on Socotra.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Socotra

After breakfast, you will drive and hike to the Firmihin Plateau, one of the most impressive areas for visiting Socotra's famous Dragon Blood Trees. The Dragon Blood Tree is one of the iconic natural symbols on Socotra Island. You can capture its umbrella-shaped canopy.

In the afternoon, you will continue to a designated viewpoint for panoramic photography. Use a drone to capture aerial views of the Dragon Blood Trees against the vast, rugged terrain.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Socotra

After breakfast, you will travel through rugged mountain terrain and set out on a scenic hike toward Wadi Kalysan. You can observe and record traditional village life. When you reach the natural freshwater pool, explore the area and photograph the surrounding landscape. Here, you can swim in the clear water.

In the evening, you will return to your accommodation and have free time to relax, review your photographs, or prepare your equipment for the following day's exploration.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Socotra

After breakfast, you will travel to Detwah Lagoon, one of Socotra's most impressive coastal landscapes. From the surrounding mountains, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Detwah Lagoon and its distinctive blends of blue and turquoise water. Stroll along the beach or enjoy snorkeling.

In the afternoon, you will continue to Hoq Cave. You need to hike a rugged mountain road before you approach the cave. Accompanied by your local guide, you will explore the cave and photograph its dramatic interior. Hoq Cave is known for its extensive limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Socotra

Today, you will venture to Momi Plateau, where you can capture a stunning panoramic view of the Socotra coast. Momi Plateau is famous for its diverse range of bottle trees.

In the afternoon, explore a sea cave under the guidance of the tour guide. You can capture the texture of the rock layers.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Socotra

In the morning, enjoy leisurely time at a beautiful beach of Socotra. And then continue to explore Desert Rose. Along the way, you will encounter the distinctive Desert Rose (Adenium obesum), particularly between February and April when the plant can be in bloom.

In the afternoon, you will continue with a cave exploration or creative photography session. Alternatively, you may choose to participate in a local handicraft or cultural activity, which offers a more intimate perspective on Socotra's traditions and daily life.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Socotra

After breakfast, you will head to the coast and board a local boat for a dolphin-watching cruise. You will sail through the clear blue waters along Socotra's coastline, keeping an eye out for pods of dolphins. You may see dolphins surfacing or leaping alongside the boat.

In the afternoon, continue to one of Socotra's spectacular giant sand dunes, like Arher or Zaheq Sand Dunes. Towering white sand dunes rise dramatically toward the coastline, creating a landscape where desert and sea meet. You can climb the dunes to photograph sweeping coastal views.

Later, you will return to Hadibo for a relaxed walk through the town. You will pass some local streets with small mosques, markets, and shops selling seafood, spices, and daily commodities. You can interact with local residents and photograph their ordinary island life. You may also have time to purchase souvenirs and enjoy local tea or snacks before returning to your accommodation.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Socotra

After breakfast, you will check out and transfer to Socotra Airport for your return flight to Jeddah or Cairo. This marks the end of your 26-day expedition across Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somaliland, Djibouti, and Socotra. Safe travels!

Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A