Expedition FAQ

Everything you need to know before joining a photography expedition with Sadek Khafagy. Can't find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp.

Booking & payment

How do I reserve my seat?

Send us a message on WhatsApp with the expedition you're interested in. We'll confirm availability and send you the itinerary and payment details. Your seat is secured once your 20% deposit is received.

What is the payment schedule?

20% at booking, 30% sixty days before departure, and the final 50% twenty days before departure. Full details are in our Booking & Cancellation Policy.

What happens if I need to cancel?

The refund depends on how close to departure you cancel. If you cancel 61 days or more before departure, only the deposit is kept. If you cancel 60 to 21 days before, 50% of the tour price is kept. If you cancel 20 days or less before, the full price is kept. Flight tickets are non-refundable once issued. You can also transfer your seat to a friend. See the full policy.

Are there group or early-booking offers?

Yes, on selected expeditions. Kenya has special pricing for groups of three or more. Iceland has an early-bird price and a rate for groups of two or more. Ask us about current offers when you book.

How big are the groups?

Small. Seats are deliberately limited on every expedition so each participant gets personal attention in the field. The exact group size is confirmed for each tour.

Flights, visas & insurance

Are flights included?

It depends on the expedition. Kenya includes international flights from Riyadh. Lofoten and Iceland offer two options: land only, or a package with flights from Riyadh. Kazakhstan and the USA do not include international flights. Dolomites details will be announced with the final programme.

Can I join from outside Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Choose the land-only option where it's available and meet the group at the destination. We'll share arrival details and the meeting point.

Do I need a visa?

This depends on your nationality and residency. Norway, Iceland and Italy need a Schengen visa, and the USA needs a US visitor visa. Requirements for Kenya and Kazakhstan vary by passport. We provide an itinerary and booking confirmation to support your application. Apply early, because US visa appointments in particular can take months.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes. Insurance covering medical treatment, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation is mandatory for every participant.

On the expedition

What does a typical day look like?

Each day is planned around the best light. We shoot at sunrise and sunset, and use the middle of the day for travel, rest and photo reviews. On aurora and night-sky tours, we also go out at night whenever the sky is clear.

How physically demanding is it?

Most locations are reached by vehicle and short walks. Some tours include optional longer hikes, and Burning Man involves desert camping. Please tell us about any health condition or physical limitation before booking.

What about meals and prayer times?

We arrange halal options wherever available and plan daily schedules with prayer times in mind. Tell us about any dietary needs when you book.

Can I join on my own? Are women and families welcome?

Absolutely. Many participants travel solo, and everyone is welcome. Rooming arrangements are confirmed for each tour, and a private room may be available at an extra cost.

Can a non-photographer partner join me?

Often, yes. It depends on the expedition and available seats, so contact us before booking.

Photography

Do I need to be an experienced photographer?

No. Expeditions are open to all levels, from enthusiastic beginners to advanced photographers. Sadek guides each person in the field on composition, camera settings and reading the light.

What equipment should I bring?

Bring a camera with manual controls, a sturdy tripod (essential for aurora, night and long-exposure work), spare batteries and memory cards. Bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. We send a detailed gear list for your expedition after you book.

Can I join with just a smartphone?

Yes. Modern phones produce excellent images, and we'll help you get the most from yours. For aurora, night-sky and wildlife photography, a camera with manual settings gives much better results.

Will there be editing and photo review sessions?

Yes. We hold photo review and critique sessions during the expedition whenever the schedule allows, with editing tips in Lightroom and Photoshop.

Can I fly a drone?

Only where it is legally permitted. Many national parks and wildlife reserves restrict or ban drones. We'll tell you the rules for each location before you travel.

Still have a question?

We're happy to help. Send us a message on WhatsApp and we'll get back to you.