Photo Tour Uganda

The Pearl of Africa

per person

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It has its reason that Sir Winston Churchill called Uganda the pearl of Africa in his 1908 book “My African Journey”. Uganda is something very special: here the landscape, the climate, the vegetation and also the people are different from other African countries and the diversity of the country is great. On this exclusive photo tour in a small travel group of maximum 4 participants, we will show you the untouched nature of Uganda, its great animal diversity, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world, the dense rainforest, the warmth and joie de vivre of the people, and mighty waterfalls. Uganda is a relatively small country, but definitely a big highlight that will guarantee you beautiful photos.

Uganda is famous for unique wildlife experiences in its diverse landscape. Meeting the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a poignant and unique experience that you will never forget. With a bit of luck, you will be able to take great photos of these mountain gorillas on this tour. You will also encounter chimpanzees, photograph the unique shoebill and of course capture many other African animals with your camera.

The landlocked country lies in the east of Africa between Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Much of the country is located on the East African Plateau at an average altitude of 1’100 m and Uganda is therefore home to one of the highest mountain ranges in Africa. In Uganda, the Nile rises in Lake Victoria and makes its way through the Rift Valley. Spectacular and varied landscape photos are therefore equally guaranteed on this exclusive photo tour to Uganda.

Join us with your camera in an exclusive small group and benefit from the individual and personal attention of professional photographer James Gifford.

01 - 11 July 2024 (fully booked)

06 - 16 July 2025 (only two spots left)

11 days / 10 nights from/to Entebbe

Exklusive tour with only 4 participants

Entebbe - Mabamba - Kibale Forest National Oark - Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park - Entebbe

English speaking photo tour guiding

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Fotographic highlights of the Uganda Photo Tour

With a bit of luck, you will meet the mountain gorillas and experience the life of these unique primates for a moment.
In Kibale Forest National Park you will observe chimpanzees.
You will visit the Mabamba Swamp, which is home to the unique shoebill.
Great chances to take great photos of the lions climbing trees in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
You take photos in a canoe, stalking in a safari vehicle and on foot.
The itinerary includes two important national parks in Uganda: Kibale Forest National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
You will see the imposing Rwenzori Mountains, the third highest mountain range in Africa.

Photo Guide

James Gifford

Local photo guide

Price & Services

01 – 11 July 2024 (fully booked)

CHF 13’600.- / USD 15’500.- | Price per person in a single room

06 – 16 July 2025 (only two spots left)

CHF 12’990.- / USD 14’810.- | Price per person in a double room
CHF 13’990.- / USD 15’950.- | Price per person in a single room

Included in the price

Photo tour guiding by professional photographer James Gifford

Photo tour guiding in English

10 overnight stays in hotels, lodges and camps according to the itinerary

Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Permits for the animal activities according to the itinerary

Entrance fees to the activities according to the itinerary

Transfer from / to Entebbe airport with our recommended flight connections

Transfer to the photo locations in a 4x4 Land Cruiser Safari vehicle including drinking water

Intensive support and instruction from the photo guide

Comprehensive travel documents

Not included in the price

Individual arrival and return journey to Entebbe

Beverages

Additional meals

Personal expenses, souvenirs etc.

Any visa fees

Any airport taxes and charges

Cancellation costs insurance, travel insurance

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What our clients say

Sabine

The Zambia trip in June 2023 was marked by many great animal encounters and beautiful scenery. I especially remember a pair of leopards, about one year old, who were playing with each other and I even managed to take a picture of the female sailing over the male. Wonderful! Equally impressive, however, were the beautiful morning scenes. Antelopes and even lions presented themselves in the ground fog at sunrise! Once again, Thomas and Hannes took excellent care of us, and the local guides also did a good job. This makes us want to do more!

Photo Tour Two Rivers, Zambia, June 2023

Thomas

The photo trip Botswana up close exceeded all my expectations. I experienced and photographed countless unforgettable moments. Hannes' professional guidance was brilliant. The whole "surrounding" with a super lodge, extremely good safari guides and the cozy group made this trip the perfect experience. Thank you. I can only recommend this photo tour to everyone.

Botswana upclose, October 2022

Sabine

It was my first photo tour to Africa. The diverse - and thanks to the driving skills of the guides also up close - encounters in the private game reserve were impressive: leopards, cheetahs, lions, hyenas, jackals, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, zebras, monkeys, bee-eaters, eagles, vultures and much more. With Hannes Lochner we also had an excellent photo guide with us, who was able to share a lot of his experience with us. That makes you want to do more!

Botswana Upclose, October 2022

Mats

Amazing experiences with truly professional guides. Super nice wild-life at a close distance. Cool and impressive lodge and food. Think Tina Turner wrote your song: "Simply the best".

Zimanga in Focus, June 2022

Urs M.

As usual, the tour was excellently organised. The lodge and the game reserve in southern Botswana are simply top. The game reserve has a great variety of species and a high density of predatory cats, which made the time pass (too) quickly. I can truly recommend this trip to anyone interested in wildlife.

Botswana Upclose, October 2021

Ronny

The tour was planned and carried out professionally as usual. The passionate photographer Hannes Locher looked after us very well. I was thrilled by his passion for cats and his humorous manner. Gladly again!

Cats of the Kalahari, October 2021

Susanne

The trip to the beautiful Kalahari was a dream, many animals, wonderful landscapes and moods. Hannes looked after us perfectly in his humorous way and helped us to take great pictures. Definitely recommended!

Cats of the Kalahari, October 2021

Josy

The smell of the first big rain after the dry season I will remember forever! And the pictures of it are in my photo album and in my heart. Pictures that have become even more unique thanks to Hannes Lochner. It is a privilege to discover such an exciting area as the Kalahari. Even more so when Hannes Lochner is there. He showed us with humor and patience countless photo tricks and we were able to benefit from his enormous knowledge about photography, animals and nature. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Cats of the Kalahari, October 2021

Mathias

As always, excellently organized trip to the Kalahari with the guidance of Hannes Lochner. His knowledge of the Kalahari and photography gives even experienced wildlife photographers a final tip for a very special photo. Glad to travel at any time again with Hannes and Amazing Views.

Cats of the Kalahari, February 2020

Mathias

I joined for this trip directly after the cats of the Kalahari: the contrasts of both trips (Kalahari: desert steppes in beige versus Mashatu: rich green partly with yellow flower carpet) are fantastic! Very good mentoring by Hannes and Thomas, who can give even experienced photographers a tip or two. Very comfortable lodge with excellent staff, especially the local guides are to be emphasized.

Botswana's Best Kept Secret, February 2020

Urs

This was my seventh photo safari, but the first time during the rainy season. Seeing the different animals and birds in a green landscape is a unique experience. Thanks to the excellent guides from the lodge, who made sure that the rainy season had no negative impact on the number and quality of sightings of cats of prey, birds and other animals. The photo tour guidance by Hannes Lochner and Thomas was excellent, as usual for Amazing Views. Many thanks!

Botswana's Best Kept Secret, February 2020

Monika

excellent organization everything worked smoothly- breath-taking camp with best food and loving hospitality - perfect driver chosen who took us through thick and thin and to the most beautiful places - an unforgettable journey

Botswana's Best Kept Secret, February 2020

Yvonne

Since it was my first time on a photo safari, I was overwhelmed by the many impressions of the animals. The rainy season in Botswana was a pleasant travel time and the sight of the flower carpet was unique. The local driver and the guide were very keen to show us as many animals as possible. Thomas and Hannes Lochner always had good advice for taking pictures, thank you very much for the beautiful trip.

Botswana's Best Kept Secret, Februar 2020

Jutta

After Namibia, Botswana, India and Spitsbergen, "Untouched Africa" was my 5th trip with Amazing Views. I was totally thrilled again, the organization as well as the photographer James Gifford were extremely good. We were able to observe and photograph the animals - especially elephants - respectfully and yet from close up. Many thanks for unforgettable days.

Untouched Africa Zimbabwe, October 2019

Kerstin & Kristina

So far it was the most beautiful Africa trip with Amazing Views. So close to the animals, countless elephants, on a safari from early in the morning until late in the evening - it was simply a dream. Animals so close - you never forget that. And then in addition the best guide James at your side - and the adventure is perfect. Top organization from A (Amazing) - Z (Zimbabwe)!

Untouched Africa Zimbabwe, September 2019

Ruth

Zimbabwe is an unforgettable experience, far away from mass tourism, with intense closeness to wild nature combined with exceptional hospitality in the lodges. James Gifford supported and inspired us all tirelessly with his vast experience of wildlife as well as his photographic skills. Now all our cameras are professionally set up, thank you James!

Untouched Africa Zimbabwe, September 2019

Ute

This was our first trip with Amazing Views and I can only say that it was very well organized. Hannes Lochner is a great photographer and an extremely likeable person. He showed us "his Kalahari", which is so different from the usual safari destinations. Many thanks to Hannes and the Amazing Views team.

Photo tour Cats of the Kalahari, August 2019

Kristina & Kerstin

For the second time after 2019, we were able to travel to Namibia along with Amazing Views. Although Covid-19 made a lot of things more complicated, the organisation was smooth from A-Z. The Namib, the Dead Vlei, all the Oryx antelopes, helicopter flights, the countless evening moods were just fabulously great - and as a bonus we were virtually alone in many places. It couldn't have been better. And the Okonjima Game Reserve at the end was the absolute icing on the cake for us.

Secrets of the desert, March 2021

Rena

An excellently organised trip to the Kalahari with on-site support by the nature and wildlife photographer Hannes Lochner, who left no question unanswered and gave valuable tips on the respective camera model, the settings and the composition of the pictures. Pleasant accommodation, delicious food and time spent together rounded off the whole photo safari positively. Recommended for beginners as well as advanced photographers. Anytime again with Hannes Lochner and Amazing Views.

Cats of the Kalahari, August 2019

Liliane

I have been to Botswana with Amazing Views before, I was also lucky enough to go on the first trip to Churchill to see the Polar Bear babies. All trips were unforgettable. Now again, to travel to Botswana during the rainy season was awesome for me. To photograph the animals between the lush green and yellow flowers, and to see them rolling around in it was fantastic. Plants, which I had thought to be dead in October, came back to life. Unique and an unforgettable experience. The trip was as usual, very well organized and everything went like clockwork. The lodge was super. Excellent support by Thomas and Hannes Lochner, who explained or showed with a lot of patience again and again the right adjustments and the right perspective. Not to forget the drivers and trackers who tried tirelessly to fulfil our wishes. I am thrilled. Many thanks to all.

Botswana's Best Kept Secret, February 2019

Speedy

As a repeat offender, I have already been on the road with Amazing Views several times! As always, the tour was very well organized. Expectations are exceeded again and again. Best guides guarantee for an unforgettable experience! Absolutely recommendable! - A big praise to Thomas and Jennifer! - Keep going!

Namibia, November 2018

Mathias

A great trip over four outstanding, but also very different stations within the Okavango Delta. Both the driving and the photo guides provided unforgettable moments and helped with words and deeds to "shoot" fantastic photos. My rather high expectations were even exceeded. For a wonderful trip, many thanks to Amazing Views!

Botswana Wildlife Explorer, October 2018

Reto & Marlene

"Amazing Views" lives up to its name. We took home unforgettable impressions from a varied, very well organized and exclusive tour to a fantastic wildlife area. Thomas and James led the group in a friendly and professional manner and knew how to respond to each participant individually. We felt very comfortable, even though the hyenas, hippos and elephants regularly visited our camp at night. Predicated as very recommendable ... actually a must

Botswana Wildlife Explorer, October 2018

Sonja & Jürgen

We were back in Botswana after 30 years and felt wonderfully looked after by Thomas and James, and the whole team of Letaka Safaris. We would never have imagined such a great trip. From the competent photo and tour guide of James to the extraordinary beautiful campsites and the interaction with the nice fellow travellers, there was nothing to complain about. We can only recommend everyone to join this trip. To Amazing Views, you are top!

Botswana Wildlife Explorer, October 2018

Corinne

The Amazing Views have organized an absolutely great trip. Letaka Safaris offered a great organization. The rangers are very good drivers and very successful with their game drives. Their great knowledge in interpreting footprints and the perception and interpretation of animal sounds was terrific, so that we had many impressive moments while discovering this animal world in such a great landscape. With James, the whole thing was topped: an extremely good photographer, with a knowledge he was able to convey very well. I have profited enormously from him. His warm way of leading the group was absolutely terrific. A great trip with unique impressions and pure emotions. Thank you all for this experience, it is unforgettable.

Botswana Wildlife Explorer, October 2018

Manfred

A very well organized, "little" adventure which - fortunately away from the mass tourism streams - gave me many impressive, some touching and moving, several unique moments in the African wilderness. The photographer, James, not only has an excellent feeling for the motif and the right moment, but also for the different needs and requirements of the individual participants. All in all a successful trip, which not only fully met my expectations but in some aspects even exceeded them.

Botswana Wildlife Explorer, October 2019

Sue

The trip was very well organized, and the accommodations were great. The guidance of James Gifford was again very good. He knows how to give you good tips in a pleasant way and makes every effort to ensure that everyone in the group gets their money's worth. The Bushwalks were a new but sensational experience for me. Getting close to a bull elephant at about 2 m and being able to take pictures will probably leave a lifelong impression on me. Many thanks to James and Amazing Views for this exciting trip!

Untouched Africa, September 2018

Urs

I liked the photo tourUntouched Africa very much. It was top organized and excellently guided by James Gifford. The Victoria Falls are impressive and the richness of species in Hwange and Mana Pools is great. A highlight was a short bushwalk in Mana Pools, which made it possible to photograph a passing bull elephant from a distance of two meters! Many thanks to James and Amazing Views for this great trip!

Untouched Africa, September 2019

Isabelle

Traveling with Amazing Views is the best. The most beautiful spots are discovered and photographed, and the coaching is unique. Each participant is picked up and promoted at his or her level. It was and is amazing with amazing views! Travelling with you has a huge potential for addiction. Hardly at home you want to book a new trip right away. You will not get rid of me so quickly. Sorry! 😉

Namibia dream landscapes, April 2018

11 days

4 guests + 1 photo guide Age

Africa

Photo Guide James

Tours with availability

Wildlife

Departure
01.07.2024
Return Time
11.07.2024

From our gallery

Some impressions from Uganda

Day 1: Arrival to Entebbe

Individual journey to Entebbe. We will be happy to advice you with the appropriate flight connections. Meeting with the group and short transfer to the hotel in Entebbe. Afterwards dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Mabamba swamp area and drive to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Mabamba. This swamp area lies about 50 kilometres west of Kampala and is considered home to the unique shoebill. You will go birding in a canoe in the Mabamba and with a bit of luck you will photograph the shoebill and numerous other African bird species.

After lunch, continue to Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda. Arrival and check-in, dinner and overnight in the national park.

Day 3 - 4: On the road in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is home to 13 different species of primates including chimpanzees and several species of monkeys in its tropical forests. During your stay in the park, you will go in search of the chimpanzees on foot.

On these excursions you will have exceptional opportunities for photography and learn interesting facts about the chimpanzees and the flora and fauna of Kibale Forest from experienced guides. You will also visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, where you will use your camera to search for birds, butterflies and primates. With a bit of luck, you may even see a water kudu. Overnight stay including full board in the national park.

Day 5: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is your next destination and you head there after breakfast. On the way you can spot the mighty Rwenzori mountain range and take photos of it. After lunch in Mweya, you will go on a water safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward.

The canal is known for its large number of bird species and here you will find one of the world's densest populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles. This boat trip is a great opportunity for great wildlife photos.

After the excursion, continue to the south of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6 - 7: On the road in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today you go on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. A unique attraction that you can best capture with your camera in the southern park region of Ishasha.

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is also home to many other African animals and you are sure to take great photos of elephants, waterbucks and other wild life. Overnight stay including full board in the national park.

Day 8: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

You start the day with breakfast and check-out. You will then make your way to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to half of the world's population of mountain gorillas.

You will arrive at your accommodation for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa and learn many interesting facts about the Ugandan people. Dinner and overnight.

Day 9 - 10: Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-western Uganda. The vegetation in the national park consists of dense mountain and rain forests with impenetrable undergrowth and very high biological diversity. There are 14 gorilla families living in this national park, which safari tourists can visit with a special permit.

After breakfast, you will set out for a full day in search of the mountain gorillas. The stalk through the dense rainforest is adventurous and usually takes about 3 to 6 hours. The rangers clear a path in the dense jungle with a machete and, with a bit of luck, lead you to the mountain gorillas.

Once a family is found, you spend an hour with the largest living primates. You can watch them eat and play and take great photos of this unforgettable experience. Afterwards you hike back to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Return journey to Entebbe

The journey back to Entebbe takes about 8-9 hours. On the way you will have a lunch stop in Mbarara and a photo stop at the crossing of the equator.

At the end of the tour you will have dinner together. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport for your individual journey home. We will be happy to advise you of the flight connection that suits your journey.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the trip

On this tour you will stay in selected hotels, lodges and camps of a good middle-class standard. Single or double rooms are available.

Photo tour itinerary

The exact programme for the day may be adjusted on site at short notice to take account of the weather and light conditions.

Climate / Weather

Uganda lies at the height of the equator, which ensures very balanced temperatures all year round. Daytime temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees are rarely exceeded and at night it is pleasant with an average of 17 degrees. Colder temperatures prevail at altitudes above 1,300 m above sea level. The dry season in Uganda lasts from June to August.

Physical fitness

For this photo tour lasting several days, you should be physically fit, especially to cope well with the hike to the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking

Visitor numbers for gorilla trekking are still severely limited to protect the animals and their habitat, and the stay with the gorillas is limited to one hour. The trek usually takes 3 to 6 hours, so you should be fit enough for this longer hike. As humans and gorillas are quite similar, diseases can easily be transmitted with the proximity to humans. The distance to the animals should therefore not be less than 7m. The mountain gorillas are observed 24 hours a day and therefore your chance of seeing the animals is very high. Nevertheless, it can happen that the gorillas are travelling in a very remote area and therefore one day is not enough to get to their location.

Clothing

This photo tour Uganda is outdoor oriented, and we spend a lot of time outdoors and in nature. We recommend that you bring sturdy and well-worn walking shoes as well as appropriate outdoor clothing in layers and rainwear.

Entry requirements to Uganda

Swiss, German and Austrian citizens need a valid passport for entry into Uganda, which is valid for at least six months beyond the return date. In addition, a visa for entry must be applied for. It is available in advance as an e-visa (recommended) or on arrival at Entebbe airport.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry and further vaccinations are recommended. In addition, Uganda is a malaria area. Please consult your doctor or the Tropical Institute for all necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.

Medical are und insurance

Medical care in Uganda is basic away from the big cities and in many regions is non-existent. It is strongly recommended that you take out cancellation insurance and return travel insurance, which covers evacuation from remote regions, local hospitalisation and return travel costs to Switzerland in the event of an emergency.

Travel advice FDFA

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) regularly publishes information on countries in which there are possible security or other risks. The FDFA's travel advice is based on its own sources of information, which are considered to be trustworthy. This travel advice can be accessed via the FDFA website: www.eda.admin.ch

GTC

The General Terms and Conditions of Amazing Views Photo & Adventure Tours apply, as well as any other provisions listed in the detailed description of the tour.

Price changes

Prices subject to change (especially due to exchange rate fluctuations)

Registration Photo Tour

Uganda

To register for the photo tour, please complete the form below. Please note that the booking is only confirmed when you receive a travel confirmation and an invoice for the deposit of the trip according to the invitation. Please use the same spelling for your first name and surname as in your passport.

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