ULTIMATE UGANDA PHOTO SAFARI
April 17-30 & May 2-15 2025
with Sokwe Adventure Safaris
This expedition takes you deep into Uganda's wild landscapes, offering a chance to witness its incredible biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems while embracing the tranquility of Africa's untouched nature. Crafted to include some of Uganda's top wildlife experiences, this journey includes tracking mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, photographing tree-climbing lions in the famous Ishasha sector, and capturing the rich birdlife along the shores of Lake Victoria and the Kazinga Channel.
Trip highlights
The most intimate wildlife encounters
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Two unforgettable days of close-up gorilla trekking
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Two immersive days of chimpanzee trekking
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Walk alongside rhinos and giraffes in their natural habitat
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Private safari drives featuring giraffes, zebras, and elephants
Ultimate small group experiences
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Exclusive group sizes: 1 local guide + 1 photo guide for just 4 guests
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Private river cruises to spot hippos, elephants, and crocodiles
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Tranquil wetland canoe trips for unique perspectives
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Spacious safari vehicles designed for optimal photography
Conservation focused expedition
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Actively supporting local conservation efforts
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Visit a pangolin rehabilitation center
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Donating to conservation organizations
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Practice ethical wildlife viewing, always putting animals first
Amazing accommodations
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Luxury stays, from safari lodges to deluxe properties
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Close to nature, with wildlife at your doorstep
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Gourmet dining, with exceptional service
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Unforgettable views and stunning landscapes
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you’ll be met by a representative from Sokwe Adventure Safaris and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, we'll gather as a group for a briefing on our adventure ahead, followed by our first photography session, where we’ll share tips and techniques to capture the beauty of Uganda’s landscapes and wildlife.
Day 2: Entebbe - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
We begin our journey to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s reintroduced population of southern white rhinos. Accompanied by expert rangers, we’ll track these powerful creatures on foot. This is an excellent opportunity to practice low-angle shots and capture dynamic images of these magnificent animals against the lush African bush. Keep your camera ready for up-close encounters!
Day 3: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary - Murchison Falls National Park
At dawn, we embark on a canoe trip into the Lugogo Swamps, in search of the elusive Shoebill—a prehistoric-looking bird that will make for stunning portraits in the golden morning light. We will also take time to photograph the plentiful birdlife as we enjoy sunrise over the swamp. After lunch, we continue to Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating dramatic landscapes ideal for wide-angle photography.
Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park
A morning game drive takes us into the heart of Murchison Falls, where elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife roam the savannah. Later today, we set out on a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls. Crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and hippos surfacing in the water provide incredible subjects for action shots and wildlife portraits. In the afternoon, we will depart for Bugoma.
Day 5: Bugoma - Kibale National Park
Travel through the beautiful landscapes of western Uganda, passing through lush tea, coffee, and banana plantations, before reaching Kibale National Park. In the afternoon, we’ll begin our first chimpanzee trek - Kibale forests national park has the highest number of chimpanzee population in East Africa with over 15000 individuals! We will be assigned a ranger, after which we will set off to trek into the forest to track a community of Chimpanzees. Once we reach them, we will spend one hour observing and following the chimpanzee through the forest. Get ready for high-paced action shots as you photograph these agile primates in their forest home—capture the expressive faces and interactions that tell the story of life in the canopy.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetlands
Today, we delve deeper into the Kibale forest for a second experience in the forest in search of Chimpanzees. Listen for their echoing pant-hoots that will lead us through the dense greenery to join the troop, where we will once again have one-hour to spend with these incredible animals. During our time in the forest, we may also spot other primates such as Red Colobus Monkey, L'Hoest Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, and Vervet Monkeys. Bird lovers should keep an eye out - a total of 335 bird species recorded in the forest! In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetlands, where vibrant birdlife and curious primates offer diverse photography opportunities. The swamp's reflections and abundant flora will challenge your skills in framing and composition. We will also go for a community walk where we will observe how coffee is cultivated and processed (don’t forget to taste a cup!), as well as how they extract different beverages from Bananas - these community experiences will help us capture the unique culture of Uganda, and learn how people live alongside such abundant wildlife.
Day 7: Kibale National Park - Queen Elizabeth National Park
We begin today with a nature walk from our lodge, where guides will share information about the reforestation, agro-forestry and rain forest zones in the 26 hectares of protected area. We will search for primates, admire the indigenous trees, and spot many bird species and butterflies, all while contributing to the forest restoration and conservation efforts. In the afternoon, we will take a scenic drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains looming in the distance.Arrive in time for an evening game drive, where you’ll aim to photograph Uganda’s diverse wildlife under the warm glow of sunset and search for nocturnal animals.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Embark on a special cat-tracking experience with local conservationists as we spend the early morning searching for the local lions and leopards. It’s a unique opportunity to photograph these apex predators up close, capturing their majestic presence on the African plains. In the afternoon, cruise the Kazinga Channel, known for its dense concentration of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and vibrant bird species—perfect for capturing action shots as animals gather at the water's edge. Later in the day, we make our way to Ishasha in preparation for tomorrow morning's activities.
Day 9: Ishasha - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
In the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, we’ll search for the famous tree-climbing lions. These rare sightings are a photographer’s dream, offering a chance to capture lions lounging in the branches. After lunch, we will head to the Pangolin Rescue Center, an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wild pangolins in Uganda. From here, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a dense, mysterious jungle and home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Day 10: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi
Today, we trek through the dense, misty slopes of Bwindi to encounter one of the world’s most incredible creatures—the mountain gorilla. We will have one hour to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat, using your photography skills to capture their expressive eyes and intricate social behaviours. The trek can be challenging, but the reward is truly a once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunity. Later we will share our experience with the gorillas and our photographic challenges and discuss strategies for our second day of gorilla trekking!
Day 11: Second Gorilla Trekking
A second day of gorilla trekking offers another chance to immerse yourself in the new sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Today we will focus on using our new strategies and refining techniques, from close-up portraits to wide-angle shots that capture the gorillas' environment. Afterwards, we travel to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, known for its misty mornings and picturesque islands.
Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi - Lake Mburo National Park
Journey to Lake Mburo National Park, renowned for its rich mix of savannah and woodland habitats. The park is a haven for photographers, with sightings of impalas, elands, zebras, and other antelope species. We will spend an afternoon doing our final game drive, with open landscapes and varied terrain offering perfect settings for wildlife photography against stunning backdrops.
Day 13: Lake Mburo National Park - Entebbe
Our morning begins with a nature walk that allows for up-close encounters with the park's wildlife and beautiful landscapes. This immersive experience being on the ground with giraffes and zebras, allows the unique opportunity to move freely around the landscape and capture different angles of the incredible wildlife. While on foot, you may also choose to practice macro photography on the smaller details of the African wilderness. Later, we return to Entebbe, stopping for a second chance at tracking the Shoebill storks. Our final adventure will take place in Mabamba Swamp—an unforgettable way to close out our photographic journey.
Day 14: Departure
With cameras full of memories and hearts full of adventure, we transfer to the airport for your departure flights. Until next time, let the spirit of Uganda’s wilderness stay with you!
Important details
COST - Double occupancy: $12,895 USD per person (includes tax). - Single occupancy: $13,675 USD per person (includes tax).
WHAT’S INCLUDED Airport transfers, full board accommodation as indicated, ground transportation by 4x4 Land Cruiser, and private English speaking Driver/Guide. Activity fees: 2 Gorilla trekking permits, 2 Chimpanzee trekking permits, 2 boat cruises in Murchison Falls NP and Queen Elizabeth NP, Ziwa Rhinos Sanctuary visit + morning canoe ride, Bigodi Community and Swamp. NOT INCLUDED Flight to/from Entebbe, alcoholic beverages, travel or cancellation insurance (recommended), accommodation and meals prior to welcome dinner on day one, and all meals after breakfast on the final day. Guide gratuities not included. Note: all travellers will also need to obtain a Uganda entrance visa. The cost is 50USD: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS For the Uganda Photo Safari, you will fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), located just outside the capital city of Kampala. Several major airlines offer direct or one-stop flights from international hubs to Entebbe. Upon arrival, you will be met by our local team and transferred to your hotel for the start of your adventure.
TRAVELER INSURANCE Prior to departure, we recommend passengers have comprehensive insurance coverage including medical and emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and baggage insurance - this is at your expense; we will require proof of insurance. Any losses experienced because of incorrect travel planning or not securing adequate insurance will also be the full responsibility of the passenger.
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU? This adventure is designed to provide an immersive experience in Uganda’s wild landscapes with a balance of comfort and exploration. If you have any concerns about your ability to fully participate, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We have extensive experience guiding a diverse range of guests, and our priority is to ensure that the trip meets your expectations. Any personal information shared will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, allowing us to prepare accordingly for your needs. Each day of the itinerary will include significant time spent in safari jeeps, both for game drives within Uganda's national parks and for travel between destinations. To reach some of the most pristine and wildlife-rich areas, we will spend several hours on the road on certain days. While these drives allow us to fully experience the diverse landscapes of Uganda—from lush rainforests to open savannahs—they may require extended periods in the vehicle. Our jeeps are comfortable and equipped for long drives, and we’ll make regular stops to stretch, take photos, and soak in the surroundings. This time spent in transit is an integral part of the journey, giving you a chance to witness the changing ecosystems and spot wildlife along the way. Our trip involves traveling between lodges and spending time in various national parks, with some hikes and treks that may be physically demanding, such as gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Participants should be comfortable with walking on uneven terrain, navigating steep trails, and being outdoors for extended periods. Proper footwear and clothing are essential to ensure your comfort and enjoyment in all weather conditions. Good group dynamics make for a better experience, so a willingness to be flexible and patient with fellow travelers is appreciated. While our focus is on photography and exploring Uganda's unique ecosystems, respecting safety guidelines and park regulations is crucial, especially during activities like game drives and guided nature walks.
Meet your photo guides
With over 15 years of guiding experience, our team of three passionate photography experts is excited to lead you on an unforgettable wildlife photography expedition in Uganda. Our extensive background includes working in diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes, allowing us to provide a one-of-a-kind experience that goes far beyond the typical safari. Through interactive discussions and field-based tips, we ensure that each participant returns home with both stunning images and a greater appreciation for the art of photography. This is your chance to learn from seasoned professionals while immersing yourself in the vibrant beauty of Uganda.
Lianne thompson
Though I grew up in a city, I always sought every opportunity to connect with nature, a passion that has shaped my career in wildlife photography and conservation. With a degree in Zoology and a Master’s in Science Communication, I’ve dedicated myself to bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding, using photography as a powerful tool for storytelling. Over the years, my guiding work has taken me to some of the world’s most stunning wild spaces, where I’ve had the privilege of teaching others about wildlife, nature, and conservation. My mission is not just to capture the beauty of these places, but to help others enhance their photography skills so they, too, can document and share these unforgettable moments. Whether it’s photographing bears in British Columbia, gorillas in Uganda, birds in Iceland or capturing the play of light in a remote landscape, I’m passionate about fostering a deeper connection to the natural world and inspiring others to do the same through the art of photography.
Anthony Amsel
Nature has been the driving force behind my journey, shaping my studies in wildlife biology and guiding me into a career of photography and outdoor leadership. Drawn irresistibly to wild spaces, I feel most alive outdoors, whether beneath rain-soaked skies or under the sun. With my lens as a tool, I aim to reveal the countless untold stories woven throughout nature’s tapestry. This pursuit has led me to some of the most remote corners of the world—deep jungles, open oceans, and the far north—where I've captured moments that speak to the essence of these places. Through photography, I strive to educate and inspire, helping others to see the beauty and complexity of the natural world in new ways. My goal is to teach others the skills and techniques to create their own visual stories, empowering them to connect with nature more deeply and inspire others along the way.
sabina moll
My connection to nature blossomed early on and on led me to earn a Master’s degree in Biology, where I deepened my understanding of ecosystems and conservation, before developing my career as expedition leader and wildlife photographer. My work and passion has taken me to some of the most wild and breathtaking places on Earth, including the magnificent Great Bear Rainforest on the West Coast of Canada, where I’ve found my new home. As an expedition guide, I share my love for the natural world, leading immersive adventures that connect participants to the rich biodiversity of the places we go to. Photography plays a pivotal role in my storytelling. I use my camera to capture the intricate beauty of nature, showcasing both its splendor and the pressing conservation issues we face. It’s important to me that while we strive to create stunning images, we enhance our connection to the land rather than disrupt it. I find great joy in helping others to enhance their photography skills, so they can tell their own stories. Together, we can cultivate a shared appreciation for nature and work toward its preservation.
Capture Uganda’s Wild Heart
Embark on a this 14-day journey into the diverse landscapes of Uganda, where every turn offers new photo opportunities; from misty forest mornings to bustling savannah sunshine, seize the chance to track gorillas, chimpanzees and leopards. This adventure is designed to connect you with nature and create lasting memories.
Personalized Photography Mentorship
Gain new perspectives and refine your photography style through hands-on guidance. From crafting dramatic shots of iconic wildlife to capturing the vibrant culture of local communities, our expertise will ensure you leave Uganda with a portfolio that tells a powerful story, no matter your experience level.
Tailored Learning Experiences
Dive into workshops and field sessions that match your interests and goals. Whether you’re eager to learn the art of low-light shooting in the dense forests of Bwindi or want to perfect your technique for capturing swift movements like a Shoebill in flight, each lesson is crafted to bring out your best work.
Not a photographer? No problem! This adventure is all about wildlife and conservation. Whether you're eager to capture stunning shots with your long lens or simply dream of locking eyes with a gorilla, we’ve got you covered. With our ultra-small group sizes, we’re here to make your goals a reality!