Enquires: bookings@untamedphotosafaris.com Phone: +44 7368271396
Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” offers one of the most intimate and powerful wildlife photography experiences on the continent—centered around its extraordinary primates. In contrast to the open plains of its East African neighbors, Uganda’s lush rainforests and mist-covered mountains provide a more immersive, raw, and emotional backdrop for photographers seeking depth and connection in their work.
​
The crown jewel of Uganda’s photographic offerings is the chance to track and photograph endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Coming face to face with these gentle giants in their natural habitat is not only a profound wildlife encounter but a rare opportunity to capture expressions, behaviors, and moments that transcend typical safari imagery. Every frame tells a story of family, resilience, and survival.
​
Uganda is also home to one of the highest concentrations of chimpanzees in Africa, particularly in the dense canopies of Kibale Forest. Here, photographers can document the complex social dynamics of our closest relatives—fast-paced, expressive, and deeply moving scenes that require both patience and precision.
​
For wildlife photographers passionate about primates and storytelling, Uganda offers a one-of-a-kind portfolio: emotive portraits, dense green backdrops, and the kind of encounters that stay with you long after you’ve packed away your gear.
2026 UGANDA - GROUP PHOTO TOURS
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT UGANDA
Best Time to Visit
Located on the Equator, Uganda’s temperature has little year round fluctuation. The hottest months are in January and February where temperatures reach up to 40°C making wildlife hard to photograph due to animals trying to stay out of the heat of the African sun. You will find most wildlife resting under the trees or laying in the long grass.
​
Uganda is gifted by not only one, but two rainy seasons each year. These fall during the months of March to May and October to December. During these times, trekking through the forest in search of the Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees can get quite difficult for the inexperienced and less physically fit guests. Slippery slopes and thick mud are not the ideal conditions when trekking with camera gear.
​
Our favourite time of year to visit Uganda is during the months of June through September. During this time, the country experiences moderate temperatures with the days being comfortably warm and the nights cooling down. There is not much chance of rain during this time of the year meaning the bugs (including mosquitoes) are at a minimum. Trails in the forests are dry and easily walkable, making this time of year ideal for Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, officially known as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, lies in the far southwest of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Perched along the edge of the Great Rift Valley and rising to altitudes of around 2,600 meters, this ancient, montane rainforest is one of the most biologically rich ecosystems in Africa—and a dream destination for wildlife photographers.
​
Roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live within Bwindi, making it arguably the finest location on Earth for photographing these endangered giants. The experience is deeply immersive: trekking through dense, mist-shrouded forest with camera gear in tow, you’ll have the chance to observe and photograph gorilla families at close range—capturing their expressions, interactions, and quiet power in a setting that feels untouched by time.
​
Photographers will also find unexpected treasures here beyond the gorillas. Forest elephants are occasionally seen along the lodge perimeters, and Jackson’s chameleons—with their signature three horns—are frequently spotted in the surrounding foliage, offering unique macro opportunities. The forest itself, often cloaked in low clouds and filtered golden light, creates a dramatic and moody atmosphere ideal for compelling storytelling through images.
​
In Bwindi, you don’t just photograph wildlife—you document moments of profound connection in one of the last truly wild places on Earth.
MABAMBA SWAMP
Mabamba Swamp, located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in southwestern Uganda, is one of Central Africa’s most important and rewarding bird photography destinations. This sprawling wetland ecosystem draws bird photographers from around the world for one iconic reason: the chance to photograph the elusive and prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork in its natural habitat.
​
With only a small number of Shoebills residing in the swamp—approximately 14 individuals—encounters are rare and unforgettable. Mabamba’s papyrus-lined channels are rich in lungfish, the Shoebill’s preferred prey, making this one of the best places on the continent to witness and capture dramatic hunting behavior. Photographing a Shoebill as it strikes, swallows, and stands statuesque in the shallows is a career-defining moment for many wildlife photographers.
But the Shoebill is only the beginning. Mabamba is a haven for a stunning diversity of species, offering endless opportunities for bird-focused photography. Expect close-up encounters with African Jacanas, kingfishers, herons, bee-eaters, African fish eagles, egrets, and weavers, among many others. The slow, guided canoe excursions through narrow channels allow for a low-angle, immersive perspective ideal for intimate bird portraits and action shots alike.
With the support of expert local guides who understand both the behavior of the birds and the needs of photographers, Mabamba Swamp delivers not just sightings—but extraordinary visual storytelling opportunities in a truly wild setting.
KIBALE NATIONAL FOREST
Kibale National Park, in western Uganda, is one of Africa’s premier destinations for primate photography—most notably for its extraordinary population of wild chimpanzees. Home to over 1,400 individuals, Kibale offers photographers the rare chance to track and photograph our closest relatives in a dense, vibrant rainforest that feels as timeless as it is alive.
​
Accompanied by expert guides, you'll trek on foot through the forest to spend time with a habituated troop. The photographic potential is unmatched: intimate portraits, expressive interactions, and dynamic moments of grooming, play, and social bonding—captured in rich, filtered light beneath the canopy. It's an environment where emotion meets storytelling, and where one good frame can tell an entire story.
​
But the chimpanzees are just the beginning. Kibale is home to 13 species of primates, including L’Hoest’s monkeys, red colobus, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, and the elusive grey-cheeked mangabey. Each brings its own character and photographic opportunity, from tight forest portraits to energetic leaping sequences through the trees.
​
Photographers may also cross paths with forest elephants, their presence marked by silent footprints and snapped branches, adding an extra sense of awe to the experience. Birdlife is abundant and colorful, offering even more depth to your photographic story—from forest hornbills to shimmering sunbirds and turacos.
​
Kibale isn’t just a destination—it’s a portal into one of the most emotionally powerful subjects in wildlife photography. Every step on the forest trail offers a new perspective, a new subject, and the chance to create something truly meaningful.​​
2025 UGANDA - GROUP PHOTO TOURS
Have any questions?
Uganda is a vast country full of many different wildlife photography opportunities. If you are not sure where to begin, start with speaking to one of our experts about your Ugandan photo tour. From the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, to the Chimpanzees of Kibale Forest, and everything in between, Uganda is home to some of the most incredibly unique African wildlife. Let us help you plan your next photo holiday in Uganda.