GORILLAS, CHIMPS & MORE - UGANDA PHOTO SAFARI
10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
TOUR OVERVIEW
Join me and Mark Fernley for a 10‑day photographic journey through Uganda’s most diverse and iconic wildlife habitats—designed for photographers who crave variety, intimacy, and unforgettable encounters.
We begin in Murchison Falls National Park, where savannah meets the Nile and wildlife drama unfolds. For three nights, we’ll photograph lions, elephants and the thundering falls, and enjoy a private boat ride below the falls, where hippos, crocodiles and river birds thrive in the golden light.
Next, we head to Kibale Forest for a full‑day chimpanzee habituation experience. This rare access lets us capture the expressive moments of our closest relatives in a raw, natural setting.
Then we travel to the highlands of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for two unforgettable mountain gorilla treks. Unlike denser jungles, Mgahinga’s open montane forest offers clear views and ideal light, giving us cinematic windows into these endangered giants’ lives.
Throughout the trip, with charter flights, expert logistics and hand‑picked luxury lodges, we’ll stay comfortable and focused. With just four guests, you’ll receive personalized mentorship, creative freedom and the time to craft your vision without compromise.
This is more than a safari—it’s a creative immersion in the wild, and I’ll be right beside you to help you capture something bold, powerful and true.
PHOTO SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Big Game & Landscapes in Murchison Falls National Park
We spend three nights exploring Uganda’s largest national park, photographing dramatic river scenes, wide open savannahs and iconic wildlife—elephants, giraffes, lions and hippos—in the glowing light of dawn and dusk.
Full‑Day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale Forest
You’ll enjoy extended photographic access to wild chimpanzees during a full‑day trek, capturing natural behaviours and intimate interactions in a moody rainforest setting—perfect for storytelling through your lens.
Two Unforgettable Gorilla Treks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Join two guided treks into Mgahinga, where high‑altitude forest gives us clear views and soft natural light—an ideal environment to photograph endangered mountain gorillas in their volcanic, mist‑shrouded home.
Seamless Travel Across Diverse Ecosystems
With charter flights, professional drivers and smooth ground transfers, this itinerary is built to put you behind the lens—not stuck in transit—while keeping you comfortable and focused throughout.
Designed for Photographers—with Safety in Mind
Every element of the safari—from pacing and permits to guiding and mentoring—has been tailored to the needs of wildlife photographers. You’ll travel in a small group, with trusted support on the ground and a strong emphasis on safety and creative freedom.
ITINERARY
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Guests arrive in Entebbe (Entebbe International Airport EBB)
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Transfer to Entebbe accommodation
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Meet and Greet with photo host at 6:00pm
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Overnight in Entebbe
(Guests must arrive at Entebbe International Airport no later than 3:00pm on arrival day)
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Road Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
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Game Drive in Murchison Falls en-route to lodge
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Afternoon photographic game drive in Murchison Falls
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Introduction to post processing and image selection with photo host
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Overnight in Murchison Fall
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Predators of the region - specifically the incredible lion population of the region
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Full day photographic game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
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Visit the falls with evening private river boat cruise below the falls
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Return to lodge for post processing and image selection with photo host
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Overnight in Murchison Falls
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Big game of Uganda including lion, elephants, hippos, giraffe, and more of your favourite African wildlife
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Full day photographic game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
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Return to lodge for post processing and image selection with photo host
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Overnight in Murchison Falls
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Predators of the region - specifically the incredible lion population of the region
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Road transfer to Kibale National Forest with final safari en-route
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Upon arrival at the lodge, guests will be given a pre-Chimpanzee photographic lecture to prepare for the day ahead
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Overnight in Kibale
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The group will learn what to expect during their Chimpanzee photography trekking the following day. This evening is also a great time to ask your photo host for a one-on-one photo critique.
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Transfer to Kibale National Forest entry for Chimpanzee trekking safety briefing
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Chimpanzee Habituation Experience - trek the forest to spend up to 4 hours photographing wild chimpanzees with the guidance and help of your photo host
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Return to the lodge for image selection and post processing
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Overnight in Kibale
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Chimpanzees and up to 12 other primate species in the Kibale Forest
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Chartered Flight to Mgahinga Gorilla Naitonal Park
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Upon arrival at the lodge, guests will be given a pre-Gorilla photographic lecture to prepare for the day ahead
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Overnight in Mgahinga
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The group will learn what to expect during their Mountain Gorilla photography trekking the following day. This evening is also a great time to ask your photo host for a one-on-one photo critique.
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Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park entry for Gorilla trekking safety briefing
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Gorilla trekking Experience - trek the forest to spend 1 hour photographing Mountain Gorillas with the guidance and help of your photo host
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Return to the lodge for image selection and post processing
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Overnight in Mgahinga
PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Spend 1 hour each day photographing a family of Mountain Gorillas in an incredibly open environment allowing for uninterrupted views and photographs of wild Mountain Gorillas
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Transfer to local airstrip (Approx. 45 hours drive)
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Chartered flight to Entebbe
END OF TOUR
(guests can depart on this day after 4:00pm or choose to stay overnight in Entebbe and depart the following morning)
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EXPERT GUIDANCE
As your guide and photography mentor, I’ll be by your side throughout the journey — helping you anticipate moments, refine your composition, and tell stronger visual stories. This is hands-on, in-the-field instruction designed to meet you where you are and push your photography further.
We’re also supported by exceptional local guides, whose deep understanding of the land and wildlife ensures we’re always positioned for the best possible encounters — often before the action even starts.
At the end of each day, you’ll return to carefully selected lodges, where professional staff take care of everything else: warm hospitality, delicious meals, and a comfortable space to rest, recharge, and get ready for the next day’s adventure.
EQUIPMENT TO BRING
CAMERA BODY:
Guests are encouraged to bring a camera body with a minimum of 24-megapixels to guarantee the best results while on safari. This can be mirrorless or a DSLR, as your photo host is experienced with both and will be able to offer assistance whenever need be.
A second camera body is always a great consideration, however, this is not mandatory. This can be used as a backup, or you can keep a second lens attached and switch back and forth between cameras.
LENSES:
70–200mm lens: Ideal for gorilla trekking, where subjects are often just meters away. Also highly useful for chimpanzee tracking, offering flexibility for both close and mid-range shots.
Longer zoom or prime lens (300–500mm): Recommended for chimpanzees, especially when they’re high in the canopy or on the move. Excellent for big game photography in Murchison Falls.
Pro Tip: If using a 500mm prime or longer: Be sure to also pack a zoom lens (like a 100–400mm or 70–200mm). This ensures you can handle closer subjects and avoid the hassle of changing lenses during fast-paced moments.
AVAILABILITY
The maximum group size for this trip is just six guests and spots are limited.
To ensure that you are able to attend this trip, please be sure to book ahead of time to guarantee your spot.
2026 PRICING
This trip is prices at $14,495 USD per person sharing accommodation.
If you are a solo traveller, there is an additional $2,000 USD single supplement fee.
PAYMENT
A deposit of 30% is due at the time of booking to reserve your place on this photo safari + payment in full for gorilla & chimpanzee trekking permit
70% remaining balance due
90 days prior to arrival
CONFIRMATION
Once a deposit is received, you are officially confirmed on this trip!
You will receive official confirmation via email along with important details and information you need!
