Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking Photo Safari in Uganda

Price: $11,950 per person sharing

Embark on the ultimate Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Photo Safari in Uganda, where every step immerses you in the heart of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife and photography experiences. Uganda offers unparalleled opportunities for photographers seeking intimate encounters with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, alongside rare avian species like the Shoebill stork. On this unique safari, participants enjoy two gorilla treks, multiple chimpanzee encounters, and guided photography sessions, all under the expert guidance of renowned photo host Nelis Wolmarans. Each day unfolds with careful attention to light, terrain, and wildlife behavior, ensuring the best photographic opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers.

This Uganda Chimpanzee & Gorilla Photo Safari is designed exclusively for a small group of seven photographers. This limited size allows personalized guidance, maximizes interaction with wildlife, and ensures a serene experience in some of Uganda’s most pristine forests. The itinerary is crafted to complement East Africa’s seasonal highlights, including the Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration, making it an ideal addition for photographers pursuing multiple wildlife experiences across the region. Whether you seek Gorilla Trekking Photo Safari, Chimpanzee Photography Safari, or the combination of both, this safari promises a transformative adventure in Uganda’s most captivating landscapes.

Detailed Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking Photo Safari in Uganda

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Welcoming the Photography Expedition

Your journey begins at Entebbe International Airport, where a VIP meet-and-greet service ensures a seamless transfer to the Protea Hotel. The hotel, strategically located just ten minutes from the airport, serves as the perfect base for acclimatization and preparation. Staying in Entebbe rather than Kampala provides convenient access to nearby wildlife hotspots, including the Mabamba Swamps, renowned for the elusive Shoebill stork.

Upon arrival, the group gathers for a welcome dinner, fostering camaraderie among fellow photographers. During this evening session, your photo host introduces essential photography tips, outlines the upcoming chimpanzee and gorilla trekking schedules, and provides an overview of Uganda’s diverse ecosystems. Questions about camera gear, optimal lenses for wildlife photography, and approach techniques for primate subjects are addressed in a professional and hands-on manner, ensuring participants are fully prepared. This first evening establishes the foundation for what promises to be an unparalleled Uganda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Photo Safari, where skill-building and wildlife immersion go hand in hand.

Day 2: Shoebill Photography at Mabamba Swamp – Capturing Uganda’s Iconic Birds

The morning begins early with a hearty breakfast, followed by a transfer to the Mabamba Swamps, a birdwatcher’s paradise spanning over 2,500 hectares. Here, photographers encounter the remarkable Shoebill stork, a prehistoric-looking bird whose stillness and dramatic hunting posture offer perfect photographic compositions. Navigating the swamp begins with a 30 to 40-minute speedboat journey, followed by smaller dug-out canoes to access narrow channels and observe the Shoebills in their natural habitat.

Mabamba Swamp is also home to more than 260 bird species, including Papyrus Gonoleks, African Jacanas, and Malachite Kingfishers, providing endless opportunities for bird photography. Morning hours are ideal for capturing the birds’ dynamic feeding behavior, while the afternoon light offers softer tones for creative shots. After the expedition, participants return to the Protea Hotel for lunch and a mid-day image review session. Evening exploration allows for additional Shoebill photography and fine-tuning of camera settings under the guidance of the photo host, ensuring photographers maximize both technical skills and artistic vision.

Chimpanzee Tracking Tours in Africa

Day 3: Journey to Kibale – Preparing for Chimpanzee Photography

After breakfast, the group heads to Entebbe Airport for a flight to Kasese, the nearest airport to Kibale Forest National Park. Lodging is arranged at either Chimpundu Lodge or Primate Lodge, situated on the forest’s edge. These lodges combine comfort with proximity to wildlife, allowing photographers early access to the forest. Extra luggage allowances are provided for camera equipment, ensuring participants can carry multiple lenses, tripods, and accessories without compromise.

If time allows, the afternoon includes a guided walk through the Bigodi Swamps, an exceptional birding site offering sightings of Black-and-White Colobus, Red Colobus, Blue Monkeys, and Mangabeys. This introductory excursion also presents rare photographic opportunities of Sitatunga antelope and Bushbuck in their natural wetland environment. Evening activities focus on image review and discussion of chimpanzee photography techniques, preparing participants for the immersive tracking experience that follows. The day balances logistical transitions with photography-rich experiences, setting the tone for Chimpanzee Trekking Photo Safari adventures.

Day 4: First Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Kibale Forest

An early start ensures photographers capture the forest at first light, when wildlife is most active. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest begins with locating overnight nests, followed by intimate encounters with the troop. The trek may last one to two hours to locate the chimpanzees, after which photographers enjoy a full hour with the primates, capturing grooming, playful interactions, and social hierarchies.

Chimpanzees are highly expressive, offering unique photographic opportunities. The group size and guided approach maximize both safety and image quality. During the trek, photographers learn to anticipate movements, adjust camera settings for low-light forest conditions, and capture authentic behaviors without disturbance. Afternoon sessions back at the lodge include detailed image reviews, where the photo host provides feedback and technique refinement. This ensures every shot taken enhances participants’ wildlife portfolios, making Uganda Chimpanzee Photo Safari both technically instructive and creatively rewarding.

Day 5: Second Chimpanzee Trek – Refining Photographic Skills

The second day of chimpanzee tracking builds on prior experience, allowing photographers to apply lessons learned during the first encounter. Dense jungle conditions, dappled light, and fast-moving subjects challenge participants to refine composition, focus, and timing. Guided movement alongside the chimpanzees ensures photographers maintain ethical distances while capturing expressive portraits and candid behaviors.

Evening sessions at the lodge focus on post-processing guidance, composition critique, and planning shots for the upcoming Gorilla Trekking Photo Safari. Repetition and review enhance technical proficiency, ensuring participants are ready to transition from chimpanzees to gorillas, each offering distinct photographic challenges. Cultural insights, such as the opportunity to engage with local communities near the forest, add depth to the safari, connecting participants to Uganda’s rich human and natural heritage.

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi – Entering the Mountain Gorilla Habitat

After breakfast, participants travel to Kasese Airport for a flight to Kihihi, the gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This marks the beginning of the highly anticipated Gorilla Trekking Photo Safari, where mountain gorillas inhabit lush, dense forests. Uganda is selected over Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo due to accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and the opportunity to combine chimpanzee, gorilla, and bird photography in a single journey.

Bwindi offers multiple photographic advantages: diverse light conditions, varied terrain, and habituated gorilla families that allow for close yet respectful encounters. Participants receive briefings on ethical photography, gorilla behavior, and camera techniques to maximize image quality during this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The evening is spent reviewing equipment, checking camera settings, and preparing for the next day’s intensive trekking.

Day 7 & 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Capturing the Gentle Giants

Gorilla trekking begins at park gates in Buhoma or Ruhija, depending on permit allocations. The trek duration varies, sometimes requiring several hours through challenging terrain to locate the gorilla family. Once found, photographers enjoy a one-hour encounter, capturing social interactions, feeding behaviors, and tender moments between mothers and infants.

Local porters assist with equipment, providing logistical support and contributing to the community. Photography sessions focus on composition, depth of field, and capturing the gorillas’ emotional expressions. Post-trek image reviews with the photo host refine skills, adjust settings for varying light, and plan shots for the next day. Optional visits, such as the nearby pangolin rescue center, offer additional conservation photography opportunities, supporting local wildlife initiatives and enriching the safari experience. The dual gorilla treks ensure participants capture both intimate portraits and dynamic group behaviors, solidifying the safari’s status as a premier Gorilla Photography Safari.

Day 9: Return to Entebbe – Reflecting on a Transformative Safari

The final day begins with a short flight back to Entebbe, concluding the Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Photo Safari in Uganda. Photographers leave with a portfolio of rare wildlife images, from chimpanzee interactions and gorilla family dynamics to the iconic Shoebill stork. For those extending their journey, Uganda offers additional destinations like Murchison Falls National Park, renowned for birding and safari experiences.

East Africa’s seasonal highlights, including the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara, complement this safari for photographers seeking a multi-destination adventure. Returning to Entebbe allows participants to connect with ongoing conservation and cultural experiences, solidifying Uganda’s reputation as a premier destination for wildlife and photography tours. The knowledge, skills, and images gained during this immersive safari establish lasting memories and professional growth for every participant.

Key Highlights of the Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking Photo Safari in Uganda

Two Gorilla Treks in Bwindi National Park for optimal photographic variety.
Two Chimpanzee Encounters in Kibale Forest for behavioral photography.
Shoebill Photography in Mabamba Swamps during optimal morning and afternoon light.
Small Group Experience limited to seven photographers for personalized guidance.
Expert Photo Host Nelis Wolmarans providing technical and artistic mentorship.
Cultural and Conservation Opportunities including local community interactions and optional wildlife rescue center visits.
Customized Luggage Allowances for camera equipment, ensuring professional-grade photography.

Why Choose Deks Safaris & Tours?

Deks Safaris & Tours combines decades of African wildlife experience with personalized photography expertise. Our itineraries integrate Gorilla & Chimpanzee Photo Safari, Uganda Chimpanzee Photo Safari, and Uganda Gorilla Photo Safari into seamless experiences, balancing technical photography instruction with immersive wildlife encounters. Each expedition reflects our commitment to ethical tourism, conservation, and cultural enrichment, positioning us as a leading authority in Africa safari travel.