Enquires: bookings@untamedphotosafaris.com Phone: +44 7368271396
SAFARI OVERVIEW
Located in the vast forests of Western Uganda, this mind blowing luxury photographic safari will take you into three major wildlife hot spots to photograph the rare Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and the unusual Shoebill Stork among much more.
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This is not your average photographic safari as this exciting tour allows you to trek through these untouched rainforests here in one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet. With a professional wildlife photographer at your side, we are here to help you capture those iconic photographs and improve your editing skills to help your images stand out from the rest.
GROUP SIZE
6 guests maximum
LOCATION
Western Uganda
DURATION
8 days / 7 nights
FITNESS LEVEL
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BRIEF ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Arrival Day in Entebbe, Uganda
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DAY 2:
Mabamba Swamp Birding Boat Photo Excursion
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DAY 3:
Transfer to Kibale National Forest / Photo critique & post processing
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DAY 4:
Chimpanzee Habituation Photographic experience (up to four hours with chimps)
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DAY 5:
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest / Photo Critique & post processing
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DAY 6:
Gorilla trekking experience (spend one hour with a gorilla family)
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DAY 7:
Gorilla trekking experience (spend one hour with a gorilla family)
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DAY 8:
Fly to Entebbe / end of tour
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(see detailed itinerary below)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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We offer guests two days with a Mountain Gorilla family as they live their daily lives, foraging and resting. This provides great opportunities to get up close and personal with the rare Silver-backed Gorilla set in the vast Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
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The chance to experience a full day of Chimpanzee tracking with your wildlife photographer to help you gain those iconic photographs. Learn the way these primates wander this vast forest as you capture images of them in action.
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Kibale Forest offers great opportunities to photograph an additional 12 species of primates and many bird species that your lens will die for.
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Venture into the marshy swamp lands of Mabamba Swamp to photograph the Shoebill Stork among many other bird species that thrive in this birding hot spot.
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This tour offers luxury lodges for every destination that we visit. Our lodges offer all that you need to start your day in the forest and will help you relax after a day photographing wildlife in the rainforest depths.
LOCATION
WESTERN UGANDA
This photo tour located in West Uganda takes you into some incredible wildlife hotspots. Mabamba Swamp, Kibale National Park, and Bwindi National Park. The Western region of Uganda holds mountainous forests where numerous species of wildlife such as gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, hundreds of bird species, and much more, roam these magnificent areas.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
CAMERA BODY:​​
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Guests are encouraged to bring a camera body with a minimum of 24-megapixels to guarantee the best results while on safari. This can be mirrorless or a DSLR, as your photo host is experienced with both and will be able to offer assistance whenever need be.​
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A second camera body is always a great consideration, however, this is not mandatory. This can be used as a backup, or you can keep a second lens attached and switch back and forth between cameras.
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LENSES:​​
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A telephoto lens with a reach of at least 400 mm. This can be a fixed/prime lens or a zoom lens
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If you intend to bring a fixed/prime lens of 500 mm or more, you will also need a closer range lens. A 100 - 400 mm or similar is a great option, as this will allow you to get full body shots. Chimpanzees and Gorillas can get quite close, but can also be moving, so a zoom lens is preferred over switching between two lenses
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For the birds of Mabamba Swamp, a telephoto lens is a must. Something with a good reach of at least 500 mm is ideal to capture the birds of the swamp.
TOUR INCLUDES
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Airport pick-up/drop off (Entebbe International Airport (EBB))
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All accommodation (4 & 5 star lodges)
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All transportation between lodges
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One domestic flight (Bwindi to Entebbe)
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All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner each day)
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Purified drinking water, coffee, tea, juice
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All beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
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Gorilla trekking permits (2 days)
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Chimpanzee tracking permit (1 day)
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Porters for all Gorilla and Chimpanzee treks
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All national park entry fees
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All photographic guidance / tutorials
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one-on-one photo critiques (optional)
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Pre-Tour meeting with your photography guide
TOUR EXCLUDES
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International/domestic flights
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Personal Travel Insurance (required for all guests)
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Premium alcoholic beverages
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra activities, etc.)
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Activities not listed in itinerary
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Gratuities/tips for guides/porters/staff
ITINERARY
DAY 1:
ARRIVAL DAY
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Guests arrive in Entebbe (Entebbe International Airport)
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Transfer to Entebbe accommodation
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Meet and Greet with photo host at 6:00pm
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Overnight in Entebbe
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(Guests must arrive at Entebbe International Airport no later than 3:00pm on arrival day)
DAY 2:
MABAMBA SWAMP
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Road transfer to Lake Victoria boat ramp (Approx. 15 min drive)
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45 min boat ride across Lake Victoria to Mabamba Swamp
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Spend the morning (approx. 4 hours) photographing birds of Mabamba Swamp
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Return to Entebbe accommodation
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Introduction to post processing and image selection with photo host
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Overnight in Entebbe
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PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Birds of Mabamba Swamp - including the prehistoric Shoebill Stork. Once the group successfully photographs the Shoebill, the remaining time in the swamp will be spent photographing the 250+ bird species residing in the area.
DAY 3:
TRANSFER TO KIBALE
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Road transfer to Kibale National Forest (Approx. 5.5 hours drive) with stop off at the equator for lunch
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Upon arrival at the lodge, guests will be given a pre-Chimpanzee photographic lecture to prepare for the day ahead
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Overnight in Kibale
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PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The group will learn what to expect during their Chimpanzee photography trekking the following day. This evening is also a great time to ask your photo host for a one-on-one photo critique.
DAY 4:
CHIMPANZEE HABITUATION EXPERIENCE
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Transfer to Kibale National Forest entry for Chimpanzee trekking safety briefing
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Chimpanzee Habituation Experience - trek the forest to spend up to 4 hours photographing wild chimpanzees with the guidance and help of your photo host
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​Return to the lodge for image selection and post processing
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Overnight in Kibale
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PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Chimpanzees and up to 12 other primate species in the Kibale Forest
DAY 5:
TRANSFER TO BWINDI
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Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Approx. 6 hours drive)
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Upon arrival at the lodge, guests will be given a pre-Gorilla photographic lecture to prepare for the day ahead
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Overnight in Bwindi
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PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: The group will learn what to expect during their Mountain Gorilla photography trekking the following day. This evening is also a great time to ask your photo host for a one-on-one photo critique.
DAYS 6 - 7:
GORILLA TREKKING
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Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park entry for Gorilla trekking safety briefing
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Gorilla trekking Experience - trek the forest to spend 1 hour photographing Mountain Gorillas with the guidance and help of your photo host
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​Return to the lodge for image selection and post processing
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Overnight in Bwindi
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PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUS: Spend 1 hour each day photographing a family of Mountain Gorillas. Guests will photograph a different gorilla family each day to allow more photo opportunities and a chance to visit different areas of the park
DAY 8:
FLY TO ENTEBBE / END OF TOUR
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Transfer to local airstrip (Approx. 1.5 hours drive)
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Chartered flight to Entebbe
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Join your photo host for one last night in Entebbe to do one last photo editing session
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Overnight in Entebbe
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(guests can depart on this day after 4:00pm or choose to stay overnight in Entebbe and depart the following morning)
ACCOMMODATION
PRIMATE LODGE KIBALE: Our lodge’s greatest asset lies in its location, nestled deep within the forest and adjacent to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking and the extraordinary Chimpanzee Habituation experience. Step into one of our nine spacious and luxurious cottages, each tucked away in the heart of the forest for ultimate privacy and an immersive nature experience. Relax in a cozy haven featuring either two double beds or one king-size bed, a comfortable sitting area with armchairs, a reading table, and a sprawling veranda offering stunning forest views.
GORILLA SAFARI LODGE: Gorilla Safari Lodge sits comfortably at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and is a 5 minute walk from the briefing point for gorilla trekking. Banana and guava trees cocoon the 18 bedroomed lodge, and in the distance there are views of the forest jungle with its ancient canopy of trees decorating the lofty hills. The entrance to the lodge is warm and welcoming. Bold colours from indigenous flora greet you upon arrival, leaving a lasting first impression. The atmosphere is personable, and efficient staff ensure you looked after for the duration of your stay. The main lodge area houses the dining room, a relaxation lounge, spa treatment room and a quaint nook where the bar is situated. The architecture and decor is comfortable, and all amenities from home are provided. Rooms have solar-powered lighting, en-suite bathroom with hot and cold water and flush toilets. There are also massage and spa treatments available on request.
