When it comes to planning an African safari, Uganda often flies under the radar compared to its neighbors. But for those in the know, this country—brimming with misty mountains, lush rainforests, and sprawling savannas—is a hidden gem. And no one showcases Uganda’s treasures better than Hillary, the country’s leading local tour operator and professional wildlife photographer.
For travelers seeking authentic, affordable, and immersive safari experiences, Hillary’s tours offer more than wildlife sightings—they provide storytelling, cultural richness, and unforgettable moments captured through the lens of a passionate local.
Who is Hillary? Uganda’s Local Safari Gem
Hillary is a native Ugandan who has spent his life exploring, photographing, and guiding across his homeland. He isn’t just a safari operator—he’s a wildlife photographer, conservationist, and cultural bridge. Born and raised near some of Uganda’s most iconic parks, Hillary blends deep local knowledge with a sharp eye for beauty and wildlife behavior.
What makes Hillary unique is his personal approach. Every trip is customized with warmth, precision, and an aim to help guests feel like locals, not tourists. From helping you master your camera to teaching you how to greet locals in Luganda, Hillary makes your experience in Uganda one to remember for a lifetime.
Affordable Uganda Safari Packages with a Personal Touch
Safari tours in Uganda can be expensive, especially when booked through large foreign companies. Hillary breaks this mold by offering affordable safari packages that prioritize quality, ethics, and community engagement.
Here are some of his most popular options:
3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari (Starting from Entebbe or Kigali)
Ideal for travelers short on time, this package focuses on the life-changing experience of trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to meet the endangered mountain gorillas. Affordable accommodations, cultural add-ons like the Batwa Experience, and expert guidance make it a standout option.
8-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primates Circuit
This mid-range adventure covers Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest (for chimpanzee tracking), Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi. It includes game drives, boat safaris, and community walks—perfect for wildlife lovers and first-time visitors.
10-Day All-Uganda Experience Safari
For travelers who want the full picture, this package brings together the best of Uganda: wildlife, primates, landscapes, and people. Visit local communities, hike forest trails, enjoy sunset cruises, and photograph lions, elephants, and gorillas with Hillary’s expert advice.
Each safari is flexible to suit your budget, with budget, mid-range, and luxury lodging options available.
Why Book With Hillary? What Sets Him Apart
A Photographer’s Eye for Wildlife & Landscapes
Unlike most tour guides, Hillary is a professional wildlife photographer. He knows exactly when and where to find the best light, angles, and animal activity. He’ll teach you how to shoot wildlife on the move, how to capture the drama of a stormy savanna, and how to approach gorillas with sensitivity and skill.
Local Expertise, Personal Connection
Being Ugandan, Hillary doesn’t just know the land—he understands its rhythm. From seasonal animal patterns to village customs, his insights offer depth and authenticity. You’ll eat local food, hear local stories, and understand the country beyond the national parks.
Community-Centered and Ethical Travel
Hillary works with community guides, supports local craftspeople, and books eco-lodges whenever possible. By traveling with him, your dollars support sustainable tourism in Uganda—not just big-name corporations.
Flexible and Friendly Planning
Planning a safari can be intimidating, but Hillary makes it simple. “Do you want to feel local? Send me a WhatsApp message,” he says. “We can plan it together and meet your dream within your budget.” This direct and human connection is rare in the modern travel industry.
Uganda Safari Destinations You Can Explore with Hillary
Whether it’s your first or fifth visit to Uganda, Hillary helps you discover places that inspire awe and spark curiosity.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, this dense jungle offers one of the most humbling wildlife encounters on Earth. Hillary ensures your gorilla trek is respectful, well-timed, and unforgettable.
- Murchison Falls National Park
Here, the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge creating the most powerful waterfall in the world. Explore the park on game drives, watch elephants by the river, and enjoy a sunset boat cruise with your camera ready.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
From tree-climbing lions in Ishasha to boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, this park offers rich biodiversity. Hillary times the game drives to maximize your chances of spotting predators, hippos, and rare birds.
- Kibale National Park
This is the primate capital of East Africa, with 13 species of monkeys and chimpanzees. With Hillary, you can join a chimp tracking adventure while also learning to photograph these fast-moving subjects.
- Lake Bunyonyi & Cultural Villages
Uganda isn’t just about wildlife. Spend a relaxing day by Lake Bunyonyi or visit a local farm to see how bananas, coffee, and crafts are part of daily life.
Photo Safaris in Uganda: Travel Through the Lens
For photography enthusiasts, Hillary offers dedicated photo safaris in Uganda, where the focus is on light, timing, and technique. You’ll learn about:
- Composition and wildlife behavior
- Editing tips for safari photos
- Ethical photography practices with people and animals
- Using phones or DSLRs in the wild
Whether you’re capturing the soulful eyes of a silverback gorilla or the golden haze of an African sunset, Hillary ensures your photos are as memorable as the journey itself.
How to Book Your Uganda Safari with Hillary
Booking with Hillary is easy and transparent. You can contact him directly via:
- WhatsApp+256726436969
- Email: hillary@hillaryugandatrips.com
- Instagram: @hillary_shots / @hillaryugandatrips
- Website: www.hillaryugandatrips.com
He will personally respond to your message, help tailor your trip, and provide transparent pricing based on your interests, travel dates, and accommodation preferences.
Final Words: Travel With Heart, Camera, and Purpose
In a world where tourism often feels rushed and impersonal, Hillary’s approach is refreshingly real. He helps travelers see Uganda through the eyes of a local, and through the lens of someone who truly loves his country.
From budget gorilla trekking tours to full-scale photographic expeditions, Hillary offers the best value, authenticity, and warmth of any tour operator in Uganda. If you want more than just a safari—if you want to understand, connect, and create—travel with Hillary.
