UGANDA/RWANDA PRIMATES
SEPT. 13-21, 2026
5 Spaces Available!
Details
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime photographic expedition through the lush forests, vibrant wetlands, and wildlife-rich savannas of Uganda and Rwanda.
From the tranquil papyrus channels of Mabamba Swamp—where the elusive Shoebill Stork lurks—to the dense canopy of Kibale Forest, home to playful chimpanzees, each day brings extraordinary opportunities to capture rare and iconic wildlife in breathtaking natural settings.
Cruise the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, camera in hand as hippos, buffalo, and birds converge on the shimmering shores.
The pinnacle of this tour awaits in the misty hills of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ll come face-to-face—twice—with majestic mountain gorillas, one of the most profound and intimate wildlife encounters on earth. This exclusive journey is designed for women who seek more than snapshots; it’s for those who crave connection—with wild creatures, remote cultures, and Africa’s raw, unfiltered beauty. With expert local guides and seamless travel logistics, you’ll be free to focus on your craft—and the awe-inspiring scenes unfolding before your lens.
This tour makes a great extension to our Tanzania Great Migration Safari
About your leader…
Jennifer Hadley is an award-winning wildlife photographer based in Raleigh, North Carolina. From the Arctic to Africa, to the last frontier and beyond; she captures unique behavior-based images and film that tells the stories of the world’s wildlife. She has been featured in international publications and co-produced the award-winning documentary film, “Right of Passage”, highlighting the plight of the critically endangered red wolves. Additionally, she co-produced a short film called “For the Love of Red Wolves”, which has been introduced into the public school system in children’s classrooms throughout North Carolina.
Jennifer was the grand prize winner as well as the People’s Choice winner of the 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. She also placed 3rd in the North American Nature Photography Association Showcase in the same year.
Jennifer is a highly experienced wildlife photography guide in Eastern North Carolina and leads photography workshops in South Africa, Botswana, and Alaska. She loves encouraging others to learn about animals and their behavior while fostering an ethical wildlife photography experience for her clients. Jennifer loves sharing her passion for the outdoors and wildlife with her guests and is committed to helping photographers improve their photography skills based on their own unique aspirations.
6 Participants
$9,750
Single supplement: $800*
Payment Schedule: January & April, 2026
Custom payment plans are available upon request.
*If you would like to be paired with a roommate we will make every effort to do so, however if a roommate is not available the single supplement will apply.
ITINERARY
SEPT. 13-21, 2026
Day 1 – September 13
Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your accommodation for the night.
Transit Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Day 2 – September 14
Mabamba Swamp Excursion
Morning transfer to Nakiwogo landing site for a boat cruise into Mabamba Swamp. Navigate narrow papyrus-lined channels by traditional motorized canoe in search of the elusive Shoebill Stork—one of Africa’s most sought-after birds.
You’ll also spot Malachite Kingfishers, African Jacanas, Papyrus Gonoleks, Pygmy Geese, and more.
Return to your lodge for a relaxed afternoon or visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3 – September 15
Fly to Kibale Forest & Afternoon Chimpanzee Trek
Early morning flight to Kasese Airstrip, followed by a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park.
After settling in, head into the forest for your first Chimpanzee trekking experience with an expert ranger. Watch them feed, groom, and interact in their natural habitat.
Flight Time: 07:00 – 10:00
Transit Time: Approximately 2 hours (Kasese Airstrip to Kibale NP)
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4 – September 16
Full Day Chimpanzee Photography
Enjoy both morning and afternoon chimpanzee trekking experiences in Kibale Forest—East Africa’s primate capital.
This is a rare opportunity to capture intimate and dynamic images of these intelligent, social primates.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 5 – September 17
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive through the stunning Kasenda Crater Lakes on your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, offering unparalleled views of hippos, buffalo, elephants, and prolific birdlife.
Transit Time: Approximately 2 hours
Meals: B,L,D
Day 6 – September 18
Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Morning flight from Kasese to Kisoro, followed by a transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
In the afternoon, visit the local Batwa community to learn about their traditional way of life and deep connection to the forest.
Flight Time: 08:30 – 09:30
Transit Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Meals: B,L,D
Day 7 – September 19
Gorilla Trekking – Day One
Venture into the dense misty forest for your first mountain gorilla trekking experience.
Spend an awe-inspiring hour with a habituated family group—an encounter sure to be one of the most powerful wildlife moments of your life.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 8 – September 20
Gorilla Trekking – Day Two
Return to the forest for a second gorilla trekking session. This added day gives you the chance to photograph a different family group and capture new behaviors and moments from these critically endangered primates.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 9 – September 21
Return to Entebbe & Departure
Transfer to Kisoro Airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe International Airport. Connect with your international flight home.
Flight Time: 08:30 – 11:25
Meals: B
RESERVE SPACE
INCLUDED
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- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Accommodations
- Water in the vehicle for overland sectors
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari Landcruiser jeep
- Services of an experienced English speaking driver guide
- 2 Gorilla trekking permits and 3 chimpanzee trekking permits
- Park conservation fees
- Park entrance fees
- 1 porter per person per Gorilla & Chimpanzee trek
- All applicable taxes, administration and banking fees
- One-way flight Kisoro Airstrip to Entebbe.
- 1 Freight seat to guarantee an 75kgs per group per flight.
- One-way regional flight Kilimanjaro to Entebbe
EXCLUDED
- International flights
- Gratuities
- Medical / Travel Insurance (required)
- Any extras incurred at the lodges/hotels
- All passport and visa fees
ACTIVITY LEVEL
This tour requires a moderate to high level of physical fitness, particularly for the chimpanzee and gorilla trekking experiences. Trek durations can range from 1 to 6 hours through dense rainforest, steep terrain, and sometimes muddy or uneven trails. Participants should be comfortable walking for extended periods at a steady pace, potentially in humid conditions. While we have hired porters to assist with camera gear and daypacks, a reasonable level of mobility and stamina is essential to fully enjoy and safely complete the trekking activities.