13 Day Uganda Wildlife Photography Safari

The 13 Day Uganda Wildlife Photography Safari is a one-of-a-kind excursion across Uganda’s wildlife-rich countryside. This safari is intended to offer you an amazing experience as you tour two primate parks and a savannah park, with an emphasis on chimpanzees, gorillas, and Uganda’s gorgeous savannah landscapes.

This photo safari will consist of two days of chimpanzees trekking and two days of gorilla trekking, allowing you to witness these wonderful primates in their natural environment. In addition to these incredible experiences, you will also have a tranquil boat trip in the Kazinga Channel, where you will be able to witness a variety of aquatic fauna and bird species.

Three of Uganda’s most famous national parks will be visited on your safari. Kibale National Park, renowned for its chimpanzees and breathtaking forest landscapes; Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to craters, lakes, elephants, buffalo, and lions; and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for its gorillas and waterfall-dotted forest landscapes

And if you’re fortunate, you could even see the rare tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha region. This safari is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will let you enjoy the natural beauty of Uganda and take great pictures of the amazing animals that live there.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe for the 13 Day Uganda Wildlife Photography Safari

As you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, our driver/guide will be ready to pick you up and transport you to the elegant Airport Guesthouse Entebbe for your overnight stay. Here is where you will get a warm greeting and a thorough tour orientation. You will also be advised of the day two departure time.

Day 2: Entebbe to Kibale National Park

Our day begins with a scrumptious breakfast, and we are all set to embark on our westward journey from Entebbe through the hustle and bustle of Kampala city our route takes us through the vibrant city streets teeming with bodaboda (motorcycle taxis). Our experienced driver will ensure that we avoid traffic congestion as much as possible, but we also have several opportunities for rewarding window drive-by street photography.

As we venture deeper into the heart of Uganda, the landscape begins to change. We drive through sprawling tea plantations, and the scenic vistas offer numerous opportunities for landscape photography. The moody afternoons, especially after the rain, make for some truly spectacular shots.

Our journey then takes us through the historic Fort Portal town and into the forest of  Kibale National Park. Here, the chances of encountering baboons and other primates are high, and if we’re lucky, we might even spot a majestic forest elephant.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Walks in the Morning and Afternoon

The day starts early with a delightful breakfast before we go out on a memorable four-hour chimpanzee stroll at 8:00 a.m. On your walk, you may see up to ten different kinds of primates, and the park is also home to a vast array of butterflies and birds, making for a fascinating and gratifying experience. In the afternoon, we’ll go on another 4-hour chimpanzee tour that will leave you in awe of these wonderful animals.

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in the morning and afternoon

The second day of our chimpanzee treks begins today. The morning and afternoon treks are the ideal times to watch these monkeys in their natural environment, and you’ll have the opportunity to take some beautiful images. When we explore the depths of Kibale Forest and all of its beauties, be sure to have your cameras ready. 

Day 5: Visit Queen Elizabeth National Park

 Following a scrumptious breakfast, we will continue on a lovely drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is renowned for its diverse habitats, which include wide savanna, shaded, humid woods, dazzling lakes, and lush wetlands. We will journey through some of Uganda’s most breathtaking scenery, including rolling hills, mountains, and charming towns.

Day 6: Game drive in Queen Elizabeth and boat launch on the Kazinga Channel

We begin the day with a morning game drive around the park, where you will have the opportunity to observe elephants, buffalo, lions, and many other animals. The game drive takes us into the Kasenyi plains, which are home to a variety of savannah animals. In the afternoon, we will launch a boat on the Kazinga waterway, which is renowned for its diversity of bird and aquatic life.

Day 7: Travel to Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

After a hearty breakfast, we embark on a 70 km drive through the park, with the opportunity to spot magnificent elephants and hippos in the wetlands en route.
In the evening, we will take our first game drive in the iconic Ishasha, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and the largest population of Nyamela antelopes, commonly known as Topis or Uganda Topi. With your camera in hand, you’ll capture stunning images of these elusive creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll spend the night at a camp, surrounded by the tranquillity of the wilderness.

Day 8: Early Morning Game drive and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

We’ll start early, capturing the African Golden hour morning sunrise during a game drive, with another chance to spot the tree-climbing lions. After the game drive, we’ll head further south to the charming community of Buhoma, adjacent to the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here, you’ll have time to relax and refresh before reviewing your previous day’s photography and preparing for the next day’s highlights.

Day 9: Feel the Rush of Gorilla Trekking

Prepare yourself for an exciting day of gorilla tracking. Following a short drive or stroll from your lodge, you will  arrive at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest headquarters for a pre-briefing at 7:45 a.m. The walk to find the gorillas starts at 8:30 a.m., and with any luck, you should locate them within a few hours.

After you’ve found the gorillas, you’ll have no more than one hour to view and photograph them in their natural environment.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that will leave you in amazement. It is recommended that trekkers be physically fit.

Day 10: Another Day of Gorilla Trekking

The majestic gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest may be tracked again today. Your second day will be equally as exciting as the first, as you set out to learn more about these fascinating species’ routines and habitats.

Day 11: A Day of Relaxation and Immersion in Local Culture

Take a well-deserved vacation on Day 11 after chasing gorillas for two days. You may opt to relax at your lodge or visit the nearby Batwa village. This cultural excursion is a chance to learn about the distinctive customs, traditions, and ways of life of this ancient people. You will take part in a variety of activities, including traditional dances, storytelling, and even the opportunity to see how they hunt and collect food in the forest. It is a wonderful chance to engage with the local people and learn more about Uganda’s rich cultural history.

Day 12: Third day of Gorilla trekking

This is your third and last day of gorilla tracking in the gorgeous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With the assistance of knowledgeable experts, you will journey into the dense forest, following the gorilla families and getting close to these wonderful animals in their natural environment. While you witness their everyday routines and interactions, capture amazing moments and memories.

Day 13: Entebbe and Departure

Following breakfast, we will continue on the last ride back to Entebbe, taking in the picturesque sights of the cities of Mbarara and Masaka along the route. We will stop at the Equator for a coffee or tea break and the chance to buy mementoes. As we arrive in Entebbe, we will check into the Airport Guesthouse Entebbe for a rest and supper before transferring to the airport for your onward journey. We hope you enjoyed a memorable 13-day Uganda wildlife safari and wish you a safe trip home.