Photography Safaris in Uganda
Photography Safaris in Uganda
Best Uganda photography tours
Uganda’s sensational wildlife beautiful landscapes, and variety of Birds species are a great deal for any photography safaris in Uganda. With Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Western Uganda is the top region to visit for a photography safari holiday where the biggest event will be photography mountain Gorillas just from a few meters away.
At safari vacations and travel services, we recommend a camera that works well in low light as the forest can be dark and dense. A zoom lens of 70-200m is best for getting close-up shots of the mountain Gorillas. Typically it is great to have two camera bodies with different lenses on each one as there often isn’t any time to change lenses when the mountain gorillas are on the move.
In terms of landscapes, western Uganda’s greater lakes near Fort Portal and the notched, logical Rwenzori Mountains will give endless inspiration for photographers.
Ensure that you have all the necessary photographic gear for your trip to Uganda, as obtaining a forgotten item will be quite challenging once you’re away from Entebbe and Kampala. Mostly spare memories are so vital and you need to pack a spare battery too for being on the safe side especially if you are going to do a multi-day trek.
A less-weight stand is vital equipment for wildlife and landscape photography and another important item is a mall sun bag which you can use for studying the camera lens while shooting wildlife out of the car window on game drives. Safari vacations and travel services specified in organizing photography safaris in Uganda and the following are the Top destinations you can visit for your photography safari in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
It is a world UNESCO heritage site located in southwestern Uganda. The trees of Bwindi’s impenetrable forest look like broccoli heads when looked at from a distance. Gorilla habituation and Gorilla tracking take place primarily in the southern part of the forest. If you have an interest in photographing mountain gorillas, bird species, waterfalls, and butterflies, this is the ideal place for you. Be sure to include it in your travel plan.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This is Uganda’s smallest national park with 33.7 kilometers square the national park is named after “Gahinga” the local word for piles of volcanic stones cleared from farmland at the foot of the volcanoes. Mgahinga has an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m.
Mgahinga was protecting the uncommon mountain Gorillas while they inhabited the dense forests. This is a gain an important habitat for the endangered golden monkeys and plenty of Bird species. However again Mgahinga Gorilla National Park does not only protect wildlife but also has a wide cultural intent for the indigenous Batwa pygmies.
The Batwa tribe of hunter-gatherers was the first people in the forest and their ancient knowledge about its secrets are still unsurpassable for cultural photo times; tourists can go for the Batwa cultural visits to their secret Ngarama cave, and photographer can photograph the extinct volcanoes as they are part of the sparkling features of the Mgahinga national park.
Lake Mburo National Park
This national park covers an area of 370 sqkm, making it Uganda’s smallest savannah national park. However, its size should not be underestimated when it comes to photography safaris in Uganda. Lake Mburo is conveniently located only about 4-5 miles from Entebbe and Kampala, making it easily accessible and rich with diverse photography opportunities.
Lake Mburo National Park is supported by ancient pre-Cambrian metamorphic rocks, which date back over 500 years. Here is a home to 350 bird species, giraffes, topi, leopards, hippos, eland, buffalos, and waterbucks. This park can be toured by a horseback safari, by 4x4wd vehicle, on foot while on a guided walking safari, or by boat safari. Providing great chances to photography lovers on one of the best safaris in Uganda.
Murchison Falls National Park
Covering an area of 3,840 square kilometers, this national park stands as the largest conservation area in Uganda. It attained the status of a national park in 1952 and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, featuring hippos, elephants, African cape buffalo, warthogs, lions, Nile crocodiles, antelopes, and a plethora of bird species. You can go on this photography game drive and boat safari to the bottom of the Murchison Falls, hike to the top of the falls, or take a boat to the delta to see the shoe bill stock, an ancient bizarre-looking bird; it is also one of the few national parks in Uganda that can offer night game viewing.
The Murchison Falls are the world’s most powerful waterfall view of the Nile ramming into an 8-meter wide Gorge and plunging with a thunderous roar into the “Devil cauldron”. Creating a trademark rainbow.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Queen Elizabeth National Park is another top destination for a photographic safari in Uganda. It was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and after two years it was named after the queen of England, Queen Elizabeth and it’s the most popular destination for many and most tourists.
It offers widened photographic opportunities due to the diverse ecosystems that include savannah, humid forests, and fertile wetlands with parking lakes. This makes it a ten primate species including the Kyambura gorge chimpanzees and other 620 bird species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park still offers a variety of photographic opportunities for visitors who meet the local people who make them enjoy the storytelling, music dance, etc. The circulation of the ecosystem has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems which returns benefits to the surrounding communities.
Kibale Forest National Park
Located in the western part of Uganda, it is the richest land for primates in the world. This makes it another perfect destination for photographers interested in capturing vibrant shots of chimpanzees, as it hosts a large population of them. Kibale National Park boasts a diverse landscape of grassland, rainforest, and swamps. This habitat supports around two mammal species and 13 primate types, including the chimpanzees. With 375 bird species, it’s also a prime spot for bird-watching. The park is further surrounded by captivating crater lakes, which can be explored on foot and offer picturesque scenery for photography.
What to pack for your photography safari in Uganda or the requirements
- Long-sleeved shirts/blouses
- Gloves
- Camera
- Water proof rain coat or jacket
- Eater proof trousers
- Sun scream
- Insect repellent
- Backpack to carry water and packed lunch
General safari requirements
- Anti-malarial/yellow fever vaccination
- Warm clothing for the evening times when it’s cold
- Light safari clothing for example shorts and sleeveless for during the day when it’s hot
How to get around in Uganda on a photography safari
Getting around by Road transport
Ugandan national parks are easily accessible by road and safari vacations and a travel service provides 4×4 vehicles customized for safaris. The land cruisers and other vans all have ample space to carry all your photography equipment.
Getting around by air transport
For photographers who want to reduce the distance between the different locations in Uganda, you can also choose to fly between these destinations through our partner Aero Link Uganda let us know what type of transportation you prefer.
Safari Vacations and Travel Services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC with over 10 years of experience and we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport. And also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish.
And for inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation, getting in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after you have arrived for the safari.
