Our photography tour to Uganda will provide you with unforgettable experiences and an incredible image portfolio. With lions, shoebills, chimpanzees and gorilla headlining, there is also an astounding diversity of birdlife and mammals to see in the Pearl of Africa.
Mabamba Swamp is a bird lover’s paradise. Whilst the colourful African jacana and papyrus gonolek attract our attention, it is the formidable shoebill which we search for.
From the swamps to the forest, we search for primates. An experience with chimpanzees and gorillas can be incredibly powerful and the photography opportunities are exceptional as we look to capture an array of intimate portraits and images.
In the savannah and woodland of Ishasha we search for the notorious tree-climbing lions. This unusual sight to behold provides unique and exciting photographic opportunities.
Travelling in a small group of six, we have personalised tuition from Bret Charman who is experienced in photographing Uganda’s wildlife. This guidance will allow us to improve your photographic techniques and learn new skills which we can apply to the incredible wildlife sightings we are bound to encounter.
A key feature of this safari is that we have two treks for both the chimpanzees and gorillas. By doubling the time spent with these fascinating primates, we are able to balance our time between observing and photographing them. Each encounter is sure to be different which will add variety to our portfolios, and we will become increasingly confident in photographing in a lush forest environment.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Depart UK
Depart from London Heathrow to Entebbe via Dubai International Airport.
Day2: Arrive Entebbe & transfer to hotel
On arrival in Entebbe, we transfer to our hotel and spend an afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Local 4-star hotel, 1-night
Day3: Morning photography session at Mabamba Swamp
We have an early start, heading out on to Lake Victoria in search of the bizarre shoebill in Mabamba Swamp. Using expert local guides, we hope to maximise our chances of capturing a range of images of these unusual birds. There will also be the opportunity to see a wealth of other bird species that call this area home.
Each morning we head out into the forest in search of our closest relative – the chimpanzee. We can be out in the forest for a few hours as we try and track a family group. When we find the chimps, we are only allowed to spend an hour with each group, but this is more than enough time to capture an array of intimate portraits and images of these beautiful mammals in their forest surroundings. Bret will be with the group throughout, on hand to give out photographic advice and help you make the most of your time in the forest.
Afternoons will be spent relaxing at the lodge and reviewing images with Bret. On one afternoon we will have a guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland to enjoy the area's primate and birdlife.
Day6: Transfer by road to Ishasha
We transfer to Ishasha, where there may be time to head out on our first game drive this afternoon, depending on the road conditions and subsequent journey time.
Days7-8: Photography sessions in Ishasha and surrounding area
We have two full days to enjoy this hidden corner of Uganda, as we focus our efforts on searching for and photographing the tree-climbing lions. In recent years, the area has become relatively reliable as a place to see leopard and if we are particularly lucky, we may see one of these beautiful cats. The open savannahs and scattered trees make this the perfect place for landscape photography. We will be using open-top land cruisers to ensure we have the very best platform for photography. Each day consists of two game drives and we will make sure to maximise our time in the field. As such, we may take packed lunches with us on our safaris.
Day9: Morning safari drive in Ishasha and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This morning we have one final safari drive in Ishasha before we transfer to Bwindi.
Days10-11: Gorilla trekking & photography in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
We enjoy gorilla treks into the forest over two days during our stay in Bwindi. One of the benefits of being based at Buhoma is the proximity to the registration point for our gorilla trek (only a couple of hundred metres away). This morning we wake early for breakfast before making our way to the meeting point. Here we will be allocated our gorilla treks, our ranger and depending on the starting point, we may be required to drive up to an hour around the mountain.
The trek to find the gorillas can be arduous, there is no denying it, but you can take your time and the rewards are out of this world. Intimate, emotional encounters with one of the most remarkable members of the primate family are life-changing and the photography opportunities are second to none.
Day12: Depart Uganda
We fly by light aircraft to Entebbe where we connect with our flights back to the UK.
Day13: Arrive UK
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 13 daysfrom £9,895 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 11 daysfrom £9,395 pp
Single supplement:
On request – please contact us.
Bret is an award-winning wildlife photographer with a background in the wildlife travel and safari industry, with a particular interest in African and Australian wildlife.
After spending a year in Australia to pursue wildlife photography, he was rewarded with success at the prestigious Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition, as well as winning the Birds in Flight category in Bird Photographer of the Year. Bret has experience leading groups in Europe, the Americas and in Africa.
Lying east of the Ruwenzori Mountains, this forest habitat is home to an amazing 13 species of primate. Tracking a noisy chimpanzee family is a thrilling experience, and the sheer wealth of wildlife will delight naturalists. The birdlife is also outstanding. We recommend an overnight stay here to maximise viewing.
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Where: Kamwenge District
Ideal for viewing: chimpanzee, grey-cheeked mangabey, L’Hoest’s monkey, red colobus monkey, bushpig
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has an exceptional range of altitude and is one of Africa’s most extensive belts of primary montane forest. Although there is a fine array of birdlife, the prime attraction is its mountain gorillas (over 300), and four family groups have been habituated to allow human approach.
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Where: Kanungu District
Ideal for viewing: chimpanzee, golden monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, L’Hoest’s monkey, mountain gorilla
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers Uganda’s best open-country birds (over 600 species) and wildlife (over 100 mammals). Often described as “The Pearl of Africa”, it has rolling grassland, tropical forest, volcanic crater lakes, papyrus swamp and lakeshore, giving it one of the highest biodiversity rates in the world.
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Where: Kasese District
Ideal for viewing: black bee-eater, chimpanzee, giant forest hog, red-tailed colobus, Ugandan kob
Excellent for: Walking safaris, Vehicle safaris, River safaris
This lodge is situated within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and less than five minutes walk from the start point of the gorilla trekking. It comprises eight comfortable cottages, each with its own private verandah, which affords wonderful views of the surrounding forest canopy.
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In the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe River, the luxurious Ishasha Wilderness Camp accommodates guests in ten well-appointed en suite tents. On a clear day you can see the Virunga Volcanoes lying to the south, and the Rwenzori Mountains to the north.
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This exclusive eco-lodge stands in a secluded position in the lush Kibale Forest, home to 13 species of primate including chimpanzees. Nine luxury safari tents on raised wooden platforms are covered by thatch to blend perfectly with the environment, and there is also an opportunity to stay in a tree house.
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