Famously named the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill, this landlocked country known as Uganda is flooded with wild wonders. The small country offers some of the most outstanding wildlife that Africa has to offer, ranging from Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees to Elephants, Lions and much more.
Uganda has been well known for its exploration and range in biodiversity attracting wildlife photography enthusiasts that are willing to experience something a bit different in Africa. Today, this destination is one of the least explored locations in the photo safari world. You will expect to get close to some of the most remarkable primates on the continent.
2025 UGANDA - GROUP PHOTO TOURS
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT UGANDA
Best Time to Visit
Located on the Equator, Uganda’s temperature has little year round fluctuation. The hottest months are in January and February where temperatures reach up to 40°C making wildlife hard to photograph due to animals trying to stay out of the heat of the African sun. You will find most wildlife resting under the trees or laying in the long grass.
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Uganda is gifted by not only one, but two rainy seasons each year. These fall during the months of March to May and October to December. During these times, trekking through the forest in search of the Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees can get quite difficult for the inexperienced and less physically fit guests. Slippery slopes and thick mud are not the ideal conditions when trekking with camera gear.
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Our favourite time of year to visit Uganda is during the months of June through September. During this time, the country experiences moderate temperatures with the days being comfortably warm and the nights cooling down. There is not much chance of rain during this time of the year meaning the bugs (including mosquitoes) are at a minimum. Trails in the forests are dry and easily walkable, making this time of year ideal for Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Bwindi Impenetrable forest also known as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is located in the very Southwest of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This magnificent forest situated on the rim of the Great Rift Valley rises to an altitude of around 2,600 meters, making it the ideal habitat for the remarkable Mountain Gorilla. In fact, about half of the world's Mountain Gorillas live in Bwindi, making Bwindi arguable the best destination for Gorilla trekking.
Wildlife enthusiasts take the long and scenic road into the mountains to visit this prehistoric forest and experience a day with these massive primates. Not only will you have the opportunity to come face to face with the Gorillas, you will be surrounded by an incredible landscape and environment.
You will wake up in the clouds while in Bwindi, with chances to see Forest Elephant roaming around the edges of the property of the lodge. If you are into the smaller more intricate species, this area is home to the Jackson's Chameleon (three-horned Chameleon) and it can be commonly spotted around the lodge.
MABAMBA SWAMP
Mabamba Swamp is a unique wetland located in the South West region of Uganda meeting the Northern rim of Lake Victoria. This swampland area is home to Central Africa’s most unique bird species that attracts bird photographers from around the world. In particular, this swamp is home to the magnificent but extremely rare and endangered Shoebill Stork. Mabamba Swamp is a prime environment for the Shoebill Stork as this area is filled with their ideal food, the Lung Fish. If guests are lucky, they will have the opportunity to not only spot one of the 14 Shoebills in the area, but capture the prehistoric bird hunting and eating. A truly incredible sight to witness.
While visiting the swamplands, you are guaranteed to come across many more incredible bird species. Other birds that inhabit Mabamba Swamp include: African Jacana, many hearon species, Cormorants, African Fish Eagle, multiple types of Kingfisher, Hamerkop, Egrets, Love-birds, Bee-eaters, Flycatchers, Weavers, Moorhens, Sandpipers and many, many more.
With the help of your professional guides and local wildlife experts, you will be overwhelmed with photo opportunities during our visit to Mabamba Swamp.
KIBALE NATIONAL FOREST
Kibale National Park situated in West Uganda, is well known as the best location in Africa to spot and photograph wild Chimpanzees in their natural environment. Guests can trek on foot through the forest for an authentic experience. This park is home to the largest number of Chimpanzees on the planet with approximately 1,450 individuals. Along with Chimpanzees, this forest is home to many other species of old-world primates such as L’Hoast’s Monkeys, Red Colobus Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Red Tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Bush Babies and many more!
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Our guests will experience a day of trekking through the forest, spotting different primates and a beautiful array of birds. You will walk the same trails as the elephants and see evidence of this along the way, even stepping in the footprints of an elephant while on trail.
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2026 UGANDA - GROUP PHOTO TOURS
Have any questions?
Uganda is a vast country full of many different wildlife photography opportunities. If you are not sure where to begin, start with speaking to one of our experts about your Ugandan photo tour. From the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, to the Chimpanzees of Kibale Forest, and everything in between, Uganda is home to some of the most incredibly unique African wildlife. Let us help you plan your next photo holiday in Uganda.