Uganda: Gorilla and Chimpanzee Private Photography Tour
Private Big Ape Photography Tour In Uganda
7-Day Photography Tour: Big Apes, Shoebills, and Other Primates in the Wild Landscapes of Uganda
7-9 Days
SUGGESTED LENGTH
Aroud the Year
as per the objective
$ TBA
Classic / Luxury options
Embark on a six-day photography expedition through Uganda’s diverse landscapes, capturing some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. This specialised tour focuses on photographing mountain gorillas in Bwindi, chimpanzees in Kibale, the elusive shoebill in the wetlands, and a variety of other primates in their natural habitats. With exclusive habituation permits, expert local guides, and carefully timed excursions, you’ll have extended opportunities to document raw interactions, dynamic behaviours, and intimate portraits. Whether framing a silverback in misty forests or tracking the prehistoric shoebill in papyrus swamps, this tour is designed to provide exceptional wildlife photography experiences in untamed environments.
Track chimpanzees in Kibale, capturing playful juveniles, grooming adults, and dynamic movements in dense forests.
ChatGPT said: Capture the elusive shoebill in Uganda’s wetlands, highlighting its prehistoric features, stealthy movements, and striking presence in its natural habitat.
Photograph mountain gorillas in Bwindi’s dense forests, capturing their powerful presence, intimate family interactions, and expressive faces as they move through the misty terrain.
Fly by charter plane over Uganda’s landscapes, saving time and maximising photography in remote primate habitats, ensuring comfort, efficiency, and breathtaking aerial views of the wilderness.
Private Wildlife Photography Tour in Uganda Series
Uganda photo adventure: gorillas, chimps, shoebills, top lodges—wild, unforgettable experience.
All our private tours are highly customisable. Share your travel goals, and we’ll create a compelling itinerary together
Day 1: Arrival Entebbe, Uganda
Shoebill Photography at Mabamba Swamp
legendary airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our team and transferred directly to Mabamba Swamp, a wetland sanctuary known for its diverse birdlife and, most notably, the shoebill stork. A guided canoe excursion provides close encounters with this prehistoric-looking bird, one of Africa’s most sought-after species for bird photographers. The expansive marshlands offer stunning compositions, especially in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon. Other bird species, including African jacanas, kingfishers, and herons, may also be spotted. After the excursion, you will return to a boutique lodge in Entebbe for an overnight stay, preparing for the following day’s charter flight to Uganda’s primate heartland.
Day 2 : Flight to Kibale
Chimpanzee of bigodi marsh
The day begins with a private charter flight from Entebbe to Kasese, eliminating the long road journey and maximizing time in the field. The scenic flight transitions from the urban sprawl of Entebbe to the rolling highlands and crater lakes of western Uganda. Upon landing, a two-hour road transfer takes you deep into Kibale National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest populations of wild chimpanzees. In the afternoon, you will set out for your first chimpanzee encounter, specifically focusing on the marsh area. This location provides a rare opportunity to photograph chimpanzees by the water, capturing dynamic interactions, reflections, and unique compositions.
The setting, distinct from the dense rainforest trails, offers soft natural lighting and a more open environment for photography. As dusk approaches, you will return to Primate Lodge, a secluded eco-lodge located within the national park, ensuring quick access to the trails for the next day’s early start
NB: We might reschedule the marsh experience for the following afternoon, depending on flight arrival times and weather conditions.
Day 3 : Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Chimpanzees and other Primates
The morning starts early with the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, a rare opportunity to spend an extended period with a semi-habituated troop. Unlike standard chimpanzee trekking, which allows only an hour of observation, this experience provides four continuous hours to document the full spectrum of chimpanzee behaviour.
The fast-moving nature of chimpanzees presents both challenges and rewards for photographers. Their dynamic social interactions, vocal exchanges, and moments of stillness provide compelling subject matter. The changing light within the rainforest canopy creates striking visual contrasts, adding texture and depth to images. Beyond chimpanzees, the forest is home to grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, and the striking red colobus monkey, offering additional photographic opportunities. Following a full day in the forest, you will return to Primate Lodge to review images and prepare for the next phase of the expedition..
Day 4 : Flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Introduction to the Rushaga Sector
After breakfast, a private charter flight from Kasese to Kihihi ensures a seamless transition from Kibale to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Upon arrival at Kihihi Airstrip, a scenic road transfer takes you deep into the Rushaga sector, where the first gorilla experience will take place. Four Gorillas Lodge, your accommodation for this leg of the journey, is perched at the edge of the forest with uninterrupted views of Bwindi’s dense canopy. This high- altitude retreat provides a perfect base for the days ahead, offering a balance of comfort and immersion in the wilderness. The afternoon is spent at leisure, allowing time to rest, review images, or explore the forest edge on optional guided walks..
Day 5 : Rushaga Sector
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga Sector
The day begins with an early morning departure into Bwindi’s dense jungle for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, a rare privilege allowing four hours of continuous observation with a semi-habituated gorilla family. Unlike standard gorilla trekking, which offers only a one-hour encounter, this extended session provides deeper insight into gorilla behaviour and social structures.
Rushaga’s densely forested terrain creates intimate, enclosed spaces where gorillas emerge just metres away. This setting is ideal for detailed portrait photography, where expressions, fur texture, and intricate gestures become the focal points. The gorillas’ interactions, from the dominant silverback’s displays to playful juvenile chases, unfold naturally, allowing for a diverse range of compositions. The filtered light through the thick canopy adds a soft glow, enhancing the drama of each frame. After an immersive morning with the gorillas, the afternoon is spent unwinding at the lodge, where you can review your images or explore the surrounding wilderness.
Day 6 : Nkuringo Sector
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Nkuringo Sector
The second gorilla trek takes place in the Nkuringo sector, providing a contrasting photographic experience. Unlike Rushaga’s dense rainforest, Nkuringo’s higher- altitude ridges offer more open terrain, allowing for wider environmental compositions. The trek follows the gorillas across steep slopes, where they navigate through the mist-covered landscape. These conditions create dramatic compositions, with the gorillas framed against a backdrop of undulating hills and drifting clouds. The Nkuringo sector is particularly striking in the early morning, when the rising mist adds an ethereal quality to the images. This trek, though shorter in duration, offers opportunities for panoramic wildlife shots, complementing the more intimate portraits captured in Rushaga.
The afternoon is reserved for relaxation, allowing time to reflect on the expedition’s highlights.
Day 7 : Entebbe
Retune to Entebbe and departure
The final day begins with a scenic road transfer from Nkuringo to Kihihi Airstrip, followed by a private charter flight back to Entebbe. The aerial journey offers a last look at Uganda’s vast and varied landscapes, from the towering forests of Bwindi to the sprawling lakes of the Rift Valley. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will have the option to continue your journey with an international flight or extend your stay with additional excursions, such as a visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or a photography-focused exploration of Uganda’s savannah reserves.
Tour Highlights
Photographic highlights
Photographic Highlights – 6-Day Big Apes & Wildlife Tour.
This expertly designed itinerary offers professional-level photography across Uganda’s rich habitats—from lush forests to vast swamps.
Capture dramatic moments with:
Shoebill Stork at Mabamba – Prehistoric and rare, perfect in wetland light.
Chimpanzees in Kibale Marsh – Reflections and behaviour near water.
Chimpanzee Habituation – Four-hour access for immersive portraits.
Gorillas in Rushaga – Close-up rainforest encounters.
Gorillas in Nkuringo – Wide shots with mountain backdrops.
Other Wildlife Highlights: Red Colobus, L’Hoest’s, Mangabeys, Baboons, Colobus – Varied primate species with expressive faces and agile movement.
African Forest Elephants, Bushbucks, Duikers, Giant Forest Hogs – Elusive forest dwellers. Birdlife – Great Blue Turaco, African Grey Parrot, Green-Breasted Pitta, hornbills.
Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, glimpses of rural life, and authentic Ugandan cuisine at carefully selected top lodges, offering comfort and proximity to wildlife. A rewarding journey for serious photographers in wild, untamed Uganda.
Tour Cost
Tour Cost
TBA
This is a private tour, and the cost will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose, the permits you purchase, and the hotel you select. We prefer to discuss these details with you first before finalising the cost.
Tour Leader:
An experienced guide/tour manager will accompany you throughout the trip, supported by various local guides.
Special Notes
Special Note:
Uganda is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, a destination that every nature enthusiast should visit at least once in their lifetime. However, explorers to this magical land must be prepared to face certain challenges, including:• Potential flight cancellations or delays.
• Health risks such as malaria (ensure you take proper medication and precautions).
• Logistical issues due to the remote nature of the region.As a result, last-minute changes to travel plans should be expected. We recommend maintaining flexibility and a spirit of adventure to enjoy this extraordinary fully experience.
Tour Map
Extras & Tools
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