Uganda Photo Tours; A photographer’s dream in the heart of East Africa

Uganda, often called the Pearl of Africa, is a paradise for wildlife and landscape photographers. From its lush forests and vast savannahs to its diverse wildlife, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants, Uganda photo tours offer unparalleled photo opportunities. Whether you are passionate about gorilla trekking, capturing the beauty of Lake Victoria, or photographing the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi , Uganda provides an unforgettable photography tour experience.

Led by Hillary, a local professional wildlife photographer, these tours take you to Uganda’s most photogenic locations. With his deep knowledge of the country and expertise in capturing stunning images, Hillary ensures you maximize your photo opportunities in every location.

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport & Starting Your Uganda Photo Tour

Your journey begins at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s main gateway. Located near the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe offers the first glimpse of Uganda’s beauty. After arrival, you will be transferred to a comfortable lodge, where you can rest and prepare for your photography tour.

Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the nearby Mabamba Swamp, home to the rare Shoebill Stork and other birds like malachite kingfishers. This excursion offers an early chance to photograph Uganda’s rich birdlife before heading deeper into the wilderness.

Chimpanzee Tracking and Wildlife Photography in Kibale National Park

The first major destination on your Uganda photo tour is Kibale National Park, one of the best places in the world for chimpanzee tracking. The lush Kibale Forest is home to chimpanzees, monkey species, and hundreds of bird species, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Your chimpanzee tracking experience starts early in the morning. With the help of local guides, you will trek through the forest, searching for habituated chimps. Once found, you will spend one hour observing and capturing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Their playful interactions and expressive faces make for incredible photographs.

For even more photo opportunities, visit Bigodi Swamp in Kibale forest, a birdwatcher’s paradise where you can photograph rare bird species, colourful butterflies, and primates.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

One of the highlights of Uganda photo tours is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to almost half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.

Your gorilla trekking adventure begins with an early morning briefing before heading into the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. With the guidance of local guides, you will follow trails through thick vegetation, listening for the sounds of a gorilla family.

Once you locate a gorilla family, you will have one hour to photograph mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The gentle giants offer an emotional and profound experience, and capturing their expressive eyes, family interactions, and powerful presence is a highlight of any photography tour.

The two treks in Bwindi forest allow photographers two opportunities to get the perfect shot of these incredible primates.

Exploring Mgahinga and the Golden Monkeys

Near Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers another exceptional photo tour experience. This park, part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, is famous for gorilla tracking and the chance to photograph golden monkeys.

These striking primates, with their vibrant golden fur, are active and playful, creating exciting photo opportunities. The backdrop of the Volcanoes National Park mountains adds to the beauty of this location.

Murchison Falls National Park – A Photographer’s Paradise

Heading north, your Uganda photo tour continues to Murchison, the largest national park in Uganda. This park offers diverse landscapes, from rolling savannahs to the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River crashes through a narrow gorge.

Highlights of your time in Murchison Falls include:

• Game drives, where you can photograph elephants, buffalo, lions, and giraffes.

• A boat safari on the Nile, providing photo opportunities of hippos, crocodiles, and bird species along the riverbanks.

• Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls to capture the power of the cascading water.

With such a variety of landscapes and wildlife, Murchison Falls is a must-visit destination for any photography tour.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Photographing Southern White Rhinos

On the way to Murchison Falls, a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers a rare chance to photograph southern white rhinos. This conservation area is home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos, and you can join a guided trek to see them up close.

Walking alongside these massive creatures in their natural habitat provides an incredible photo tour experience. With the right angles and lighting, you can capture stunning images of these endangered animals.

Birdwatching and Photography in Mabamba Swamp

No Uganda photo tour is complete without a visit to Mabamba Swamp, a prime location for bird photography. This wetland, near Lake Victoria, is famous for its Shoebill Storks, which offer exceptional photo opportunities.

Other birds to photograph in Mabamba Swamp include:

• Malachite kingfishers

• African Jacanas

• Papyrus Gonoleks

• Various bird species found in the papyrus swamps

A boat ride through Mabamba Swamp allows photographers to capture these unique birds in their natural environment.

Accommodation and Meals During Uganda Photo Tours

During your Uganda photo tour, you will stay in a variety of comfortable lodges, ranging from luxury to mid-range options. These accommodations are selected for their proximity to national parks and their scenic locations, offering additional photo opportunities right from your room.

Meals are provided throughout the tour, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While soft drinks are included, alcoholic beverages are typically available at an extra cost.

For long jungle trekking days, packed lunches and drinking water are provided to keep you energized.

Best Time for Uganda Photo Tours

The best time for a photography tour in Uganda depends on your interests.

• The dry seasons (June to August and December to February) offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee treks, and game drives. Wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources.

• The rainy seasons (March to May and September to November) are excellent for bird photography, as many bird species are breeding, and the landscapes are lush and green.

Regardless of the season, Uganda’s stunning landscapes, diverse species, and profound experiences make every photo tour rewarding.

Why Choose Hillary Uganda Trips for Your Photo Tour?

Choosing Hillary Uganda Trips ensures you get the best photography tour experience. As a local photo host, Hillary has an in-depth understanding of Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and the best times and angles for capturing stunning images. His expertise in gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and bird photography makes him the perfect guide for any photographer.

With Hillary Uganda Trips, you get:

• Personalized guidance on how to photograph wildlife and landscapes.

• Exclusive access to hidden gems and lesser-known photo opportunities.

• Support from expert local guides who enhance your experience.

Capture the Beauty of Uganda

Uganda photo tours offer an extraordinary opportunity to explore and photograph one of Africa’s most diverse countries. From the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the wildlife-rich plains of Murchison, Uganda is a dream destination for photographers.

Photography Equipment for Wildlife Tours

When embarking on Uganda photo tours, having the right photography equipment is essential for capturing stunning images of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and the incredible wildlife found in Uganda’s national parks. Whether you are photographing the gentle giants of Bwindi Forest the vibrant birdlife of Mabamba Swamp, or the dramatic landscapes of Murchison Falls, your gear will play a crucial role in achieving high-quality shots.

1. Camera Gear for Photo Tours

Investing in a high-quality camera system is vital for photographing wildlife in Uganda. Here are the key components:

• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: A full-frame camera with excellent low-light performance is ideal for shooting in dense forests like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest. Canon, Nikon, and Sony all offer great options.

• Backup Camera: Having a second body is recommended in case of malfunctions, especially during gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, where you won’t have a chance to return to camp for replacements.

2. Lenses for Wildlife and Gorilla Photography

Choosing the right lens is essential for capturing clear and detailed images of wildlife on a photo tour.

• Telephoto Lens (100-400mm or 200-600mm): A telephoto lens allows you to photograph animals from a distance, which is crucial for game drives in Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. It also helps when shooting shy monkey species or other birds in dense forests.

• Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm or 24-70mm): Perfect for capturing the landscapes of Lake Victoria, the waterfalls of Murchison Falls, and the lush jungle scenery during gorilla tracking.

• Prime Lens (50mm or 85mm f/1.8): Useful for low-light conditions and portrait-style shots of local guides, cultural encounters, or close-up details of wildlife.

3. Tripod and Monopod for Stability

Uganda’s diverse landscapes and photo opportunities often require stable shooting platforms:

• Monopod: Highly recommended for gorilla trekking, as it provides stability while maintaining flexibility in dense forests.

• Tripod: Essential for night photography, landscape shots, and slow-shutter-speed images of waterfalls like Murchison Falls.

4. Camera Accessories for Uganda Wildlife Photography

A few essential accessories will enhance your photography tour experience:

• Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Charging facilities may be limited in remote lodges, so carry multiple batteries and high-capacity memory cards.

• Lens Hood and Filters: A UV filter protects your lens, while a polarizing filter enhances contrast in bright conditions, such as on boat rides at Mabamba Swamp.

• Rain Covers: The rainy seasons in Uganda can bring sudden downpours, so waterproof covers will protect your gear.

• Bean Bag or Window Mount: Useful for stabilizing your camera during game drives.

5. Drone Photography – Regulations in Uganda

Drones can offer incredible aerial photo opportunities of Lake Victoria, national parks, and dramatic landscapes, but their use in Uganda is restricted. You will need a special permit from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and Uganda Wildlife Authority in advance if you plan to bring a drone for photography tours.

6. Cleaning Kit for Jungle and Safari Conditions

Uganda’s environments, from the papyrus swamps of Mabamba to the dusty savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park, require regular camera maintenance:

• Lens Cleaning Wipes and Blower: Essential for removing dust and moisture.

• Microfiber Cloths: Keeps your lens clean after shooting in humid forests like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

7. Recommended Camera Settings for Uganda Photo Tours

Adjusting your camera settings appropriately can improve the quality of your wildlife shots:

• Shutter Speed: Keep it fast (1/1000s or higher) to freeze motion, especially for primates like chimpanzees and golden monkeys.

• Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 – f/5.6) for soft backgrounds when capturing any gorilla family or chimpanzee tracking portraits.

• ISO: Set your ISO between 400 and 3200, depending on lighting conditions in the forests of Bwindi and Kibale Forest.

• Autofocus Mode: Use AI Servo (Canon) or AF-C (Nikon/Sony) for tracking moving wildlife.

Be Prepared for the Ultimate Photography Tour in Uganda

Packing the right photography equipment ensures that you capture the breathtaking beauty of Uganda photo tours. Whether you’re photographing the endangered mountain gorillas, the powerful Murchison Falls, or rare bird species in the papyrus swamps, the right gear makes all the difference.

By joining a photography tour with Hillary Uganda Trips, you’ll have expert guidance on capturing the best shots in Western Uganda’s most photogenic locations. Don’t forget to prepare your gear, charge your batteries, and get ready for a truly profound experience in the wild heart of East Africa!