There are several Uganda photography safari destinations you can think of when planning a photography safari. Photography safaris are now among the top adventures travelers take on to get content or for documentaries. Many aspects qualify a destination to be suitable for the best photography safaris and the wildlife attractions are the primary factors. Below are the top five leading Uganda Photography safari destinations we recommend when on Uganda Journeys of Discovery.
Mabamba swamp is situated on Lake Victoria. It is among the most prominent wetlands and Ramsar Sites in Uganda. The swamps’ location on Lake Victoria alone makes it outstanding. Lake Victoria is Africa’s Largest Lake and the second world’s largest freshwater lake. Uganda photography safari excursions on Lake Victoria are rewarding as encounter several bird species including the prehistoric shoebill stork.
The Mabamba wetlands have over 300 recorded bird species but the shoebill stands out. This rare bird lives in wetland areas and mainly thrives on the abundance of its prey, especially the mad fish. On a birding excursion to Mabamba, you are guaranteed to see the shoebill for the best photography moments.
The waterways throughout the swamp vegetation that you ride through in search of the shoebill make Mabamba excursions more enjoyable. Transportation here is primarily by local motorized canoe boats which is also an adventure itself. Other Bird species you can see on a birding and Uganda photography safari to Mabamba include the grey crowned cranes and fish eagles among others.
Semuliki Valley National Park is located just below the Rwenzori mountain ranges in Bundibugyo District in western Uganda. This remote protected area has an extension of the Ituri forest and has diverse wildlife species mainly associated with Central Africa. The park lies in the Albertine Rift Valley and has cool temperatures throughout the year.
Some of the leading attractions here include the Semuliki River, Hot springs, and over 120 mammals including chimpanzees. The park is a top birding destination with over 350 bird species 23 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley.
It can best be explored on foot on guided nature walks to the hot springs and the forest for chimpanzee trekking. The exclusivity of this National Park is the best thing one needs for uninterrupted photography sessions. Each excursion here also opens up more chances for new wildlife sightings and Discoveries that are ideal for photography.
Mgahinga is one of the best primate trekking National Parks in Uganda. It is located in southwestern Uganda and it is part of the Virunga massif and conservation area along with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DRC’s Virunga National Park. Mgahinga Gorilla Park is home to the rare mountain gorillas and has one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi.
Gorilla trekking safari adventures here unlike other destinations in very exclusive. It is only 8 people allowed to track a gorilla family per day meaning 8 or fewer people are the ones who trek here depending on how busy the day is. Golden monkeys are other rare primate species you find in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga massif meaning Mgahinga is one of the few destinations you can see them. It is in fact the only destination in Uganda with golden monkeys.
Uganda photography safari adventures to Mgahinga are remarkable. You not only have a variety to capture but do so exclusively up close and personal with nature.
Murchison Falls National Park is currently Uganda’s largest National Park. The park is bisected by the Great Nile River on its way up north and it is among the primary attractions in the Park. The Nile at Murchison is in its early stages. It plunges down a narrow gorge of about 7 meters wide forming one of the world’s strongest waterfalls. Murchison Falls is a spectacular attraction and has a permanent rainbow on a sunny day. Observing these falls from the top and the bottom leaves in wonder and true appreciation of Mother Nature.
One of the best Uganda photography safari sessions is enjoyed on these falls. A boat cruise to the bottom rewards you with sightings of some mammal species in the park including hippos, elephants, and giraffes. Nile crocodiles, baboons, and various bird species are also seen while on a boat cruise here. The Top of the falls is another great angle to capture the falls and gives you a panoramic view of the Nile River through the gorge downstream.
The Nile in Murchison continues and enters Lake Albert one of the Great Rift Valley Lakes. At this point, the Nile forms a Delta which is another outstanding attraction. The Nile Delta is home to various wildlife species, especially birds and hippos. This Delta can best be accessed by boat and it is an ideal birding destination. Uganda photography safari adventures up and downstream the River Nile to the falls and Nile Delta are highly recommended for nature lovers.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the most surreal safari destinations in Uganda. It is most isolated in the Northeastern Part but most outstanding in terms of impressive scenic views. Kidepo’s secret is mainly in the landscapes, exclusiveness, and the culture of the local Karamjong community near the park. These three aspects may sound usual but they are not as a visit to the park leaves you wanting more. Beyond that, the park has various wildlife species including four of the big five mammals.
Elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards are all present in the park. Zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, waterbucks, hartebeests, and birds are other wildlife species that occur here. These are mainly seen while on game drives or guided nature walks on Discovery Journeys in the park.
Whether on nature or cultural photography expeditions, Kidepo photography safaris are worth the journeys. Kidepo also qualifies among the list of National Parks with adventurous treks and journeys beyond. We have curated safari itineraries to Kidepo including a 4-day Kidepo National Park Tour. The 8-day Eastern Uganda Safari combines a safari to Kidepo and Pian Upe Reserve via the Sip Falls. Contact us for full details or in case you want to customize these itineraries further.
