Prepare to embark on an extraordinary photography safari adventure through Uganda’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultural wonders. This safari is designed specifically for photographers seeking to capture the beauty of Uganda’s untamed wilderness, with a focus on the Big 5, unique primates, and a range of ecosystems teeming with life. From tracking rhinos on foot to photographing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, each day offers unparalleled opportunities for stunning wildlife shots, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences.
You will journey across lush savannahs, dense rainforests, tranquil lakes, and vast swamplands, ensuring a perfect mix of landscapes and species to capture through your lens. Whether you’re interested in birds, mammals, or the intricate details of the landscape, this safari is designed to provide plenty of opportunities for every kind of nature and wildlife photography.
At Nandi Adventures, we believe in creating all-inclusive Ugandan safaris that maximize your experience and minimize your worries. Unlike other companies, we prioritize transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Our meticulously crafted itineraries include a variety of activities, attraction entrance fees, comfortable accommodations, reliable transportation, and the services of our expert guides. This ensures you can focus on what truly matters: making unforgettable memories in the heart of Africa.
We understand that dietary needs can vary, and we’re happy to cater to vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians. Simply let us know your preferences during the booking process, and we’ll ensure your meals are delicious and tailored to your dietary restrictions.
Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure?
Today you arrive in Uganda – famously known as the Pearl of Africa because of its great diversity and beauty. Your Big 5 Walking Safari and Primates Trek starts here and now. Our representative and your private guide will receive you at the airport and then transfer you to your accommodation. Your guide for the trip will brief you of the days ahead and the adventure that awaits. Depending on your time of arrival in Entebbe, you may be able to go shopping for some essentials like torch batteries. Or you may visit the Botanical Gardens where you may have the chance of seeing some primates.
Morning Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary After breakfast, head to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a conservation initiative dedicated to reintroducing rhinos to Uganda. You will join experienced rangers on a rhino tracking excursion, getting up close to these magnificent animals for perfect wildlife shots.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a vital conservation area in Uganda, dedicated to the protection and reintroduction of the endangered southern white rhinos. Established in 2006 as part of the Rhino Re-introduction Project, the sanctuary began with six rhinos. Through successful breeding efforts, this number has grown to 42, making Ziwa the only place in Uganda where visitors can observe rhinos in their natural habitat.
The sanctuary spans over 70 square kilometers of savannah and woodlands, providing an ideal environment for these magnificent creatures to thrive. In addition to rhino tracking, Ziwa is home to diverse wildlife, including antelopes, bushbucks, and numerous bird species, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
This adventure in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is perfect for early risers. It begins at 6 AM with a trek through Rhino Sanctuary, followed by a peaceful canoe ride through the Lugogo Swamp. This early start gives you the best chance to spot the elusive shoebill stork while also enjoying a stunning view of the Ugandan sunrise over the swamp. With many water bird species in the area, this trek is a must for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
The shoebill stork is one of Uganda’s most sought-after birds, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is one of the few places where you’re almost guaranteed to see them. Our record is an incredible 11 sightings in a single trip! These prehistoric-looking birds nest in Ziwa’s swamps, and our expert rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots.
After your canoe trek at Ziwa, you’ll depart for Murchison Falls National Park and settle into Nyamsika Camp, a private bush camp offering unmatched seclusion. Relax with a sundowner drink as you watch the breathtaking sunset, setting the stage for your multi-day walking safari. Murchison Falls National Park, home to over 144 mammal species, including the Big 5, primates like the patas monkey, the Nile River, and the iconic Murchison Falls, promises an exciting and diverse wildlife experience.
As Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, Murchison Falls National Park features a variety of habitats, from palm-studded savannas to the dramatic Bunyoro escarpment, creating the perfect setting for walking safaris. The park’s rich history is enhanced by notable visitors such as Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt, adding a sense of heritage to your adventure.
Wake up to an early breakfast accompanied by the sounds of Murchison Falls National Park’s wilderness. Take on a morning nature and wildlife photography safari walk towards Te Okot, lasting 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The terrain is mostly open and slightly hilly, with some gullies and Borassus Palms, which are a primary food source for elephants—one of Africa’s Big 5. There is a good chance of seeing herds of elephants and various antelopes, especially during the dry season. Enjoy an early lunch around noon, followed by a siesta to relax and immerse yourself in the wilderness. In the afternoon, take a game drive or a shorter walk from 4 to 5 pm, lasting about an hour.
After an early breakfast, embark on a long morning walk to the River Nile, lasting 4 to 5 hours. Sandals are recommended for wading through shallow, warm water. The walk will take you along the Nyamsika riverbed that feeds into the Nile River, frequented by a variety of wildlife, including waterbuck, buffaloes, kobs, hartebeest, elephants, and occasionally hyenas. You’ll have the opportunity to observe numerous footprints along the way.
At the end of the walk, a boat will be waiting to take us on a 2-hour ride to the bottom of Murchison Falls and back. Enjoy a packed lunch on the boat. In the late afternoon, return to the camp for relaxation.
On your final day in Murchison Falls National Park, start with a stunning morning walk along the Nyamsika riverbed, ending in a scenic bush breakfast. Afterward, you’ll have the option to visit the top of Murchison Falls before departing the park.
Continue your journey to Bugoma Central Forest Reserve passing the Great Western Rift Valley and Lake Albert. Enjoy the scenic drive before arriving at your accommodation. This transition offers a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility as you prepare for primate trekking.
Join a guided expedition into Bugoma Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking adventure. Capture stunning photos of these intelligent primates as they swing through the trees or interact in their groups. The lush, tropical forest provides a perfect backdrop for nature photography, with plenty of chances to spot unique bird species and other wildlife.
As Uganda’s newest chimpanzee tracking destination, Bugoma offers a more exclusive experience with fewer trekkers. The Bugoma Central Forest Reserve is rich in biodiversity, home to over 34 mammal species, including 4 globally threatened species and 9 listed on the IUCN Red List. In addition to over 600 chimpanzees, the forest hosts blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Other wildlife includes elephants, buffaloes, golden cats, side-striped jackals, and Uganda Kobs. The forest is also home to 9 reptile species, 257 varieties of trees and shrubs, and over 20 amphibian species, including Albertine Rift endemics. Bugoma’s rich ecosystem also boasts 292 butterfly species, 118 types of moths, and many more fascinating creatures.
Bugoma Forest is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 225 bird species, including several Guinea-Congo Biome species and 2 globally threatened birds—Nahan’s Francolin and the Black-eared Ground Thrush. While visiting Bugoma, be sure to explore nearby attractions such as the Nkusi River and Lake Albert for even more natural beauty.
Transfer to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your road trip from Bugoma Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through Fort Portal and Kasese, offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of western Uganda.
Starting in the lush tropical Bugoma Forest, known for its chimpanzee tracking and rich biodiversity, you’ll travel through scenic landscapes, rolling hills, and picturesque tea plantations. Fort Portal, often referred to as the gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains, provides a perfect stop to admire stunning views of the “Mountains of the Moon” and crater lakes.
As you continue towards Kasese, the majestic Rwenzori Mountains come into full view, leading you to the wildlife haven of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park, famous for its Big Five game, tree-climbing lions, and boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, is a must-visit destination. This road trip is not only a scenic adventure but also a cultural exploration, making it an ideal route for those looking to experience Uganda’s natural beauty and vibrant landscapes.
Today’s wildlife experience is also a contribution to the conservation of the great cats of Uganda and Africa. The Lion Experience Project in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a unique and thrilling opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe the majestic lions up close in their natural habitat.
This conservation initiative, led by the Uganda Carnivore Program, allows visitors to track and monitor the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector. As part of the experience, you’ll join expert rangers on a game drive, where you can witness these magnificent creatures lounging in the trees or roaming the savannah.
In afternoon, take the boat safari that connects Lake George to Lake Edward. This cruise on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an incredible opportunity for wildlife photography. The 32-kilometer channel, connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, teems with diverse wildlife, making it a photographer’s paradise.
As you glide along the water, you’ll have close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants bathing along the shores, while large herds of buffaloes and antelope graze nearby. The rich birdlife, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans, adds a vibrant splash of color to the scenery. The calm waters and relatively short distance to the wildlife provide the perfect conditions for capturing stunning close-ups of animals in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just looking to capture memories, the boat safari offers some of the best wildlife photography experiences in East Africa.
Early today you head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The road transfer to Bwindi offers travelers a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes of western Uganda. It winds through verdant tea plantations and picturesque villages. As the journey progresses southwards, the terrain becomes more rugged, eventually leading into the mist-shrouded hills of Bwindi. This scenic drive not only showcases Uganda’s natural beauty but also provides opportunities to glimpse local life and culture along the way. It’s a memorable journey that sets the stage for encountering endangered mountain gorillas in their forested sanctuary.
Arriving in Bwindi is the beginning of an unforgettable adventure, providing you with the chance to connect with nature. The park is an amazing nature and wildlife photography destination where you witness incredible wildlife, and experience the magic of gorilla trekking in one of Africa’s most remarkable national parks. Enjoy a relaxing evening taking in the jungle noises as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a life-changing adventure, offering an intimate encounter with one of the world’s most endangered species. As you trek through the dense, mist-covered forest, guided by expert trackers, excitement builds with each step.
The anticipation peaks when you finally spot a gorilla family in their natural habitat. Observing their social interactions, from playful young ones to protective silverbacks, creates a deep emotional connection. This profound experience, often evoking awe and tears, is a must-do for wildlife and nature enthusiasts seeking unforgettable memories in Uganda.
For the hour you spend observing them, a sense of intimacy develops. The intricate social dynamics, the expressions on their faces, and the playful interactions among family members forge a magical connection. It’s not uncommon for participants to be moved to tears by the profound connection established during the encounter.
Today you have the option to go for another gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. You can choose to track the same group if available, or track another of the other 20 groups. There are 21 groups to track in Bwindi – the biggest number of habituated mountain gorillas anywhere in the world.
A second tracking experience gives you more photographic opportunities to follow up on what you may have missed out on day one, or to track a new family.
Bwindi is best known as the home of more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the few places on earth where you can trek through the dense forest to encounter these majestic creatures up close. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its incredible biodiversity.
In addition to gorillas, Bwindi is home to 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, and a variety of butterflies, reptiles, and plant life, many of which are endemic to the region. The park’s diverse ecosystems range from lowland rainforests to high-altitude cloud forests, providing a sanctuary for rare species and unique flora. World of opportunity for a nature and wildlife photographer.
Early today, embark on a scenic road transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Mburo National Park, traversing through Uganda’s captivating countryside. The road transfer on this nature and wildlife photography safari offers opportunities to capture Uganda’s diverse landscapes from lush forest to savanna plains. As you leave Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you’ll pass through rolling hills, farmland, and rural communities. En route, there are opportunities to spot various bird species, especially in forested and wetland areas.
Even though Lake Mburo National Park is just 260 square kilometres in size, the different landscapes are alive with intrigue and colour on even a short trip. As you look for the diverse array of animals that these habitats sustain, you will travel through gallery forests, open savannah, acacia woodland, rocky kopjes, seasonal and permanent wetlands, and open water.
Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, you can choose to enjoy a relaxing moment in this quiet wilderness or immerse yourself in the life of the cattle-keeping community here. Get to know their ways of life and culture.
End your Ugandan journey with a memorable birding safari in Lake Mburo National Park. Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems on foot, guided by experienced rangers. Spot a variety of wildlife, including herbivores, birds, and smaller mammals. Learn about the park’s biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation efforts from your knowledgeable guide.
At least 313 bird species have been recorded in the park. Some include the Red faced barbet, Long tailed Cisticola (Tabora), Papyrus yellow warbler, African finfoot, Northern Brubru, Rofous bellied and white backed night heron, Black collared barbet, Brown chested plover, White winged tit, Northern brown throated weaver, White winged warbler. Lake Mburo National Park is also Uganda’s only southern park with zebra and giraffe. Look out for them as you walk through the wild.
Visit the Equator Line:
Before heading to Entebbe, make a stop at the equator line, a unique geographical landmark dividing the northern and southern hemispheres. Take a photo and experience the fascinating phenomenon of water swirling down different drains on either side of the line.
