UGANDA GORILLAS & CHIMPS PHOTO SAFARI
A 10-day Uganda photographic safari designed for mountain gorillas, chimpanzee habituation, rainforest photography, Murchison Falls wildlife, river landscapes and expert photographic guidance.
June 2027 | 10 Days | Mountain Gorillas & Chimpanzees | Small Group Photo Safari
SAFARI AVAILABILITY
This Uganda photo safari is designed for photographers who want a varied primate and wildlife experience, combining mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee habituation, rainforest photography and classic African wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park. The itinerary is carefully planned around photographic access, expert local guiding and practical support in the field.
Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Photo Safari Overview
This 10-day Uganda photo safari is designed for photographers who want a rare combination of mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, rainforest photography and classic African wildlife. Moving through Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this itinerary offers a diverse photographic journey through some of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife regions.
The safari begins in Murchison Falls National Park, where open savannah, river landscapes, waterfalls and big game create a strong contrast to the rainforest sections later in the itinerary. Guests then continue to Kibale Forest for a chimpanzee habituation experience, allowing extended time with wild chimpanzees in a dense rainforest environment.
The journey finishes with two mountain gorilla trekking experiences, one in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga. This gives photographers the opportunity to experience two different gorilla habitats, from the dense, atmospheric forest of Bwindi to the more open montane and bamboo forest of Mgahinga. With expert local guides and photographic guidance from Mark or Jaren, the focus is on ethical encounters, careful positioning, low-light technique and meaningful wildlife storytelling.
GROUP SIZE
6 GUESTS + 2 PHOTO HOSTS
Location
MURCHISON FALLS - KIBALE - BWINDI - MGAHINGA
PRICE
$15,495 USD per person sharing
DURATION
10 days / 9 nights
PHOTOGRAPHY SKILL LEVEL
All skill levels welcome
Why Join This UGANDA Photo Safari?
This itinerary is designed for photographers who want a rare combination of primate encounters, rainforest photography, classic African wildlife and expert field guidance across some of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife regions.
Bwindi Gorilla Photography
Photograph mountain gorillas in the dense, atmospheric rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where mist, layered vegetation and moody light create a powerful and intimate photographic setting.
Mgahinga Gorilla Photography
Experience a second gorilla trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where more open montane and bamboo forest can offer a very different photographic experience from Bwindi.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Spend extended time with wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, giving photographers more time to observe behaviour, work with rainforest light and capture meaningful primate images.
Murchison Falls Wildlife
Begin the safari with classic Uganda wildlife photography in Murchison Falls National Park, including lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, river scenes, birdlife and dramatic landscapes.
Ethical Primate Encounters
This safari is built around respectful, carefully guided wildlife encounters, with trusted local guides, official permits and a strong focus on responsible primate photography.
Photographer-Led Guidance
Travel with Mark or Jaren Fernley, professional wildlife photographers and co-founders of Untamed Photo Safaris, with practical support on light, positioning, camera settings and rainforest photography technique.
PHOTOGRAPHY HIGHLIGHTS
This Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Photo Safari combines primate photography, private wilderness access, river-based wildlife photography and classic Uganda landscapes, giving photographers a varied and highly rewarding itinerary.
Mountain gorillas in two locations
Photograph mountain gorillas in two different areas of the Bwindi-Mgahinga region, giving you two distinct gorilla trekking experiences, different forest conditions and a stronger chance to build a varied gorilla portfolio.
Four-hour chimpanzee habituation experience
Spend extended time with wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest during a four-hour habituation experience, allowing more time for authentic behaviour, movement, interaction and rainforest storytelling.
Lions and wildlife in a private Murchison concession
Begin the safari in a private concession within Murchison Falls National Park, with opportunities for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, antelope, birdlife and quieter wildlife encounters away from busier public areas.
Private boat cruise below Murchison Falls
Photograph from a private boat on the Nile below Murchison Falls, with opportunities for hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, river landscapes and dramatic scenes beneath one of Uganda’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Rainforest atmosphere and Uganda landscapes
Work with Uganda’s changing environments, from misty rainforest and mountain light to river systems, savannah, waterfalls and lush green landscapes that add depth and variety to the photographic story.
Itinerary at a Glance
A quick look at the journey, from arrival in Entebbe to Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Bwindi, Mgahinga and onward departure.
Day 1
Arrival in ENTEBBE
Arrive in Entebbe and settle in before the safari begins.
Days 2 - 3
Murchison Falls
National Park
Lions in a private sector of the park, private cruise under the falls.
Days 4 - 5
Kibale Forest
Chimpanzee habituation experience and rainforest photography.
Days 6 - 7
Bwindi
Impenetrable Forest
Mountain gorilla trekking in one of Uganda’s most atmospheric rainforest environments.
Days 8 - 9
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Second gorilla trek, montane forest, bamboo habitat and mountain landscapes.
Day 10
Return to Entebbe
Fly back to Entebbe for your onward international departure.
Price & Booking Details
PRICE INCLUDES
Airport meet-and-greet, pick-up and drop-off at Entebbe International Airport One night accommodation in Entebbe before travelling to Murchison Falls All accommodation throughout the safari in handpicked luxury lodges All ground transfers between airports, airstrips, lodges and safari locations Domestic flights as outlined in the itinerary All meals throughout the safari Purified drinking water, coffee, tea, juice and selected non-alcoholic beverages House wines, local beers and selected spirits, where included by property All national park, conservation and activity fees Two mountain gorilla trekking permits Chimpanzee habituation permit in Kibale Forest Porters for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking activities Private boat cruise below Murchison Falls Daily photographic safari activities in Murchison Falls, Kibale, Bwindi and Mgahinga Professional photographic guidance from your Untamed Photo Safaris photo host Expert local driver-guides and specialist primate guides Optional image review and photographic support where time allows Pre-safari planning information and preparation guidance AMREF Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation cover On-the-ground logistical support throughout the safari
PRICE EXCLUDES
International flights to and from Uganda Personal travel insurance, which is required for all guests Uganda visa, passport, vaccination or travel documentation costs Premium alcoholic beverages unless specifically included by the property Personal expenses, including souvenirs, laundry, spa treatments, extra drinks and incidentals Optional activities or experiences not listed in the confirmed itinerary Additional hotel nights, meals, transfers or services required due to early arrival, late departure, flight changes, delays or missed connections Gratuities and tips for photo hosts, local guides, lodge staff, trekking guides, porters and support staff Excess baggage fees or private luggage arrangements outside the confirmed domestic flight allowance Any increase in government taxes, national park fees, permit fees, conservation fees, fuel levies, airport taxes, tourism fees or other compulsory charges after confirmation Costs arising from circumstances beyond our control, including weather disruptions, flight delays, national park regulation changes, medical issues or force majeure
Detailed Safari Itinerary
This Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Photo Safari has been designed to move through four very different wildlife regions, combining classic savannah and river photography in Murchison Falls with extended chimpanzee photography in Kibale Forest and two separate mountain gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi and Mgahinga. Each stage offers a different photographic focus, from big game and river landscapes to low-light rainforest technique, primate behaviour and intimate wildlife storytelling.
DAY 1
Arrival in ENTEBBE
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe. This first night gives the group time to arrive, rest after international travel and prepare for the safari ahead.
In the evening, you will meet your photo host for a safari briefing, covering the itinerary, luggage logistics, photographic approach, camera preparation and what to expect during the primate and wildlife sections of the trip.
Guests must arrive at Entebbe International Airport no later than 3:00pm on arrival day.
Overnight: Entebbe Forest Lodge
DAY 2
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, travel to Murchison Falls National Park. Depending on timing and conditions, the journey may include wildlife photography en route as you enter one of Uganda’s most diverse and dramatic national parks.
In the afternoon, begin your first photographic safari in Murchison Falls, with opportunities for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, antelope, birdlife and classic savannah landscapes. This section gives the itinerary a strong big-game opening before moving into Uganda’s rainforest and primate regions.
Photography Focus: Introduction to Murchison Falls, lions, elephants, giraffes, open savannah, birdlife and golden light.
Overnight: Papa's Camp - Murchison Falls
DAY 3
Murchison Falls Wildlife & Private Boat Cruise
Spend the day exploring Murchison Falls National Park, with photographic opportunities across savannah, riverine habitat and the Nile. The park offers a strong mix of wildlife, landscapes and light, with possibilities for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, antelope and a wide range of birds.
A key feature of this day is a private boat cruise below Murchison Falls, giving photographers a different perspective from the water. This offers opportunities for hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, river landscapes and dramatic views below one of Uganda’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Photography Focus: Private boat cruise, river wildlife, birds, hippos, crocodiles, Murchison Falls, savannah wildlife and landscapes.
Overnight: Papa's Camp - Murchison Falls
DAY 4
Full Day in Murchison Falls National Park
Spend another full day photographing in Murchison Falls National Park, with a focus on wildlife activity, light, behaviour and the landscapes that make this region so varied. The area offers excellent opportunities to work with different subjects and shooting conditions, from open grasslands and river scenes to predators, elephants and birdlife.
Between activities, there may be time for image review, editing support or photographic discussion with your photo host at the lodge.
Photography Focus: Lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, antelope, birdlife, savannah scenes, river landscapes and behaviour-based photography.
Overnight: Papa's Camp - Murchison Falls
DAY 5
Transfer to Kibale Forest
After breakfast, travel south towards Kibale Forest. This is a transition day from open savannah and river landscapes into Uganda’s rainforest region, where the photographic focus shifts towards primates, forest light and low-light shooting conditions.
On arrival at the lodge, guests will receive a pre-chimpanzee photography briefing to prepare for the following day. This may include advice on camera settings, lens choice, autofocus, movement in the forest, low-light technique and what to expect during the chimpanzee habituation experience.
Photography Focus: Travel day, rainforest preparation, chimpanzee photography briefing and camera setup.
Overnight: Primate Lodge - Kibale
DAY 6
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale Forest
Today is dedicated to the chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest. Unlike a standard chimpanzee trek, this experience allows extended time with wild chimpanzees, giving photographers more time to observe behaviour, work with challenging rainforest light and create a stronger visual story.
Guests may spend up to four hours with the chimpanzees, depending on conditions and official guidelines. This extended access can create opportunities for portraits, movement, interaction, grooming, feeding behaviour, forest atmosphere and quieter observational images.
After the trek, return to the lodge for rest, image review and post-processing support where time allows.
Photography Focus: Chimpanzees, primate behaviour, rainforest light, movement, interaction, forest atmosphere and storytelling images.
Overnight: Primate Lodge - Kibale
DAY 7
Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, transfer for your flight towards the southwest of Uganda, followed by a road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This region is one of Africa’s most important mountain gorilla habitats and offers a dense, atmospheric rainforest setting for gorilla photography.
On arrival, settle into the lodge and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trek. Your photo host will provide a pre-gorilla photography briefing, covering trekking expectations, camera setup, low-light technique, lens choice, respectful positioning and how to work within the official time limits.
Photography Focus: Transfer to Bwindi, rainforest preparation, gorilla photography briefing and camera setup.
Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge - Bwindi
DAY 8
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Today is dedicated to mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a safety briefing at park headquarters, trek into the forest with expert local guides and trackers in search of a habituated gorilla family.
Once with the gorillas, guests will have up to one hour to photograph and observe them, following official guidelines. Bwindi offers a dense, layered and atmospheric rainforest environment, with opportunities for intimate portraits, family behaviour, forest frames, moody light and powerful close encounters.
After the trek, return to the lodge for a short refresh before transferring towards Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for the next stage of the itinerary.
Photography Focus: Mountain gorillas in Bwindi, rainforest atmosphere, portraits, family behaviour, low-light technique and ethical primate photography.
Overnight: Mount Gahinga Lodge - Mgahinga
DAY 9
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
Today offers a second mountain gorilla trekking experience, this time in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This gives photographers a different environment from Bwindi, with more open montane forest, bamboo habitat and volcanic mountain landscapes.
After the safety briefing, trek with expert local guides and trackers to locate the gorilla family. Once with the gorillas, guests will have up to one hour to photograph and observe them, following official guidelines. The change in habitat can create a very different photographic style, with cleaner views, varied vegetation and more open forest conditions when the gorillas are positioned well.
After the trek, return to the lodge for rest, image review and post-processing support where time allows.
Photography Focus: Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga, bamboo and montane forest, open forest conditions, portraits, behaviour and mountain landscapes.
Overnight: Mount Gahinga Lodge - Mgahinga
DAY 10
Fly to Entebbe & Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the local airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Entebbe. On arrival, connect with your onward international departure, or choose to stay overnight in Entebbe and depart the following morning.
End Point: Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
Guests may book international flights departing after 4:00pm on this day.
Designed by Photographers, for Photographers
This Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Photo Safari is not a standard vehicle-based safari. Much of the experience takes place on foot, in rainforest environments where light, movement, vegetation, terrain and subject behaviour can change quickly. This section has been shaped for photographers who want practical support for primate photography, trekking conditions and low-light forest work.
Specialist Primate Photography Experience
Mark and Jaren Fernley bring extensive experience photographing primates in rainforest conditions, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and other forest wildlife.
This background gives guests practical support in some of the most challenging and rewarding environments for wildlife photography.
Recommended Camera Gear
We recommend bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera with strong autofocus and good low-light performance. A 70-200mm lens is ideal for gorilla trekking and many close to mid-range primate encounters, while a 300-500mm lens is useful for chimpanzees, wildlife in Murchison Falls and subjects higher in the forest canopy.
A second camera body can be helpful but is not essential. It allows you to move quickly between lens choices without changing lenses in humid, dusty or fast-moving field conditions.
Professional Field Guidance
Throughout the safari, your photo host will help you work with light, behaviour, positioning, composition and camera settings in real field conditions.
Guidance is practical and shaped around the photographic opportunities in front of you, whether you are with gorillas, chimpanzees, savannah wildlife or river-based subjects.
Rainforest Photography Technique
Gorilla and chimpanzee photography often involves low light, dense vegetation, limited time, uneven terrain and fast-changing subject behaviour.
We will help guests prepare for autofocus choices, shutter speed, ISO control, stabilisation, quiet movement and the technical realities of photographing primates in forest environments. We will also discuss positioning and anticipation techniques to help maximise photographic opportunities during often brief wildlife encounters.
Safari Locations
This Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Photo Safari moves through four distinct wildlife regions, each offering a different photographic experience. From savannah and river landscapes in Murchison Falls to chimpanzee forests in Kibale and two separate mountain gorilla environments in Bwindi and Mgahinga, the itinerary is designed to show the range of Uganda’s wildlife and rainforest photography.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls offers a strong contrast to the rainforest sections of the safari, with open savannah, river systems, dramatic landscapes and classic African wildlife. The park is rewarding for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, birdlife and river-based photography, including a private boat cruise below the falls.
Related article: Coming Soon
Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest is one of Africa’s most important chimpanzee habitats and the location for the chimpanzee habituation experience. The forest offers opportunities to photograph chimpanzees, forest light, movement, behaviour, interaction and the atmosphere of a dense tropical rainforest environment.
Related article: Coming Soon
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi is one of Africa’s most iconic mountain gorilla destinations, known for its ancient rainforest, misty slopes and layered vegetation. Gorilla photography here can feel intimate and atmospheric, with opportunities for portraits, family behaviour, forest frames and low-light rainforest images.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga offers a different style of gorilla photography, with montane forest, bamboo habitat and volcanic mountain scenery. Compared with Bwindi, the environment can feel more open, giving photographers a second gorilla trekking experience with different light, vegetation and compositional possibilities.
Luxury Safari Accommodation
This Uganda Gorillas & Chimps Photo Safari uses a carefully selected mix of luxury lodges, tented camps and an airport hotel in Entebbe, chosen for comfort, location, service and access to key wildlife areas. Each property is selected to support the pace of a photographic safari, with early starts, long days in the field, comfortable spaces to rest and time to recharge equipment between activities.
In Murchison Falls, guests stay in a luxury safari setting with access to the park’s savannah, river systems and private concession wildlife areas. In Kibale, accommodation is positioned for convenient access to the chimpanzee habituation experience, while the lodges in Bwindi and Mgahinga place guests close to the gorilla trekking areas, reducing unnecessary travel on trekking days.
Uganda is a wonderfully rewarding destination, but this itinerary has been planned carefully around trusted properties, experienced local guides, reliable logistics and well-managed tourism areas. The accommodation throughout the journey balances comfort, atmosphere, photographic access and peace of mind, allowing guests to focus on the wildlife, landscapes and primate encounters that make this safari so special.
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