Primates of Uganda Photography Safari
9 DAYS | 8 NIGHTS
Uganda
Primates of Uganda Covered
This photo safari takes you through some of the most photogenic and wildlife-rich regions of Uganda. From vast savannahs to lush rainforests, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph Africa’s Great Apes — including Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzees- as well as elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards (though hard to spot), hippos, a variety of birdlife, and over 10 other primate species.
A professional photo guide will travel with you throughout the trip, offering tips to help you get the most out of every wildlife encounter. The itinerary is designed with photographers in mind, allowing extra time at key sightings so you can focus on composition, lighting, and angles without feeling rushed.
With just four guests per customized 4x4 vehicle, everyone has a window seat and space for gear, making it easier to capture the shots you’re after. This journey is about slowing down, observing more deeply, and returning home with powerful images and unforgettable memories.
Itinerary Details:
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your private safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Entebbe offers a soft landing with its laid-back vibe and proximity to Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to photograph the vibrant local life along the lake or take a short nature walk in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
This day is all about settling in and preparing your gear for the adventure ahead. You'll meet your photography guide and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing over dinner. This is a great time to get to know each other, set intentions for the journey, and talk shop about camera settings, expectations, and light conditions in Uganda.
Overnight at Hotel No. 5 or similar (HB)
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest
After breakfast, we begin our journey westward to the lush Kibale Forest region, known for its rich biodiversity and large population of chimpanzees. The drive takes you through scenic countryside, small villages, and rolling tea plantations, offering plenty of photo-worthy moments along the way. We’ll stop for a relaxed lunch en route before continuing to the lodge, arriving in time to settle in and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings. The atmosphere is serene, and vervet monkeys or black-and-white colobus monkeys may pass by your veranda — a sign of the forest wonders awaiting tomorrow.
Overnight at Turaco Treetops or similar (FB)
Day 3: First Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Following an early morning breakfast, your private guide will transfer you to the Kanyanchu Orientation Center, where you will check in for the activity before heading out for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale’s lush rainforests. As you trek through the dense vegetation, you’ll observe and photograph these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, watching them groom, play, and interact with one another. After your chimpanzee encounter, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the lodge before heading out for a peaceful Bigodi Wetland Walk in the afternoon. This biodiversity hotspot is home to Uganda’s special primate species, such as the Uganda Mangabey, Red-tailed Monkey, Red Colubus Monkeys, Eastern Guereza Monkey, L’hoesti’s Monkey, Blue Monkey, among other primate species that call the Kibale Forest home, and the walk provides an opportunity to learn about local conservation efforts and community engagement.
Overnight at Turaco Treetops or similar (FB)
Day 4: Second Chimpanzee Tracking
This morning offers a second chance to track and photograph chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. With different light and activity, it’s the perfect opportunity to capture more dynamic images and observe new behaviors. Your photo guide and ranger team will help position you for the best shots for yet another 1 hour in their presence.
After the trek, enjoy a relaxed afternoon back at the lodge. This will be the time to review your photos, rest, or continue shooting around the lodge’s scenic grounds.
Overnight at Turaco Treetops or similar (FB)
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, we begin our scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the crater lakes region. Rolling hills and banana plantations line the journey, offering beautiful vistas and village life photography en route.
After arriving and checking in at your lodge overlooking the Kazinga Channel, we will head out on an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where waterbucks, kobs, elephants, and buffalo are commonly spotted as well as the chances of seeing Africa’s Big Cats backdropped by the Rwenzori Mountains. As the sun dips behind the Rwenzori Mountains, we focus on silhouette shots and dramatic light — a photo-rich end to the day.
Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 6: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
This morning, we rise early for another game drive, this time focusing on the morning routines of both predators and prey. This region of the park is teeming with wildlife, and your guide will collaborate closely with the tour leader to position the vehicle for optimal photographic opportunities.
Later in the afternoon, we will go on a private boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George. This waterway boasts one of the highest concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in Africa. You'll have excellent opportunities to photograph elephants, buffalo, and a huge variety of birdlife arriving at the water's edge.
Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector
Depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive through the Ishasha sector, renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. Pause for a game drive in this area before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive in the afternoon, settle into your lodge, and enjoy the serene forest ambiance while preparing for the next day’s adventure
Overnight at Mahogany Springs or similar (FB)
Day 8: First Gorilla Tracking and Batwa Cultural Experience
This is the day you’ve been waiting for – a chance to stand in the presence of one of the planet’s most endangered and majestic creatures: the Mountain Gorilla. The day begins early with an energizing breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing from expert rangers. Then, it’s time to trek into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi. Every step of the journey feels like an exploration into an ancient, untouched world, with towering trees, colorful bird species, and the occasional rustle of wildlife in the underbrush. After hours of anticipation, your patience pays off as you encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they play, groom, and move through the forest, their sheer presence leaving you breathless. The magic of locking eyes with a silverback is a moment that words can hardly capture.
After this once in a life-time experience, return to your lodge for an afternoon relaxation or a community visit to one of the community projects around the park.
Overnight at Mahogany Springs or similar (FB)
Day 9: Second Gorilla Tracking & Relaxation/Photo Workshop
Today gives you a second and equally special opportunity to track another gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This second trek often provides completely new perspectives and photographic chances, different lighting, a new group dynamic, or unique behaviors you may not have seen before. Your previous experience also helps you anticipate moments and position yourself better for powerful images.
In the afternoon, return to the lodge for some well-deserved rest. It’s a quiet time to unwind and review your photos with your lead photo guide. You’ve just completed one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences on the continent — today is for soaking that in.
Overnight at Mahogany Springs or similar (FB)
Day 9: Fly to Entebbe
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Kihihi airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight back to Entebbe. Depending on your international flight time, you may have a chance to relax at a day hotel or enjoy a quick stop at the local craft markets before being dropped off at Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey home.
Overnight at Day Room use can be arranged upon request (HB)
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