![Chad-The-Gerewol-Festival-Header-3 Gerewol Festival @ Chad](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Chad-The-Gerewol-Festival-Header-3.jpg)
Chad Gerewol Festival Photo Tour
Chad Gerewol Festival Photo Tour
![Chad-The-Gerewol-Festival-Header-3 Gerewol Festival @ Chad](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Chad-The-Gerewol-Festival-Header-3.jpg)
![Chad-The-Gerewol-Festival-Header-3 Gerewol Festival @ Chad](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Chad-The-Gerewol-Festival-Header-3.jpg)
![Chad-The-Gerewol-Festival-Header-3 Gerewol Festival @ Chad](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Chad-The-Gerewol-Festival-Header-3.jpg)
View Dates & Prices
4 Participants
Chad, North Africa.
CHAD PHOTO TOUR – OVERVIEW
The Gerewol Festival is one of the most fascinating in the numerous cultures of Africa. Every year, the semi-nomadic Wodaabe people come together for an extraordinary week-long celebration called the Gerewol. This vibrant festival is considered one of Africa’s most stunning, and only a few outsiders are fortunate enough to witness it. The Gerewol festival is famous for how young Wodaabe men adorn themselves with makeup and jewellery, showcasing themselves to young women in search of a partner, whether for a lifetime commitment or something less permanent. It’s an incredible experience for photographers with the Wodaabe, who love to showcase their beauty to visitors and photographers alike.
CHAD PHOTO TOUR – OVERVIEW
The Gerewol Festival is one of the most fascinating in the numerous cultures of Africa. Every year, the semi-nomadic Wodaabe people come together for an extraordinary week-long celebration called the Gerewol. This vibrant festival is considered one of Africa’s most stunning, and only a few outsiders are fortunate enough to witness it. The Gerewol festival is famous for how young Wodaabe men adorn themselves with makeup and jewellery, showcasing themselves to young women in search of a partner, whether for a lifetime commitment or something less permanent. It’s an incredible experience for photographers with the Wodaabe, who love to showcase their beauty to visitors and photographers alike.
During our camping trip through the Sahel, in Dourbali, a city located in the Chari-Baguirmi region of Chad, we will be staying with the Wodaabe people. This will allow us to experience and understand their lives beyond just a fleeting glimpse. The Wodaabe people strictly follow a set of intricate traditions that have been passed down through generations and across borders, but unfortunately, they are at risk of being forgotten in the future. This unique opportunity will enable us to celebrate their culture and gain an unforgettable experience.
TOUR LIMELIGHT
- An incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventurous photographers to attend the amazing Gerewol Festival in Chad.
- A small group of only 4 participants, guided in areas which have until now been hardly photographed and the group would be mentored by an internationally renowned photographer with great knowledge of people and culture.
- You’ll have an incredible experience of living alongside the spectacular Wodaabe (Mbororo) Fulani people at the Gerewol Festival.
- Concentrated private photo sessions with Wodaabe tribal people.
- A true photographic adventure with a highly experienced team in the Chadian wilderness.
- A local English-speaking guide who is knowledgeable about the natural and human history of Chad.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (07.10.2024)
Day 2 (08.10.2024) - N'Djamena to Dourbali
Arrive in the afternoon in the Gerewol area. Overnight camping accommodation.
Day 3 – Day 4 – Day 5 (09.10.2024 – 11.10.2024) - Gerewol Festival
During the festival, the men of the tribe put on make-up and dance for hours to attract the female observers. Since Wodaabe women appreciate most white teeth and eyes and tallness, the typical dance moves include expressive teeth-showing and eye-rolling, which you see in most of the pictures from the festival. Staying amongst the Wodaabe community and witnessing the rituals and ceremonies will give us more access to photography. During these three days, different activities of Woodaabe people’s rituals, we’ll shoot environmental portraits in groups and we’ll do private portraits also.
Overnight camping accommodation.
Day 6 (12.10.2024) - Dourbali to N'Djamena
Day 7 (13.10.2024) - Fly back to home
Tearful goodbyes as our driver drops you off at the airport to connect with your international flight. Have a safe trip!
DATE
7th to 13th October 2024
PRICE
Date | Tour Pricing |
7th - 13th Oct 2024 | 6500 USD |
**Please read all details on this page and Detailed Terms and Conditions, disclaimer/undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.
Gallery
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_5.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_5.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads-_1.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads-_1.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_2.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_2.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_6.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_6.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_7.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_7.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_4.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_4.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_8.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_8.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_3.jpg)
![](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Wodaabe-nomads_3.jpg)
MEET YOUR MENTOR
![Apratim-Saha-720Px-Jpeg Profile photo of Apratim Saha Apratim Saha © Copyright Apratim Saha. All rights reserved.](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Apratim-Saha-720Px-Jpeg.jpg)
![Apratim-Saha-720Px-Jpeg Profile photo of Apratim Saha Apratim Saha © Copyright Apratim Saha. All rights reserved.](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Apratim-Saha-720Px-Jpeg.jpg)
Apratim Saha
Apratim Saha is the ideal mentor for the Chad Photo Tour, having successfully led numerous tours in different country’s tribal regions. With extensive experience in organizing expeditions and trips, he is well-connected with many locals personally, allowing him to guide you to the core of the rituals. Moreover, his in-depth knowledge of people photography enhances the overall tour experience.
Internationally renowned photographer Apratim Saha has been living his dream of travelling to various countries for his photographic assignments and workshops for the past three decades. Apratim is a contributing photographer for National Geographic, Getty Images and Stocksy United. He is a Canon Brand Ambassador and the Global Brand Ambassador and Mentor for Datacolor, Nisi, Godox, Vanguard, Dxo and Blackrapid.
He has over 38 years of experience, from traditional film to digital photography. He is a commercial photographer specializing in people photography, portraiture, lifestyle & editorial clients. Besides commercial works, Apratim also shoots other subjects that stimulate his visual or emotional sensibilities.
Presently he has been travelling to some very remote places in various countries to reach out to the indigenous people for his book, “In the Verge of Extinction”. Visit Apratim’s website at apratimsaha.com.
MEET YOUR MENTOR
![Profile photo of Apratim Saha Apratim Saha © Copyright Apratim Saha. All rights reserved.](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Apratim-Saha-720Px-Jpeg-200x300.jpg)
![Profile photo of Apratim Saha Apratim Saha © Copyright Apratim Saha. All rights reserved.](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Apratim-Saha-720Px-Jpeg-200x300.jpg)
Apratim Saha
Apratim Saha is the ideal mentor for the Chad Photo Tour, having successfully led numerous tours in different country’s tribal regions. With extensive experience in organizing expeditions and trips, he is well-connected with many locals personally, allowing him to guide you to the core of the rituals. Moreover, his in-depth knowledge of people photography enhances the overall tour experience. Internationally renowned photographer Apratim Saha has been living his dream of travelling to various countries for his photographic assignments and workshops for the past three decades. Apratim is a contributing photographer for National Geographic, Getty Images and Stocksy United. He is a Canon Brand Ambassador and the Global Brand Ambassador and Mentor for Datacolor, Nisi, Godox, Vanguard, Dxo and Blackrapid. He has over 38 years of experience, from traditional film to digital photography. He is a commercial photographer specializing in people photography, portraiture, lifestyle & editorial clients. Besides commercial works, Apratim also shoots other subjects that stimulate his visual or emotional sensibilities. Presently he has been travelling to some very remote places in various countries to reach out to the indigenous people for his book, “In the Verge of Extinction”. Visit Apratim’s website at apratimsaha.com.
FAQs
Why go on an Exposure Expedition?
- Carefully planned to maximize photo opportunities
- Led by professional photographers
- Hands-on photography assistance in the field
- Extensive learning off-field
- Image reviews and presentations
- Post-tour guidance, advice, and assistance
Specifically, you will get –
- A clinically organized expedition with utmost attention to your comfort and needs.
- An open, informal environment that promotes interactive learning.
- A team that will strategize and work to a plan to optimize opportunities and ensure a great tour.
- Practical, hands-on assistance in photography from the tour Mentor/Skippers both in the field and pre- or post-photo tours or workshops.
- Individual interaction with the Mentors over general or specific issues.
- First-hand learning from the masters in the art and craft of photography.
- That’s not all. When you’re not out in the field using the camera, you will learn and enjoy our sessions on photography techniques, photograph reviews and presentations, and discussions on topics relevant to the Photo Tour in question.
Can I join this trip as a non-photographer?
What kind of things should I bring?
This is a suggested packing list to make your trip a fulfilling and comfortable experience.
- Backpack or suitcase
- Comfortable light boots for walking
- Sunglasses
- Suncare cream
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Wet tissues
- Insurance confirmation copy
- Emergency contact number
- Water bottle with 1 litre of capacity
- We’ll provide a sleeping bag but for your hygiene, you can carry your personal one.
- Carry your essential and basic medicines for headaches, fever, stomach upset, etc.
Suggested Equipment
This is just an idea about the suggested camera and accessory:
- One or two DSLR or Mirrorless (Full Frame or Crop Sensor) cameras. If you use a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, for much of the time, when photographing the Wodaabe in a group, you will want to cover focal lengths of around 16-35mm, 24-70mm or 24-105mm. You can bring an 85mm for stagged portraiture also. However, a kit lens (18-55/3.5 or 4.0) will also work.
- If you bring a good quality bridge camera instead of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it will be best if it has an optical zoom of 18-20x or more, combined with a reasonable wide angle at the other end of the zoom range.
- Protector for your lens.
- Power Bank & Electric Socket Extension.
- Adequate memory card and Card reader.
- Be sure to bring plenty of spare battery power for your camera and external hard drive with adequate space and a card reader. There will likely be only limited access to power when we stay with the nomads.
- A Computer with photo-processing software [Lightroom, Photoshop]. (If you do not have this software, don’t worry we’ll provide it.)
- Carry a microfiber to wipe the lens.
How fit do I need to be to join this photo tour?
If you choose not to come with us when we travel on foot, don’t worry, there will be plenty of other things to occupy your time back at camp since we always set up alongside local families who are happy to have visitors. In the past, people have had some very unique experiences by choosing to do this.
Please note:
This trip offers an immersive experience of spending time with the Wodaabe people in one or possibly two locations, and participating in their daily life as well as the festival. However, it’s important to note that festivities do not take place throughout the day and dances usually occur in the morning, late afternoon, and evening. If you prefer a faster-paced trip, this might not be suitable for you.
What should we expect?
- There could be dust when the Wodaabe people will dance.
- In the camp, we may face issues with the internet and mobile networks sometimes.
- Our camp in the Durbali will be under the tree shades of the Sahel.
Health & Vaccinations
Also, please note that Yellow Fever is a compulsory vaccination for entering Chad and you must bring your vaccination certificate with you, otherwise, you may not be allowed to enter. You can check more on this in the Country Wise Yellow Fever risk areas.
Climate
Travel Information
Departure Airport: N’Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
Travel Visa: All travellers will require a visa to enter Chad, which must be obtained before travel. It is recommended to check with your nearest embassy for the most up-to-date visa regulations. Go to Visa Map to find out more.
Local Conditions
Chad is one of the most desired destinations for photographers. There is very little tourism here but the nature of the destination means that you should be prepared for challenging conditions. Outside of the capital, very few hotels or accommodation options exist – in the desert these are non-existent. There are few opportunities to buy supplies en route so we carry the majority of these with us, stocking up on fresh vegetables and fruit in the small towns that we travel through, where possible.
When you are camping, we cannot provide you with home comforts or luxuries and if you expect these, then Chad probably isn’t the right destination for you. However, if you are prepared for sometimes challenging conditions, then Chad offers an adventure that is difficult to match through some of the most untouched, traditional and isolated corners of Africa.
Travel Advice
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- All transportation in 4×4 vehicles.
- Transportation from N’djamena to N’djamena, overland transport, tips, translators.
- Tea, Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner on all days including non-alcoholic drinks.
- Accommodations in a Single Occupancy in hotels.
- During camping single occupancy tent with a foldable cot and mattress.
- Tent toilet and tent washroom.
- Expert guidance on Photography.
- Invitation letter for the visa if required.
- Plenty of mineral water for drinking all the time.
- Mission order, Immigration office cachet, Visiting rights.
- An English-speaking interpreter.
- All entrance, zone, and camera fees.
- Local model donations.
Everything mentioned is included; beyond that, from the moment we pick you up at N’djamena Airport, we will take care of everything for you – things you can think of and probably quite a few things you can’t.
What is not included?
- International flights.
- Visa fees.
- Gifts, personal treats.
- All expenses of a personal nature.
- Any alcoholic drink.
- Personal Insurance.
Important points to be noted
- The photo tour is designed from N’djamena to N’djamena.
- This photo tour is conceptualized in such a way so that personal attention can be given to each and every photographer and for that, the group will be restricted to 4 participants only.
- This tour has been specifically designed for photographers. Non-photographer spouse/friend may be accommodated on the expedition but at full cost and on agreeing to stick to the schedule of the trip.
- While all care would be taken to stick to the schedule, unforeseen circumstances and time consistency might lead to some changes.
- As it is a foreign country your mobile number will not work unless you have international roaming. A local sim can be purchased against a passport document.
- Please note that costs and dates are subject to change as not all our partner properties and local airlines have released their rates. Should we need to revise costs, we will endeavour to keep fees and dates as close to the original.
Conditions
Participants will be granted the expedition based on email confirmation on a first come first serve basis. Feel free to call +91 8509333385 or +918900702900 for any further assistance.
Booking
Cancellation and Refunds
In the event of a cancellation or modification of your confirmed booking, Exposure’s Cancellation and Refund Policy for Photo Tours / Workshops will be applicable, and you need to fully agree to be bound by them. Any refunds will be made within 15 working days from the date of written confirmation of cancellation, via the same mode with which the payment was made to us.
Cancellation deductions will be as per the following policy of full fees:
- 40% cancellation of the total fee if cancelled 90 days before the start of the expedition or earlier than the expedition.
- 100% cancellation of the total fee if cancelled 59 days on or before the start of the expedition.
Please read all details on this page and the Detailed Terms and Conditions, Disclaimer / Undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.
Deadlines
TESTIMONIALS
![Michael Steverson, China](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Michael-Steverson.png)
![Michael Steverson, China](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Michael-Steverson.png)
![Michael Steverson, China](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Michael-Steverson.png)
![Michael Steverson, China](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Michael-Steverson.png)
![Sanhita Banerjee, Australia](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sanhita-Banerjee.png)
![Sanhita Banerjee, Australia](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sanhita-Banerjee.png)
![Sanhita Banerjee, Australia](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sanhita-Banerjee.png)
![Sanhita Banerjee, Australia](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sanhita-Banerjee.png)
![Scott Spigelmyer, USA](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Scott-Spigelmyer.png)
![Scott Spigelmyer, USA](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Scott-Spigelmyer.png)
![Scott Spigelmyer, USA](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Scott-Spigelmyer.png)
![Scott Spigelmyer, USA](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Scott-Spigelmyer.png)
![Chee Au, Sigapore](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Chee.png)
![Chee Au, Sigapore](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Chee.png)
![Chee Au, Sigapore](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Chee.png)
![Chee Au, Sigapore](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Chee.png)
![Lise Lion, London](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Lise-Lion-1.png)
![Lise Lion, London](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Lise-Lion-1.png)
![Lise Lion, London](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Lise-Lion-1.png)
![Lise Lion, London](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Lise-Lion-1.png)
![Hirak Bhattacharjee, Australia](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Hirak.png)
![Hirak Bhattacharjee, Australia](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Hirak.png)
![Hirak Bhattacharjee, Australia](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Hirak.png)
![Hirak Bhattacharjee, Australia](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Hirak.png)
![Kuntal Paul, Bhubaneswar](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Kuntal-Paul.png)
![Kuntal Paul, Bhubaneswar](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Kuntal-Paul.png)
![Kuntal Paul, Bhubaneswar](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Kuntal-Paul.png)
![Kuntal Paul, Bhubaneswar](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Kuntal-Paul.png)
![Ashok Nair, Bangalore](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Ashok-Nair.png)
![Ashok Nair, Bangalore](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Ashok-Nair.png)
![Ashok Nair, Bangalore](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Ashok-Nair.png)
![Ashok Nair, Bangalore](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Ashok-Nair.png)
![Sanhita Banerjee, Kolkata](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Sanhita-Banerjee.png)
![Sanhita Banerjee, Kolkata](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Sanhita-Banerjee.png)
![Sanhita Banerjee, Kolkata](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Sanhita-Banerjee.png)
![Sanhita Banerjee, Kolkata](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Sanhita-Banerjee.png)
![Jayati Saha, Kolkata](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Jayati-Saha.png)
![Jayati Saha, Kolkata](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Jayati-Saha.png)
![Jayati Saha, Kolkata](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Jayati-Saha.png)
![Jayati Saha, Kolkata](https://cdn.exposuresop.com/wp-content/uploads/Jayati-Saha.png)