ANGOLA 13 Days – September 4th-16th 2023
‘Angolan Tribal Tour’ – Southern Angola, (13 Days/12 nights) September 2023
The photography. With tribal peoples photography is different. A very good local guide is necessary but here the precedent of paying villages and/or individuals is almost universal. This was something the tour companies seem to have instigated decades ago when tourism was in its infancy. We always try to give to the village instead of the ‘person’ because it is less discriminating. We are sensitive to the impacts that tourism can cause, hence, we try to make visits sustainable and avoid promoting ‘zooification’! It is all a delicate balance and the local guides are often best in deciding which strategy to adopt. In some cases when we visit villages, for example, we wander around the village without a camera just to become a familiar sight. It is interpersonal skills, which make the moment count. And in that moment we want to capture light, colour, emotion, insight, character and spirit. We try to shoot in the golden hours or at least where there is shade from the intense African sun. In the right light, at the right time the ordinary becomes extraordinary and that is something to strive for. Extraordinary portraits, tribal life and street markets. Ovakuvale, Ovahimba, Ovakakaona, Ovamwila, Ovahanda, Ovangendelengo,– names of some of the tribes we will encounter.
Villages are sometimes remote and this is what makes the photography rewarding. We travel in comfortable 4X4’s (Toyota land cruisers or similar) to get to some of the very best locations. There is always a plan B if plan A has to be abandoned due to the occasional downpour, for example, making unsurfaced tracks impassible. It is also possible that we change the itinerary spontaneously if we hear of a local festival or celebration.
You do need a sense of adventure for this trip. A good first aid kit with Malaria prophylaxis. We will send out a ‘things to bring’ list later. We will be off the beaten track but will not be doing any arduous ‘treks’ except to walk around, and to, some of the villages, which are short distances.
We will often have very early starts to catch the best light with the tribes! Where possible we will visit markets throughout the tour.
The cost of the tour is yet to be determined as exchange rates have been fluctuating markedly. But the trip will be expensive as Angola is one of the most expensive countries (the most expensive) in Africa. At this stage please express interest and I will let you know as soon as I know.
Angola is very expensive due to the exchange rate with the Kwanza!
