9-Day Primate Photography Safari

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.

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.

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 rain forests. 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 hotpot 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.

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.

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 bird life arriving at the water's edge.

Depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to the Ishasha sector, The Ishasha Sector is popular for the rare tree climbing lions and they can easily be sighted on tree branches when they are relaxing and chilling. It is one of the best sites where the tree climbing lions can be spotted in East Africa in addition to Lake Manyara in Tanzania. Other wildlife species to catch a glimpse at while in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park include leopards, buffaloes, water bucks, warthogs, Uganda kobs, elands, elephants.

Depart the Ishasha sector, renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. 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.

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 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.

Have early breakfast and then embark on your return journey to Entebbe Airport. You will stop en route for lunch and to see the Equator line. Proceed with the journey, arriving in the late afternoon/evening for drop-off at the airport. This will mark the end of your amazing Ugandan Photography safari tour.