9 Day Uganda Chimpanzee And Gorilla Photography Safari

From US $14,450
What's Included
Meet and greet on arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Two nights at Protea Hotel Entebbe, including meals
Two guided excursions to Mabamba Swamps in search of the legendary Shoebill Stork
Scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kasese including an additional 10 kg luggage allowance for camera equipment
Three nights at Primate Lodge with all meals and selected beverages
Complimentary laundry service at Primate Lodge
Guided walk through the scenic Crater Lake Reserve
Two habituated chimpanzee trekking experiences in Kibale National Park
Scheduled flight from Kasese to Kihihi
Three nights at Buhoma Lodge with all meals and selected beverages
Two mountain gorilla trekking permits and guided trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Scheduled flight from Kihihi to Entebbe
Private road transfers and safari transportation throughout
Expert photography tuition, field guidance, and image review sessions with Nelis Wolmarans
Experience one of Africas most extraordinary wildlife adventures on this exclusive 9 day Uganda Chimpanzee and Gorilla Photography Safari, expertly hosted by renowned wildlife photographer Nelis Wolmarans.

9 Day Uganda Chimpanzee And Gorilla Pangolin Photography Safari

Photograph the endangered mountain gorillas during two unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, before spending time with a habituated troop of chimpanzees in Kibale National Park.

Complete your photographic journey with the opportunity to search for the elusive Shoebill Stork in the renowned Mabamba Swamps—one of Uganda's most iconic birding destinations.

Designed specifically for wildlife photographers, this intimate safari is limited to just seven guests, ensuring personalised photographic guidance throughout the journey. The itinerary also pairs perfectly with the 2027 Masai Mara Migration Photography Safari for those wishing to combine two spectacular African wildlife experiences.

Travel Dates

26 September – 4 October 2027

Photo Host

Nelis Wolmarans 

Price

  • US$ 14,450 per person sharing
  • Single Supplement: US$2,500


This Safari Package Includes

  • Meet and greet on arrival at Entebbe International Airport
  • Two nights at Protea Hotel Entebbe, including meals
  • Two guided excursions to Mabamba Swamps in search of the legendary Shoebill Stork
  • Scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kasese, including an additional 10 kg luggage allowance for camera equipment
  • Three nights at Primate Lodge with all meals and selected beverages
  • Complimentary laundry service at Primate Lodge
  • Guided walk through the scenic Crater Lake Reserve
  • Two habituated chimpanzee trekking experiences in Kibale National Park
  • Scheduled flight from Kasese to Kihihi
  • Three nights at Buhoma Lodge with all meals and selected beverages
  • Two mountain gorilla trekking permits and guided trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • One complimentary massage at Buhoma Lodge
  • All national park trekking permits
  • Scheduled flight from Kihihi to Entebbe
  • Private road transfers and safari transportation throughout
  • Expert photography tuition, field guidance, and image review sessions with Nelis Wolmarans

This exceptional safari offers a rare opportunity to photograph three of Uganda's most sought-after wildlife species while enjoying outstanding accommodation, expert guiding, and an unforgettable photographic experience in the heart of East Africa.

Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Uganda

Your Ugandan photography adventure begins in Entebbe, where you will be welcomed with a VIP meet-and-greet service upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. A short 10-minute transfer will take you to the Protea Hotel Entebbe, where you'll meet your photography host, Nelis Wolmarans, and the rest of the group.

Entebbe has been selected as our base for its convenient location and close proximity to the renowned Mabamba Swamps, home to the elusive Shoebill Stork. The e
Day 2
Shoebill Photography at Mabamba Swamps

After an early breakfast, we'll venture into the spectacular Mabamba Swamps, one of Uganda's premier birding destinations and home to the remarkable Shoebill Stork. This vast wetland, spanning approximately 2,500 hectares, is a mosaic of papyrus reeds, water lilies, and winding channels that support more than 260 bird species.

Our journey begins with a speedboat ride from Banga Beach, followed by a transfer into traditional dugout canoes that allow us
Day 3
Into Kibale Forest for Chimpanzees

After breakfast, we'll transfer to Entebbe Airport for our scheduled flight to Kasese, the gateway to Kibale National Park, renowned for its remarkable primate population.

For the next three nights, we'll stay at the beautiful Primate Lodge, perfectly positioned on the edge of the rainforest and just moments from the chimpanzee trekking trailheads. Over the following days, we'll enjoy two unforgettable encounters with habituated chimpanzee troops while ph
Day 4
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

An early breakfast sets the tone for another exciting day as we venture into Kibale National Park at first light in search of one of Africa's closest living relatives. Depending on where the chimpanzees nested the previous evening, the walk to locate them can take anywhere from one to two hours. More often than not, you'll hear their calls echoing through the forest long before you catch your first glimpse. While wildlife is always unpredictable, Ki
Day 5
A Second Opportunity with the Chimpanzees

Today offers another chance to photograph Kibale's fascinating chimpanzees. Having reviewed your images the previous evening, you'll head back into the forest with a clearer idea of the photographs you'd like to capture.

Photographing wildlife beneath the dense rainforest canopy presents unique challenges, making two consecutive trekking experiences invaluable. Whether you're refining camera settings, improving composition, or searching for differe
Day 6
Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Following breakfast, we'll transfer to Kasese Airport for our scheduled flight to Kihihi, the nearest airport to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The next chapter of our adventure takes us into one of Africa's most extraordinary wilderness areas—the home of the endangered Mountain Gorilla.

Many guests ask why we choose Uganda rather than neighbouring Rwanda for our gorilla safaris. Uganda offers outstanding value while provi
Day 7
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The highlight of the safari awaits as we head to the park headquarters to meet our guides and receive our gorilla family allocation before beginning our trek into the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Every gorilla trek is unique. The duration and level of difficulty depend entirely on the location of the assigned gorilla family and where they spent the previous night. Treks may last from a few hours to most of the day, but the pace i
Day 8
Same as Day 7
Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi
Day 9
Return to Entebbe

After breakfast, we'll transfer to Kihihi Airport for our return flight to Entebbe, bringing this remarkable Ugandan wildlife adventure to a close.

Guests wishing to extend their stay can continue exploring Uganda with a visit to destinations such as Murchison Falls National Park, renowned for its exceptional birdlife and spectacular scenery. Additional accommodation, airport transfers, and extension arrangements can easily be organised.