Archives: Ethiopia 

Madagascar, India, Brazil, Borneo, Ethiopia

There are only superlatives for Oryx Photo Tours and guide Dale Morris. Dale is a Super-guide! He is talented, skilled, and hard-working. He has a great eye for photographic situations. He finds subjects from a mom orangutan and her youngster to something called a Satanic leaf-tailed gecko. He seems to work magic behind the scenes, making sure you, the client, are comfortable, and happy and the tour is meeting, and exceeding your expectations. If plan A doesn’t work, he has a plan B in his back pocket. As a companion, he is easy & fun to talk with, plus he has a terrific, dry sense of humor.I also know that when it’s a tour with Oryx Photo Tours, I will experience an awesome, carefully arranged program with minute attention paid to every detail assuring my comfort, safety and that I will come home with the very best possible images.

2022

I’ve had the privilege of traveling with Oryx several times. The first was to the Omo Valley with Dale Morris. That trip was a leap of faith, signing up for it based on online reviews, a ‘good feeling’ – and little else.

What an amazing out-of-this-world trip it was. The arrangements were impeccable and Dale was a brilliant lead.
There’s been no looking back since then and I’ve been on magical journeys to the Masai Mara, Lake Turkana, Ranthambore/Varanasi and Peru – with Oryx. It never ceases to amaze me how perfectly organized these trips are, from the travel arrangements, accommodation, the local ground team, the emphasis on safety, and of course the photography ‘tuition’ – I keep learning new things on every single trip. All the Oryx leads are so generous with their knowledge and time and are absolute gems – a testament to Oryx’s corporate and hiring culture.
Oryx takes photography journeys to the next level. I have two more expeditions booked already.

Ethiopia wildlife

I’ve been to seven countries on the African continent, and many other countries around the world, and I have to say that this trip ranks among the top as one of my best trips ever. I liked the length of time we spent at each of the locations, which gave us the best chance for wildlife viewing of the wolves and geladas (our viewings were so much better than I could have imagined). I’m partial to mammals, so this itinerary was perfect. I really enjoyed the company of the other guests too.

But I have to say, what made the difference was probably having Dale as a photo tour leader. Not only is he a fantastic photographer, but he also has so much knowledge on animal behavior. And I like that he also has a background in conservation. He is obviously passionate about animals and the environment, which is so important on trips like this where we are viewing an endangered animal like the Ethiopian wolf. I am also a very novice photographer, but he wasn’t pushy about instructing me. He was always ready and willing to provide feedback and tips, but he always made it my choice if I wanted to try something new in the moment or at a later time, so I wasn’t overwhelmed. He also was a very patient instructor and didn’t talk down to me when I didn’t get something at first. I do think my photos from this trip are much better than my usual ones because of him. I wouldn’t hesitate to book another trip with ORYX Photo Tours with Dale as the leader.

Ethiopia wildlife

I have been on international photo tours with a number of organizations of which Oryx is by far the best in terms of interesting destinations, itineraries, excellent guides, and great back-office organization.
Dale Morris was very helpful with photography advice and personally interested in my efforts. I came away with improved skills and better photos. He was also very good at keeping the tours hassle free from the guest’s perspective, though I’m sure there was a lot going on behind the scenes.
The office staff were excellent and solved issues that arose promptly.
Peter Flatt

Ethiopia

For the past twenty years I have annually engaged in at least one photographic seminar or tour.  I have never been disappointed in a tour leader.  However, I write with all candor that no leader has been more inspiring than Dale Morris.

Dale’s photographic talent is broad and deep and he generously imparts his knowledge to each member of his group.  From Dale I learned better ways to do everything from cleaning a lens to metering to composing a shot.  As a tour manager he sees to the smooth operation of every detail of the trip.

It’s inevitable that glitches occur when traveling in remote areas of the globe but Dale’s adeptness in the third world keeps the tours on schedule and on track.  Dale bursts with enthusiasm and humor and his passion for wildlife and the wilderness is contagious.  I look forward to my next tour with Mr. Morris.

Ethiopia

Our private trip to Ethiopia was remarkable in so many different ways, an inspiring journey to different landscapes, beautiful people, ancient cultures, incredible food and so much more.

Yet it was Dale that allowed us to relax and enjoy these special moments: it felt like being accompanied by a professional photographer and guide who was also a long lost friend.
Thank you Dale, to the next one…