Planning your Photographic Safari in the Pearl of Africa
Step-by-Step Advice as to How to Plan a Photographic Safari in Uganda
How to plan a Photographic Safari in Uganda is an extraordinary adventure that promises breathtaking experiences and stunning images. To ensure you make the most of this journey, start by choosing the perfect time to visit: the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, offer the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. Explore renowned national parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for unforgettable gorilla trekking and Queen Elizabeth National Park, teeming with diverse wildlife.
Equipping yourself with the right photography gear is crucial for capturing those remarkable moments. Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto lenses to photograph wildlife, a sturdy tripod for stability, and plenty of extra memory cards and batteries. Additionally, it’s essential to understand local customs and wildlife regulations; this ensures your safety and a respectful engagement with Uganda’s rich natural environment.
Choosing a reputable tour operator can significantly enhance your safari experience. They provide knowledgeable guides with the best locations and times for optimal photography. Lastly, prepare for varying weather conditions by packing appropriately, including waterproof gear for your camera equipment. With thoughtful planning, your photographic safari will be a treasure trove of unforgettable memories and magnificent shots of Uganda’s captivating landscapes and wildlife.
Let’s begin planning your incredible photographic safari today!
How to Plan a Photographic Safari in Uganda – Step-by-Step Advice
Decide what time of the Year is best for your Photographic Safari in Uganda:
Planning a photographic safari in Uganda? Knowing the best time to visit is essential. With its majestic Rwenzori Mountains and stunning Great Lakes, Uganda enjoys a temperate climate year-round.
There are two main seasons, the dry and rainy seasons, each affecting your safari experience differently.
Dry Season: This season features rare rainfall and dry air, making it the best time for wildlife viewing. As water sources dwindle, animals gather around lakes and watering holes, making them easier to spot. The reduced foliage enhances photography opportunities, though be prepared for high temperatures, often exceeding 30°C, especially in Kidepo Valley Park.
Rainy Season: The rainy season brings lush landscapes but makes spotting animals more challenging due to abundant water sources. Road conditions may also worsen, complicating travel.
Shoulder Season: The shoulder season, between the two main seasons, offers fewer crowds and lower lodge rates, allowing for a more intimate experience of Uganda’s beauty.
In summary, the dry season is ideal for capturing wildlife photos. In contrast, the rainy season offers stunning scenery and cost savings. Regardless of when you visit, Uganda promises an unforgettable photographic safari!
Planning your Photographic Safari in Uganda
The Best Months of the Year for a Photographic Safari:
The busiest seasons of the Year are from mid-June to September. October is the shoulder season’s transition month, moving toward the rainy season. September and October have fewer tourists.
The Other High-and Dry Season is from mid-December to March; March is the transition or shoulder season month.
Low Seasons – Rainy Seasons of the Year
April to mid-June is part of the rainy season. Luxury Lodges lower their rates during those times, but dates vary lodge by lodge. The benefits for some are fewer people, and the Savannah parks begin to bloom afresh.
November into mid-December is the other rainy season in Uganda. Rainy Season in Uganda does not mean Monsoon weather. Most rain falls at night, and the sun still comes out, but the trails are muddy.
Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Trekking take place in Rainforests. There it can rain anytime. However, most rain falls at night or early pre-dawn morning hours.
Safaris occur all Year, and Safari-Goers always have an extraordinary time. Read more here about the best time to visit Uganda.
Read more about the Best Time of the Year for Gorilla Trekking Photographic Safaris. Best Time of the Year to Visit Kidepo Valley Park.
Decide the Number of Days and activities you want to include in your Photographic Safari.
The activities that you choose determine the length of your Safari. Uganda is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with many things to do and see. Read more about things to do and see here.
- Gorilla Trekking or the Longer Gorilla Habituation Experience: You can track Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. The Gorilla Habituation Experience gives you more time to take pictures of the Gorillas.
- Chimpanzee Trekking or Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: Kibale Forest is your best location for Chimpanzee Trekking.
- Golden Monkey Trekking or Golden Monkey Habituation Experience: Golden Monkey Trekking takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
- Volcano Climbing – Rwenzori Mountains: Hit the Virunga Volcanoes’ peaks and the Rwenzori Mountains. You can explore the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and get great scenic shots of them.
- Queen Elizabeth Park: Here, the highlights for photographers are the Tree Climbing Lions, the Wildlife Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel, the Explosion Crater Lakes, the Banded Mongoose Research, and the Kyambura Gorge.
- Murchison Falls Park: This is where the River Nile runs through it. It is home to Murchison Falls, Boat Cruises on the Nile, and the most Rothschild Giraffes in East Africa.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Track Rhinos on Foot and get great photos of the Shoebill’s ancient appearance.
- Kidepo Valley Park: This remote and unvisited Park is in Africa as it used to be fifty years ago. It is not to be missed by photographers. Read more here.
The above is just a sample of what you can do and see in the Pearl of Africa, and there is much more to the Pearl of Africa.
Our Private photographic Safaris in Photogenic Uganda offer you more:
- Privacy: It is just you and whoever is with you. Since you are the only occupant, there is no jostling for a place with others on Safari.
- Time: There is no need to move around the next bend. There is not just the emphasis on the “Big Five” of Africa, but whatever animal or scene you want to photograph. If you need to sit for an hour, there is no problem. Patience is one of the keys to getting the best photos of any animal you have spotted. Unlike a typical safari, it is not about how many animals one places on a game drive but to get the best photos of an animal, such as a lion stalking an antelope.
- You have complete Independence: If you do not get it right in one day, we can adjust to meet your needs. Usually, it is not essential, but we aim to ensure you get the accurate shots you have in mind.
- Your Choice of Wildlife – Birds – Scenery – People: The choice is yours and no one else. You are in charge.
- Chimpanzee, Gorilla, Golden Monkey Habituation Experience Treks: During a Habituation Experience, you have more time to take photos of Chimpanzees and Gorillas. You spend all day with the chimpanzees and four hours with a gorilla family.
What is included in our private Photographic Safaris:
- Experienced Ugandan Driver-Guide: A Safari becomes more enjoyable with a knowledgeable and professional Local Driver-Guide.
- Greet and Meet at the Airport upon Arrival: We provide meet-and-greet services, including a welcome gift and Safari Informational Packet.
- Full-Board Lodging: All meals are included except alcoholic drinks, sodas, and snacks that you might order apart from meals. Some luxury Lodges have non-premium alcoholic beverages and sodas.
- Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle with Pop-Up Roof: The vehicle has a car fridge, WiFi, bottled Water, Local Fruit, and Nut Snacks, and car seats for children are available. Beer, Wine be cooled in Car Fridge upon special request.
- Gorilla Trekking: Permits are included in your Safari. We also provide porter services, a walking stick for support, and bottled water. Read our Practical Gorilla Trekking Advice:
- WiFi Internet Access: Most Lodges only provide a WiFi Internet Connection in the main lodge. We offer you a MiFi Router that gives you and your party access to the internet in your cottage or room, depending on nearby transmission towers. Read Staying in Touch with Home
- Your Dietary Needs can be met: Notify us if you are a vegan, vegetarian, or need a gluten-free diet. Halal dietary requirements can be met in most instances. Strictly kosher nutritional requirements cannot be completed on Safari. The Abhyudaya—Ugandan Jews by choice Synagogues can be consulted for strict kosher meals in Kampala and at their Guesthouse near Mbale in Eastern Uganda.
- AMREF-Flying Doctors Air-Medivac Insurance coverage: Our clients have covered the case with us with an infrequent need for medical evacuation to a hospital that meets international standards.
Our Flexible Booking Policy and our Price Guarantee are additional ways to give our Clients peace of mind when booking a Safari with us. We suggest you take out travel insurance with a cancellation policy that Protects you.
How to Plan a Photographic Safari in Uganda
The right Clothing to wear for a HikeClimb:
When hiking and climbing in Uganda, it’s essential to wear the appropriate clothing to keep yourself protected and comfortable during your one-day adventure. The link will also guide you on what to wear for forest and savanna hikes.
The best insect repellent for mosquitoes and tsetse flies is the Australian product “RID.”
Consider the terrain when planning a nature walk, hike, gorilla trek, or volcano climb. A walking stick, which can often be purchased locally, can be beneficial. These sticks are typically taller than a person and provide excellent support on slippery slopes, especially in areas like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, and the Rwenzori Mountains foothills. We offer our clients porter services, walking sticks, and bottled water to enhance their experience.
It’s also advisable to carry a daypack with a light rain jacket, packable lunch or snacks, and sufficient drinking water. Generally, you will need at least 2 to 3 liters of water. For more information, read further here. Reaqd more.
Photographic Safaris in Uganda with Kabiza Wilderness Safaris:
How to Plan a Photographic Safari in Uganda! Using an accredited, licensed, local Tour
Booking a Photographic Safari with Us:
Contact us
Contact us and tell us what you would like to include in your Gorilla-Chimpanzee-Wildlife Safari. Let us know whether you would like a midrange or luxury Safari
Planning your Safari
With your input we create the private, luxury or midrange Safari Itinerary that fits you. Permits are bought, Lodges are booked.
Your Safari
On the date of your choice - your African Dream Safari in Uganda begins
