Primates of Uganda
Photograph Uganda Primates
October & November 2024
10-day and 15-day Safaris
Join us in October or November on a safari in Uganda to photograph the wildlife of Uganda. Uganda has more primates than any other country in Africa and special highlights of these safaris are the all-day chimpanzee experiences and mountain gorilla treks.
Uganda is one of the gems of Africa, Winston Churchill called it the Switzerland of Africa in recognition of its landscape scenery. Uganda hosts almost all wildlife seen elsewhere in Africa including more birds and primates than any other country.
Both our 10 and 15-day safaris in Uganda include three gorilla treks and four chimpanzee visits, presenting plenty of opportunities for chimpanzee and gorilla photography. An all-day chimpanzee habituation trek is offered on our 15-day tour.
Photographers of all levels are welcome. Our tour leaders are full-time wildlife photographers with great experience in the field and in guiding and photographic instruction. Each tour offers a small client-leader ratio that allows for personal attention and customized guidance on photography.
Our 10-day safari in Uganda includes:
Four chimp treks in Kibale Forest
Three gorilla treks at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Local Batwa village visit and cultural activities day.
Our 15-day tour includes:
Rhino tracking on foot at the Ziwa Rhinos Sanctuary
Two game drives at Murchison Falls National Park
One game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Two exclusive boat trips at Murchison Falls National Park
One boat trip at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Four chimpanzee treks at Kibale Forest
One all-day chimp habituation trek in Kibale Forest
Three gorilla treks at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Local Batwa village visit and cultural activities day.
To reserve your spot on either of these safaris in Uganda please contact me.
Is This Safari For You?
All Photographers Are Welcome
Photographers of all levels are welcome. Our tour leaders are full time wildlife photographers with great experience in the field as well as in guiding and photographic instruction. Each tour offers a small client-leader ratio that allows for personal attention and customized guidance on photography.
Creative Photography
We pride ourselves on the highest level of creative wildlife photography. We’ll show you creative techniques to set your wildlife pictures apart from the rest. In addition to these, we will also cover traditional techniques like portraiture, action, focusing and composition.
Image Reviews and Tuition
After our morning drives, we offer tuition on photographic techniques and post-processing. We also host image review sessions in a more formal setting during the week. Our goal is for you to make the most out of your experience and to take home photographs of gorillas and chimps that you’ve long desired.
Highlights of your Safari in Uganda
The Vehicles
Most of our photography will be outside of vehicles but for the photography within vehicles, we will use three 4×4 nine seater Land Cruisers. These will provide each photographer with a seat and window and plenty of room for all your gear. We have chosen to use three vehicles over two to ensure space and comfort for all travellers.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
We visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where we can see and photograph white rhinoceros outside of our vehicles on foot.
Chimp Habituation Experience
The Chimp Habituation Experience is a unique opportunity that will allow you to follow a group in its daily activities. Accompanying Kibale reserve researchers and rangers, you will be on the forest floor early in the morning to watch the chimps wake up and search for their breakfast. Then you will follow them all day – observing the full gamut of their behaviour – until they build new nests for themselves at around 7.30 pm. You will be part of the Uganda Wildlife Authority initiative to habituate chimps to the human presence without changing their natural environment. This is one of the great moments of your safari.
Queen Elizabeth NP
Queen Elizabeth NP is host to thousands of Ugandan kobs, lions, leopards, elephants and much more. On the programme is a two-hour boat trip on the Kazinga channel where we will see all the animals from the waterside. Included is a visit to Kyambura Gorge where we can go for a 3-4 hour walk into the Gorge to meet the chimpanzees. Also included is the Southern sector of Queen Elizabeth called Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Gorilla Trekking
From Engagi it is 15 minutes by car to the groups in North Bwindi. At 7:45 you will be at the offices of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for pre-briefing and at 8:30 you will start the trek after finding the gorillas you will spend with maximum of 1 hour.
Where we stay on safari in Uganda
Entebbe
The Airport Guesthouse is only 5 minutes from Entebbe International Airport, this guesthouse is set in a quiet neighbourhood with beautiful gardens. We offer a pickup from the airport, and we can also take you to the airport for your flight out. Entebbe offers various activities to spend a nice and calm day, our staff can help you organize some nice activities. In the evening we transform our garden into an open-air restaurant, a dinner under the starlit African sky!
Murchison
Fort Murchison is set on the Eastern banks of the slow-flowing Albert Nile and revokes the idea of a well-maintained isolated outpost from times when Arab traders frequented the African hinterlands and legendary explorers led expeditions in search of the source of the Nile. Built in the right spot and inspired by the historical background, Fort Murchison is unlike any other in Uganda. The huge tower, the earth-colored walls and the touch of Swahili style will impress your arrival up to your departure.
Kibale
The Kibale Forest Camp offers the thrill of howling black and white colobus monkeys from the comfort of your tent. Get absorbed by forest smells and sounds, spot primates swinging through the trees and observe rare birds and beautiful butterflies fluttering around. Have a break from your daily concrete jungle life and experience the real thing. Complemented by excellent food served in a cosy grass-thatched restaurant, the camp forms your perfect base if you are looking for an affordable and comfortable place from where to explore the area.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Bush Lodge forms an excellent base for your safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge is built along ecological principles, designed and spaced in such a way as to maximize privacy and enhance the safari aspect of the lodge. Surrounded by the National Park and bordering the Kazinga channel, the lodge has a truly unique setting. Animals room in and out of the camp and the sounds of hippos and hyenas complement our starlit dinners. Expect a close-to-nature experience with excellent food and friendly service.
Ishasha
Ishasha Jungle Lodge is located 2km off Katokye Gate of Queen Elizabeth National Park along River Ntungwe. This is the perfect location for your photographic safaris in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and a stopover on the way to Bwindi National Park. The lodge is surrounded by riparian forest vegetation and acacias Savannah. Ishasha Jungle Lodge is a small eco-friendly lodge, entirely made with local materials and African art, with its raised en-suite wooden deck cottages, spacious rooms and bathroom, all finished with canvas.
Bwindi
Engagi Lodge in Bwindi is a modern lodge in a breathtaking setting offering stunning views over the forest canopy. The lodge is situated in a large tract of land contiguous to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and runs from the main road down to the Munyaga river. The main lodge building is divided into a bar sitting room, the dining room and a large outdoor verandah viewing platform. Engagi consists of just 8 en-suite cottages, spaced out and hidden in the foliage.
How to book your safari in Uganda
Our tour groups are small at 6 - 9 participants, so space is limited. To reserve your spot on this tour please contact me.
Single supplements are optional for single travellers who want their own room and tent. Otherwise, single travellers are paired with another single traveller of the same gender.
For those who wish to join two dates for one continuous longer safari in Uganda, we can at a cost less than two combined.
Safari in Uganda 2024: Dates and Costs
Oct 25 – Nov 03 (10 days) – With David Lloyd and TBA (open)
Nov 05 – Nov 13 (10 days) – With David Lloyd and TBA (open)
Nov 19 – Dec 03 (15 days) – With TBA (open)
The cost of the 10-day all-inclusive safari is $7600 per person. Bookings are secured with a $1000 deposit per person, with the balance being required 12 weeks before. A single room option is available at $1200 extra. Payments to be made in $US.
The cost of the 15-day all-inclusive safari is $8900 per person. Bookings are secured with a $1000 deposit per person, with the balance being required 12 weeks before. A single room option is available at $1600 extra. Payments to be made in $US.
Financial Protection
Payments for all safaris are made through Shona Travel which means you have the financial protection of booking through a registered tour operator. Your money is 100% safe and if one of our suppliers goes bust, your money is fully protected. Shona Travel can also book your flights for full financial protection. Please download our terms and conditions here.
What’s Included
All accommodation
Park entrances
Game drives
Three gorilla trekking permits
Five chimpanzee trekking permits
Guides in the Park
Car (open roof, 4WD)
English speaking Driver/guide for boat rides
Bottled water
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
What’s not Included
International flights
Uganda visa ($50)
Drinks
Tips and gratuities for camp staff and guides
Uganda Primates Photo Safari
10 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe.
You will be picked by our driver/guide and transfer you to Airport Guesthouse Entebbe for overnight. We will brief you about the tour and what time we will leave on day two.
Day 2: To Kibale Forest
Early morning departure for the journey to Kibale Forest. We will pass close to Lake Albert, on a clear day the view from the top of the Albert rift is spectacular. In the afternoon we will arrive at Kibale Forest, sleeping with the noises of the tropical rainforest.
Day 3: Morning and Afternoon Chimpanzee Walks
At 8:00pm we will start with the 4 hours chimpanzee walk. Also 10 other primates can be seen! The park is also known for all the butterflies and birds. In the afternoon we will have another chimp walk for 4 hours.
Day 4: Morning and Afternoon Chimpanzee Walks
This our second day of chimpanzee walks.
Day 5: To Bwindi
In the morning we leave for North Bwindi. For people who like to walk, there is a stunning beautiful walk along the lakeshore and above on the hills. The road takes us through a beautiful landscape called the “Switzerland of Africa”. We pass mountains, hills and lakes with cultivated terraces and tropical rainforest and bamboo forest.
Day 6: Gorilla tracking
The day of Gorilla tracking. From the lodge it is 30 minutes by car to the gorilla groups at North Bwindi. At 7:45 A:M you will be at the Offices of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for pre-briefing and at 8:30 you will start the trek after finding the Gorillas you will spend with maximum 1 hour. All visitors are expected back to the starting point by 7:00 P:M. Being physically fit is recommended.
Day 7: Gorilla tracking
This our second day of gorilla tracking.
Day 8: A free day / rest day
Local Batwa village visit and cultural activities day.
Day 9: Gorilla tracking
This our third day of gorilla tracking.
Day 10: To Entebbe and Departure
After breakfast the last part of the journey will bring us back to Entebbe. We will stop in Mbarara for Lunch and then continue, after Masaka town we will stop at the Equator for Tea/Coffee break and buying souvenirs. We will bring you to Airport Guesthouse Entebbe for refreshing and dinner before flying out to onward destination.
15 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe.
You will be picked up by our driver/guide and transferred to Airport Guesthouse Entebbe for overnight. We will brief you about the tour and what time we will leave on day two.
Day 2: To Murchison Falls NP
Early morning we will pick you up from Airport Guesthouse Entebbe and leave for Murchison Falls National Park. We will stop at Ziwa Rhinos Sanctuary to track the Rhinos and also have lunch here before continuing via Karuma Bridge to reach later in the afternoon at Murchison River Lodge just outside the park boundaries. The day will close with a cool drink and a fabulous view over the river Nile, and the evening will come with all the noise of an African night.
Day 3: In Murchison Falls NP
This day, in the morning, we go for a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, special are here the lions and giraffes. In the afternoon we have an impressive boat trip on the Nile to the Falls. Hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants and many birds will be seen.
Day 4: In Murchison Falls
Early morning the boat will take us downstream to the delta. The place where the Nile enters Lake Albert. This trip of 5-6 hours will show us all the beauty of this national park especially the delta with all the different birds. Here is a good chance to see the elusive Shoebill stork! In the afternoon is a visit to the top of the Falls, a wonderful view.
Day 5: To Kibale Forest
Early morning departure for the journey to Kibale Forest. We will pass close to Lake Albert, on a clear day the view from the top of the Albert Rift is spectacular. In the afternoon we will arrive at Kibale Forest, sleeping with the noises of the tropical rainforest.
Day 6: Morning and Afternoon Chimpanzee Walks
At 8:00 pm we will start with the 4 hours chimpanzee walk. Also, 10 other primates can be seen! The park is also known for all the butterflies and birds. In the afternoon we will have another chimp walk for 4 hours.
Day 7: Chimp Habituation Experience
The Chimp Habituation Experience is a unique opportunity that will allow you to follow a group in its daily activities. Accompanying Kibale reserve researchers and rangers, you will be on the forest floor early in the morning to watch the chimps wake up (de-nesting) and search for their breakfast. Then you will follow them all day – observing the full gamut of their behaviour – until they build new nests (nesting) for themselves at around 7.30 pm. You will be part of the Uganda Wildlife Authority initiative to habituate chimps to the human presence without changing their natural environment. This is one of the great moments of your safari!
Day 8: Morning and Afternoon Chimpanzee Walks
This is our second day of chimpanzee walks.
Day 9: To Queen Elizabeth NP
Early morning we will leave for Queen Elizabeth NP. We will travel through Fort Portal and reach Queen Elizabeth NP at midday, with a stunningly beautiful view over the Kazinga Channel. You will check in at your accommodation and have lunch, also on the programme is a two-hour boat trip on the Kazinga channel where we will see all the animals from the waterside. Later in the evening (5.00-7.00 pm) you can go for a game drive.
Day 10: To Bwindi
After breakfast this morning you enjoy a short game drive here in search of the lions and other large wildlife of Uganda. Continuing to Bwindi in the afternoon, you will pass by traditional villages and stunning panoramic views and once you arrive at your accommodation; you will have your evening meal in the knowledge that you have arrived in the home of the endangered mountain gorilla.
Day 11: Gorilla tracking
The day of Gorilla tracking. From the lodge, it is 30 minutes by car to the gorilla groups at North Bwindi. At 7:45 am you will be at the Offices of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for pre-briefing and at 8:30 you will start the trek after finding the Gorillas you will spend with maximum of 1 hour. All visitors are expected back to the starting point by 7:00 pm. Being physically fit is recommended.
Day 12: Gorilla tracking
This is our second day of gorilla tracking.
Day 13: A free day/rest day
Local Batwa village visit and cultural activities day.
Day 14: Gorilla tracking
This is our third day of gorilla tracking.
Day 15: To Entebbe and Departure
After breakfast, the last part of the journey will bring us back to Entebbe. We will stop in Mbarara for Lunch and then continue, after Masaka town we will stop at the Equator for a Tea/Coffee break and to buy souvenirs. We will bring you to Airport Guesthouse Entebbe for refreshing and dinner before flying out to your onward destination.
Your Wildlife of Uganda Safari Guide
We are a small team of award-winning wildlife photographers and experienced photography tutors in the field of natural history. We have won awards in Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Nature’s Best and GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and our work is published regularly. Our photographic experience extends back to the days of film, paper and manual focus cameras.
David Lloyd is an exhibiting wildlife photographer, having won awards for his work which favours a fine art style in both colour and black & white. David has been awarded six times in Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
In 2011, his image A Flick of the Tail was chosen as the cover of that year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year portfolio and in 2019 he was awarded as their peoples’ choice winner for his image Bond of Brothers.
His images have been published widely in the press and several photographic monthlies, in both the UK and abroad.
David also holds exhibitions of his work, most recently at the Royal Geographic Society in London in 2014. He is the author of two wildlife photography books: As Long As There Are Animals and All Eyes Speak One Language.