Upcoming tours
Uganda - Great Apes & Safaris
June 28 - July 11, 2027
14 Days / 13 Nights
Discover the Pearl of Africa on an unforgettable wildlife photography adventure in Uganda - focused on primates and safaris. This small-group trip combines gorillas and chimpanzees, rare birds, big cats and savanna wildlife, scenic landscapes, and immersive cultural moments in an epic journey designed for nature-lovers and photographers of all levels. Join me in capturing powerful images while experiencing the raw beauty of Uganda's landscapes, cultures, and incredible wildlife.
$7,950
per person
Limited to 5 guests
Why Uganda?
Uganda offers one of the most diverse wildlife experiences in Africa, combining dense rainforests, open savanna, lakes, and mountain landscapes within a single journey. It is home to 20 different primate species and is one of the few places in the world where you can experience mountain gorillas and chimpanzees alongside big cats, elephants, and other classic safari species, exceptional birdlife, and striking scenery. This remarkable variety creates an experience that feels truly immersive and layered, blending wildlife, landscape, and human connection in a way few destinations can.
why join this tour?
- A thoughtfully paced itinerary that balances gorilla and chimpanzee tracking with traditional safari game drives, birding, and time spent across multiple regions of Uganda.
- Timed for late September through early October, offering greener landscapes and softer light, creating excellent opportunities for primate encounters, wildlife viewing, and photography without peak-season crowds.
- Guided by a photographer who values patience, ethical wildlife encounters, and quiet observation, creating space for memorable moments, thoughtful storytelling, and images that reflect both the wildlife and the experience.
- Led in partnership with a trusted local guide, Mbabazi Phenny, who was born and raised in Buhoma, Bwindi. His family has deep ties to gorilla conservation, with his father being part of the original team involved in habituating the first mountain gorilla family in Uganda.
- A portion of your trip directly supports Selfless Hands Bwindi, a community-driven nonprofit organization founded by your guide Phenny, focused on improving education and literacy, health resources, and sustainable livelihoods while promoting conservation for local communities living alongside wildlife.
- Meaningful cultural experiences woven into the journey, offering insight into daily life, local traditions, and regional practices beyond the parks.
- Schedule flexibility and additional add-ons based on group's interests and requests.
- Photography and editing guidance throughout the trip, aimed at creating images that reflect both the wildlife and landscape of Uganda.
- Small group size that allows flexibility, individual support, and time to fully engage with each environment.
- All accommodations, meals, transportation within Uganda, park fees, and permits are included, creating a seamless and well-supported experience from start to finish.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Airport pickup, hotel check-in, and meet the team.
Spend the day relaxing by Lake Victoria or visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Overnight: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Day 2: Shoebill Tracking
Search for the iconic shoebill by canoeing through Mabamba Swamp, then transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Overnight: Ziwa Rhino Guesthouse
Day 3: Rhino Tracking
Track endagered white rhinos on foot at Ziwa before continuing to Murchison Falls National Park to visit to the top of the world's most powerful waterfall.
Overnight: Elephant Oasis Lodge
Day 4: Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Start the day with a morning game drive in Murchison's northern plains in search of lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, hartebeest, and other wildlife.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, offering exceptional wildlife viewing along the riverbanks.
Overnight: Elephant Oasis Lodge
Day 5: Nile Cruise & Evening Game Drive
After a relaxed morning, enjoy a mid-morning boat safari to the Nile Delta, one of Uganda's premier birding and wildlife areas. Watch for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and the legendary shoebill.
Later in the afternoon, head out for another game drive to maximize wildlife sightings.
Overnight: Elephant Oasis Lodge
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest
After breakfast, journey through scenic countryside and tea-growing regions toward Kibale National Park, Uganda's primate capital.
Arrive in the evening and settle into your lodge.
Overnight: Chimpnest Safari Lodge
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking
Begin the morning with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, home to one of East Africa's highest concentrations of primates.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where wildlife and local culture blend into a memorable experience.
Overnight: Chimpnest Safari Lodge
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Arrive in time for an evening game drive as wildlife becomes active during the cooler hours.
Overnight: Kazinga Wilderness Camp
Day 9: Predator Tracking & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Set out early for a special predator tracking experience, offering a chance to learn about lion and leopard monitoring and conservation activities.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, known for its high concentration of hippos and abundant wildlife.
Overnight: Kazinga Wilderness Camp
Day 10: Transfer to Ishasha & Tree-Climbing Lion Search
Drive to the remote Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive as you search for these unique predators resting in fig trees.
Overnight: Topi Lodge (Ishasha)
Day 11: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi
Enjoy one final morning game drive before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
En route, visit the Pangolin Rescue Center to meet pangolins in rehabilitation and learn about efforts protecting one of the world’s most trafficked mammals.
Overnight: Gorilla Bluff Lodge
Day 12: Gorilla Trekking & Community Experience
Today is the highlight of your adventure! Mountain gorilla trekking.
After a briefing, trek through Bwindi’s rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once found, spend one unforgettable hour with these magnificent primates.
In the afternoon, enjoy a community walk experience and gain insight into local traditions and lifestyles.
Overnight: Gorilla Bluff Lodge
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo, Boat Cruise & Night Game Drive
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.
Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise followed by an exciting night game drive in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Hyena Hill
Day 14: Morning Nature Walk & Transfer to Entebbe
Begin the day with a guided walking safari, offering close encounters with zebras, giraffes, and antelope.
Later, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Inclusions
All accommodations based on double occupancy (single supplement available upon request)
All meals
All transportation within Uganda
All park fees and permits (gorilla, chimp, rhino, etc.)
Professional local safari guide
Photography guidance and support
All activities and listed excursions
Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Personal Expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
Tips and gratuities
This tour is led by Lindsey Arpin in partnership with Expedite Wildlife Tours
Travel With Purpose
giving back to bwindi
Traveling through Uganda offers a deeper connection to both its wildlife and the communities who live alongside it. A portion of this tour directly supports local initiatives through Selfless Hands Bwindi, founded by your guide Phenny.
This work includes supporting local schools and families with essential supplies, agricultural aid materials, and youth education initiatives, alongside conservation efforts such as planting indigenous trees and raising environmental awareness.
When you join this tour, you are not just visiting Uganda. You are contributing to something meaningful that continues long after the trip ends.
Pricing & Payment
5 Spots Available
$7,950 per person
(Based on double occupancy)
40% deposit + full gorilla and chimp permits due at booking
Remaining 60% due 21 days prior to arrival
Single supplement rates upon request
To secure your spot, contact me and I will direct you to our booking team.
FAQ
What fitness level is required?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking involves hiking on uneven, potentially challenging terrain and sometimes steep slopes. The distance and duration vary with each trek and can range from about 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the primates are located. Porters are always available to help carry gear and assist along the hike. There is no rush, and the pace can be adjusted to what feels comfortable for the group. Other safari activities are far less physically demanding.
What focal length should I bring?
A telephoto lens is generally recommended for wildlife photography. For gorillas and chimpanzees, a super long lens is not necessary, as encounters often happen at close range. A 70-200mm range works very well for these experiences. For environmental and wider context shots, a lens in the 24-70mm range is ideal. For other wildlife throughout the trip, a longer lens in the 150-600mm range is recommended, as viewing distances can vary. Some encounters may be from a distance, while others happen surprisingly close to the vehicle. We can also go over your gear together before the trip to help you feel confident in what you bring, and I can offer recommendations based on your goals.
what are the chances of seeing target species?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the locations we will be visiting offers the best opportunities for mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, leopards, and shoebills. Before we embark on our primate treks, rangers explore the forests in the early mornings to locate the gorillas and chimpanzees for us. These highly skilled rangers understand the animal's habits and behaviors, and have great success at finding our target species. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, we will partake in GPS predator tracking with a certified guide, where the chances of spotting lions and leopards are highly likely.
what other wildlife can we expect to see?
Uganda offers an exceptionally diverse range of wildlife. In addition to mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, the country supports some of the highest densities of primate species in the world. Encounters may include colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, patas monkeys, baboons, bush babies, and potto, along with a wide variety of birdlife. Various species of bee-eaters, sunbirds, hornbills, kingfishers, herons, turacos, weavers, raptors, and many more are commonly found throughout the journey. Uganda is also home to many larger mammals, with likely sightings including numerous antelope species (such as Ugandan kob, waterbuck, Jackson's hartebeest, topi, and elands), elephants, hippos, zebra, crocodiles, and giraffes.
What will the weather be like?
Uganda is generally warm year-round. Late June and early July fall within one of Uganda's drier seasons, so you can expect temperatures between 20°C to 26.C/ 68°F to 78°F and cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings, particularly in higher elevation regions like Bwindi. Conditions are often comfortable for trekking and safari activities, though occasional rain showers are still possible and weather can change quickly. Packing guidance will be provided before the trip.
Will there be WiFi or cell service?
Connectivity is limited in many areas. WiFi is available in all lodges throughout the trip, typically in shared common areas rather than guest rooms. While connectivity is available each day, cell service can be inconsistent depending on the location, and many guests appreciate the opportunity to disconnect.
Do I need to be a photographer to enjoy this trip?
No. This trip is designed for both photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. While photography guidance is available, guests are equally welcome to simply observe, experience, and enjoy the incredible wildlife, landscapes, and cultural moments.
How long are we able to spend with the gorillas?
Once the gorillas are found, we are given one incredible hour to observe and photograph them as they rest, eat, climb, and groom each other.
Get in touch
Interested in joining this tour or have questions before booking?
Send a message below and I will get back to you. I am always happy to talk through logistics, photography goals, or anything else you would like to know before committing.
If this trip feels like the right fit but the dates don't work, feel free to reach out! I also offer custom guided safaris tailored to your schedule and interests.
Ethical Wildlife Experiences
All tours are rooted in respect for wildlife and the environments we visit. We prioritize ethical viewing, work closely with trusted local partners, and aim to create space for observation rather than interference. Photography is always secondary to the well-being of the animals.