ULTIMATE UGANDA
Shoebills, Chimpanzees, & Mountain Gorillas
Experience the wild heart of Uganda on this immersive wildlife photography workshop, featuring some of Africa’s most iconic species. We begin in the wetlands in search of the legendary Shoebill Stork, offering rare and intimate photographic opportunities from a boat-based approach.
In Uganda’s lush forests, we photograph chimpanzees, capturing their energy, behaviour and interaction in challenging jungle environments.
The journey culminates with two guided mountain gorilla treks, allowing time to slow down, observe and photograph these incredible animals in a respectful and meaningful way.
With small group sizes and hands-on photographic guidance throughout, this workshop is ideal for photographers of all levels looking for a powerful, ethical and unforgettable wildlife experience in one of Africa’s most biodiverse destinations.
Trekking with Gorillas
This workshop is centred around one of the most powerful wildlife experiences in Africa: tracking and photographing mountain gorillas in Uganda’s ancient forests. With two guided gorilla treks included, you have the time and flexibility to fully experience these encounters and create meaningful images.
Gorilla treks can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, depending on where the gorilla families are located on the day. Led by highly experienced local trackers, each trek is carefully managed to ensure safety, ethical wildlife viewing and the best possible photographic opportunities.
Between locations, we travel in comfortable 4x4 vehicles, designed for long days in the field and offering ample space for camera gear. Transfers are relaxed and well paced, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
This workshop is ideal for photographers who are reasonably fit, enjoy hiking and want an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of the world’s most extraordinary primates.
Daily Program
Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your lodge in Mabamba Swamp. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey.
Accommodation: Nkima Forest Lodge
Day 2 – Mabamba Swamp and Shoebill Tracking
Enjoy a full day exploring Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in East Africa to photograph the elusive Shoebill. Morning and afternoon boat excursions offer excellent wildlife and bird photography opportunities in beautiful wetland surroundings.
Accommodation: Nkima Forest Lodge
Day 3 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel through scenic rural Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping for lunch along the way. Arrive at your lodge inside the park and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
Accommodation: Bush Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4 – Chimpanzee Trek and Transfer to Bwindi
Start the day with a guided chimpanzee trek in Kyambura Gorge, a dramatic forest setting with a small, habituated chimp family. After the trek, continue south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via the Ishasha region, known for its tree-climbing lions.
Accommodation: Haven Lodge, Buhoma
Day 5 – Mountain Gorilla Trek
Today is dedicated to your first mountain gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing, trek through the forest with expert trackers. Trek durations vary from two to eight hours depending on gorilla location.
Accommodation: Haven Lodge, Buhoma
Day 6 – Second Gorilla Trek
A second gorilla trek allows for a deeper, more relaxed encounter and additional time to refine your photography. Spend the afternoon resting and reflecting on this unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Haven Lodge, Buhoma
Day 7 – Return to Entebbe
Begin the journey back to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos and refreshments. Arrive in the early evening for your final night in Uganda.
Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight home.
