16-Day Photo Tour to Uganda and Tanzania

Travel enthusiasts and photographers alike will find this 16-day guided tour through Uganda and Tanzania offers an exceptional blend of wildlife, culture, and stunning scenery. While we haven’t personally joined this journey, the detailed itinerary and glowing review from a past traveler paint a picture of an immersive, well-organized experience perfect for those eager to capture Africa’s most iconic sights.

What we love about this tour: the focus on photographic opportunities with guided instruction, the chance to see mountain gorillas and the Big Five, and the seamless mix of culture and adventure. A potential consideration is that the price of over $7,000 might seem steep, but it does include many significant activities and logistics, making it a good value if you’re after a comprehensive safari experience with expert guidance.

This trip is ideal for serious photography enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those wanting a rich cultural journey in East Africa. If you’re comfortable with a moderate physical demand and enjoy guided group tours, this could be the adventure of a lifetime.

Key Points

• Photographic Focus: Guided instruction and plenty of iconic wildlife and landscape shots.
• Diverse Experiences: Gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, cultural visits, and hot air balloon rides.
• Value: Includes flights, park entries, hot air ballooning, and expert guides, offering a streamlined experience.
• Community Impact: Engagement with local communities through charity work and culture.
• Group Size: Small groups up to 8 travelers ensure personalized attention and flexibility.
• Duration & Pace: Well-paced itinerary, balancing long game drives with cultural activities.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting in Uganda: A Taste of Urban and Natural Life

The tour kicks off in Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital, with a walking tour that hits some of the city’s highlights like Nakasero Market and the Baha’i Temple, offering fantastic opportunities for urban photography and panoramic views. Visiting the largest market in East Africa, you’ll see everything from fresh produce to textiles, capturing the hustle and bustle of local life. The Baha’i Temple, unique in Africa, provides a serene backdrop for both photography and quiet reflection—and the view of Kampala from the hilltop is just as stunning as the architecture.

In Jinja, the journey shifts to nature, with the White Nile River rising from Lake Victoria. Here, you can expect sweeping river shots and perhaps some water-based action shots, especially during the evening review session of your photos. The guide emphasizes that this part is as much about experiencing local life as capturing it.

Community & Cultural Engagement

One highlight is the Cameras For Girls project, which runs from Day 2 to Day 4 in Kampala. Spending time teaching photography to marginalized women from Makerere or Uganda Christian University, you’ll gain insight into the local education scene. The reviews echo that this experience “gives you to see the power of your dollars”, and how your participation supports meaningful community projects. Expect to learn alongside young women, helping them develop skills that could change their futures.

Exploring Western Uganda: Nature, Wetlands, and Hot Springs

The tour continues westward, where the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary provides lush scenery and excellent birdwatching. The guided swamp walk lasts around 3-4 hours, with a chance to photograph diverse flora and fauna while engaging with the local community. Later, the Semuliki National Park offers a glimpse of Uganda’s volcanic activity with bubbling hot springs—an iconic shot for both landscape and wildlife photographers.

Visiting the Sempaya Hot Springs, you’ll witness natural geysers and steaming pools, with locals using the springs for cooking and bathing. The guide notes that the hot springs are a key feature, demonstrating the geological forces shaping this region.

Engaging with Local Communities & Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth

A significant part of this journey involves community interaction and wildlife observation. Visiting the Rwenzori Mountains and local villages, you’ll see crafts, try local cuisine, and learn about the lifestyle of the people relying on tourism. These moments make the trip more meaningful, and reviewers have appreciated the “interaction with local craftspeople and the community”.

Then, it’s off to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll spot elephants, lions, buffalo, and possibly tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. The early morning game drives are designed to maximize wildlife sightings and are complemented by scenic views of the snow-capped Mountains of the Moon. Expect to see hundreds of bird species during the park’s safaris, adding a vibrant splash of color to your photo collection.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The journey to Bwindi introduces you to the iconic Mountain Gorillas. The trek can last up to 8 hours, but the reward is priceless—seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The reviews mention that the gorilla encounter is “one of the ultimate life experiences”, and the ecosystem’s lush greenery makes for incredible background shots.

Evening walks around Bwindi reveal waterfalls and other scenic spots, offering further opportunities for nature photography. The guides’ expertise ensures you’re well-prepared for close encounters and wildlife shots.

Transition to Tanzania: Culture and the Great Migration

Flying to Tanzania, you’re treated to a cultural experience with the Maasai in their traditional village—dancing, dancing, and even tasting local cuisine. This segment reveals the Maasai’s vibrant customs and adds a human dimension to your photo story.

Next, the Serengeti National Park becomes the focus with its legendary Great Migration and Big Five species. Multiple game drives, including a full day in Serengeti, promise some of the most iconic safari images possible. The landscape itself, with its endless plains and acacia trees, offers endless opportunities for panoramic shots.

Unique Experiences: Hot Air Balloon & Ngorongoro Crater

One of the tour’s highlights is the hot air balloon ride over Ngorongoro, providing a bird’s-eye view of wildlife and the crater below. This experience is often described as awe-inspiring and offers a different perspective on the migration and wildlife.

Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive, you’ll be in one of Africa’s most famous wildlife calderas, with a chance to see rhinos, lions, and elephants all in one place. Visiting the Hadzabe tribe offers a rare look at ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyles, further enriching your understanding of the region.

Final Days: Lake Eyasi and Departure

Your time with the Hadzabe people near Lake Eyasi is a fitting end, showcasing traditional hunting and dancing, capturing the essence of Africa’s indigenous cultures. The journey wraps up with a return to Arusha, where you’ll have time to reflect on the trip before flying home.

The Practicalities & Value

This tour is priced at roughly $7,016 for up to 8 travelers, which might seem steep but includes many added-value elements: all park entries, flights between countries, a hot air balloon ride, and expert guides. The small group size ensures personalized attention and flexibility, which is crucial for a photography-focused trip.

Transportation is via air-conditioned vehicles, and the itinerary is designed to balance long drives with quality viewing and photography time. The tour also offers pickup from Entebbe Airport and includes bottled water throughout—small touches that make a big difference in comfort.

What the Reviews Highlight

A traveler who participated in a similar experience praised the knowledgeable guides and stunning views, noting that the photo review sessions allow for continuous learning and improvement. They also appreciated how the tour supports local communities, making it more than just a wildlife safari.

Potential Drawbacks

Given the intensive nature of some activities—long treks, early mornings, and multiple transitions—this trip might be demanding for those with mobility issues. Also, the price point could be a barrier for more budget-conscious travelers, but the included activities and logistics simplify planning and maximize value.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This 16-day photo adventure is best suited for travelers who prioritize wildlife photography, are comfortable with moderate physical activity, and want a comprehensive East African experience. It’s perfect for those who value guided instruction, community engagement, and a mix of adventure and culture. The small group size and detailed itinerary ensure you’ll get plenty of personalized attention and photo opportunities.

If you’re seeking a well-organized, educational, and visually stunning journey through Uganda and Tanzania, this tour offers everything needed to make your African dreams come alive. Be prepared for an eye-opening, life-changing trip that combines wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and breathtaking landscapes—all in one seamless package.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes all park entries, flights between Uganda and Tanzania, a hot air balloon ride over Ngorongoro, guided tours, meals (breakfast, lunch, optional dinner), bottled water, and transportation in air-conditioned vehicles.

Are there activities suitable for non-photographers?
Absolutely. While the focus is on photography, the trip offers cultural experiences, wildlife safaris, and scenic landscapes that are enjoyable even without a camera.

How physically demanding are the gorilla treks and game drives?
The gorilla treks can last up to 8 hours with some hiking involved, so moderate fitness is recommended. Game drives are mostly seated but can involve some bumpy roads and short walks.

Does the tour support community projects?
Yes, part of the experience includes participating in the Cameras For Girls project, which teaches photography to marginalized women, giving you opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Is the small group size beneficial?
Definitely. With groups limited to 8, you’ll enjoy more personalized attention, flexible scheduling, and opportunities to ask questions or get close to wildlife.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While the itinerary details don’t specify seasons, safaris in East Africa are generally best during dry months (June-October) for game viewing, especially for witnessing the migration.

Are meals included?
Breakfast and lunch are included throughout the trip; dinner is optional in some locations and might be paid separately.

Can I customize or extend the trip?
The tour is designed as a set itinerary, but you can contact the provider for possible extensions or modifications based on your interests.

What about travel insurance and health precautions?
Not specified here, but it’s always wise to have comprehensive travel insurance and check on recommended vaccinations and Covid-19 protocols before traveling.

To sum it up, this tour offers an immersive, photography-rich journey through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and cultures. It combines wildlife, adventure, and community involvement, making it ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful and visually rewarding experience. If you’re ready for a true East African adventure with expert guides and plenty of photo ops, this trip ticks all the boxes.