Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Meet and transfer to your hotel for overnight rest and safari briefing
Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Day 2: Shoebill Tracking – Mabamba Swamp
Early morning transfer to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria for a guided canoe excursion in search of the rare shoebill stork — one of Africa’s most sought-after birds. Morning light provides excellent photography conditions. Return to Entebbe for overnight
Destination: Mabamba Swamp
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Scenic drive west through tea plantations and crater lakes toward Kibale Forest — often called the primate capital of East Africa.
Destination: Kibale
Accommodation: Turaco Tree Tops
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Observe dynamic chimp troops in their natural rainforest habitat. After lunch, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Destination: Kibale | Queen Elizabeth N.P
Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Lodge
Day 5: Wildlife Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Early morning wildlife search in the Kasenyi plains for lions, elephants, buffalo, and antelope.
Mid-morning boat safari along the Kazinga Channel — famous for dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife. Optional golden-hour wildlife drive in the evening
Destination: Queen Elizabeth N.P
Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Lodge
Day 6: Kyambura Gorge Chimps – Transfer to Bwindi (Rushaga)
Early morning chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, a dramatic forested ravine within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga sector)
Destination: Rushaga
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge (or similar)
Day 7: First Gorilla Trek – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Full-day gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family — an unforgettable and intimate wildlife encounter.
Destination: Rushaga
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge (or similar)
Day 8: Second Gorilla Trek – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for your second gorilla trekking experience in a different ecosystem at the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes.
Destination: Mgahinga N.P
Accommodation: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro (or similar)
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking – Mgahinga
Morning golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of Mgahinga. These rare primates are fast-moving and vibrant, offering exciting viewing opportunities. Afternoon at leisure or optional community visit
Destination: Mgahinga N.P
Accommodation: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro (or similar)
Day 10: Fly Kisoro – Entebbe
Scenic 1–2 hour domestic flight from Kisoro back to Entebbe, dramatically reducing travel time compared to overland driving.
Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: No accommodation
Day 1: Mabamba Swamp – Species-Targeted Birding
Location: Mabamba Wetland (Lake Victoria shoreline)
Focus: Shoebill & Papyrus Endemics
After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe or Kampala for Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. Upon arrival, transfer to a traditional motorized canoe and begin a slow, silent birding excursion through dense papyrus channels.
This wetland is one of the most reliable places in Africa to see the Shoebill Stork, often at close range. The morning hours provide the best light and bird activity.
Key species often recorded:
Your guide will focus on vocalizations, behavior, and habitat interpretation, allowing time for photography and observation without disturbance.
After the canoe experience, return to shore for lunch and later transfer back to Entebbe or a nearby lodge for overnight.
Day 2: Lutembe Bay – Density & Diversity Birding
Location: Lutembe Bay Ramsar Site & Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Focus: Waterbirds, Migrants & Woodland Species
Begin the day with early morning birding at Lutembe Bay, a shallow lake system and one of Uganda’s most important Palearctic migrant stopover sites. The bay is famous for its sheer bird density, especially during migration seasons.
Species commonly encountered include:
Grey-headed & Black-headed Gulls
- Black Heron
- Lesser and Greater Swamp Warblers
Gull-billed, White-winged & Whiskered Terns
African Skimmer (seasonal)
Spur-winged Goose
Long-toed Lapwing
Various sandpipers and plovers
After wetland birding, proceed to Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where forest-edge and woodland species add another layer of diversity.
Possible sightings include:
Great Blue Turaco
- Black-headed Weaver
- Orange Weaver
- Golden-backed Weaver
Ross’s Turaco
- Bat Hawk
- Green Hylia
African Grey Parrot
Woodland Kingfishers
Sunbirds and flycatchers
The safari concludes in Entebbe in the afternoon, with drop-off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport.
Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe | Kampala
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will welcome you and transfer you to a comfortable lodge near Lake Victoria. Settle in and relax, preparing for the immersive journey ahead.
Overnight: The Boma Hotel | similar
Day 2 – Mabamba Swamp | Full Day Exploration
Travel to Mabamba Swamp, home to the legendary shoebill stork. Spend the day in quiet papyrus canoes, gliding through the swamp in morning and evening light, capturing authentic bird behavior and local fishing life.
Overnight: The Boma Hotel | similar
Photographic Opportunities
Shoebill stork hunting and preening
Papyrus wetlands at sunrise and sunset
Local fishermen navigating traditional canoes
Day 3 – Lake Mburo National Park | Evening Nature Walk & Night Drive
Depart from Mabamba and journey toward Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s intimate and wildlife-rich savannah gem. The drive itself presents opportunities to observe pastoral communities, grazing cattle, and scattered wildlife against rolling hills and acacia-studded plains. Upon arrival, settle into Rwakobo Rock Lodge, perched atop rocky outcrops with sweeping views over the park.
In the afternoon, embark on a nature walk through the savannah, photographing zebras, impalas, and warthogs in their natural habitat. The golden hour casts long shadows and bathes the landscape in soft, warm light, perfect for environmental portraits of wildlife and the expansive terrain.
As darkness descends, take part in a night drive, exploring the park’s nocturnal world. With only your spotlight cutting through the shadows, watch for elusive bush babies, civets, genets, and perhaps a shy serval. This is raw, untouched Africa, where the nocturnal rhythms of the savannah reveal themselves to those patient enough to observe and capture them.
Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Photographic Opportunities
Golden-hour savannah landscapes with zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, elands, birds impalas and ,much more
Close-up wildlife portraits in natural light
Nocturnal species under subtle illumination, highlighting the raw and intimate side of African nights
Wide-angle vistas capturing Mburo’s undulating hills and scattered acacia trees
Day 4 – Transfer to Rushaga | Mgahinga National Park | Scenic Highlands
Travel from Lake Mburo toward the ascending hills and misty mountains of southwestern Uganda, arriving at Rushaga or Mgahinga National Park (depending on gorilla permit availability). The drive offers sweeping views of rolling tea plantations, terraced hillsides, and rural villages, perfect for capturing Uganda’s highland landscapes in soft light.
Overnight: Ichumbi gorilla Lodge | similar
Photographic Opportunities
Misty highland panoramas
Rural village life along winding roads
Tea plantations and hillside patterns in morning or late afternoon light
Days 5–6 – Double Gorilla Tracking | Bwindi / Mgahinga Impenetrable Forest
Spend two full days in the heart of Bwindi or Mgahinga, tracking habituated mountain gorilla families, one of the world’s most endangered species. The forest is dense, ancient, and mist-shrouded — a cathedral of towering trees, ferns, and lianas. Move quietly through this primeval landscape, listening for the subtle rustle of leaves and distant grunts that announce gorilla presence. Encounter silverbacks overseeing their families, mothers tenderly caring for infants, and juveniles at play — each moment a rare, fleeting insight into a species teetering on the edge of extinction.
The interplay of dappled light filtering through thick canopies creates dramatic opportunities for intimate portraits and environmental storytelling. The forest itself — moss-laden trunks, creeping vines, and textured undergrowth — becomes a vital part of your composition, framing these incredible primates in their natural, wild habitat.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Similar
Photographic Opportunities
Close-up portraits of gorillas: silverbacks, mothers, and infants
Family interactions, play, and social dynamics
Misty forest shafts of light creating moody, cinematic scenes
Environmental context: textured understory, moss, and towering forest flora
Day 7 – Golden Monkey Tracking | Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin the day tracking the golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti), a rare and visually stunning primate found only in Bwindi and Mgahinga’s high-altitude bamboo forests. Agile and acrobatic, these monkeys dart through dense bamboo thickets, their shimmering golden-orange fur catching the soft morning light. Photographers can capture dynamic movement, playful interactions, and intimate group behaviors, set against a backdrop of misty hills and bamboo stalks.
After the morning session, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s jewel of biodiversity, famous for its Kazinga Channel, savannah wildlife, and volcanic rift valley landscapes. The drive showcases rolling hills, local villages, and rift valley panoramas, offering additional opportunities to photograph rural life and scenic vistas.
Overnight: The Bush Lodge
Photographic Opportunities
Agile golden monkeys leaping through bamboo with soft light highlights
Group behaviors and intimate family interactions
Misty bamboo forests for dramatic compositions
Rift valley landscapes and roadside village life en route
Day 8 – Sunrise Game Drive | Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise | Kyambura Gorge Nature Walk
Start the morning with a sunrise game drive, seeking elephants, lions, buffaloes, and Uganda kob against the soft early light. Mid-morning, embark on a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, photographing hippos, crocodiles, and abundant waterbirds. In the afternoon, hike Kyambura Gorge, capturing chimpanzees in the lush canopy set against the savannah backdrop.
Overnight: The Bush Lodge
Photographic Opportunities
Wildlife silhouettes at sunrise
Hippos, crocodiles, and birds in reflective water
Chimpanzees and forest textures in natural light
Environmental storytelling: savannah meets gorge forest
Day 9 – Early Sunrise Kazinga Boat Cruise | Transfer to Kibale / Bigodi Swamp
Enjoy an early Kazinga Channel boat cruise, capturing the golden morning light across the water and spotting wildlife activity before the park fully awakens. After breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest, with the option for an evening Bigodi Swamp walk to photograph swamp birds, primates, and local community life.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
Photographic Opportunities
Early morning wildlife activity along Kazinga
Birds, swamp reflections, and primate behavior at Bigodi
Environmental and cultural portraits of local guides
Day 10 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
Spend the morning tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, observing family interactions, playful juveniles, and the alpha male in action. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Swamp, photographing birds, small primates, and local activities along boardwalks and forest trails.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
Photographic Opportunities:
Close-up chimp portraits and natural behaviors
Birds in dynamic forest light
Swamp reflections, insects, and plant textures
Environmental and community photography
Day 11 – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Evening Rhino Trek
Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s white rhinos. Capture these magnificent animals in open grasslands, with dramatic late afternoon light emphasizing their massive forms. An evening rhino trek offers opportunities for wide-angle landscapes and intimate wildlife storytelling.
Overnight: Ziwa Rhino Lodge
Photographic Opportunities
White rhinos at golden hour
Birds and small wildlife cohabiting the sanctuary
Grassland vistas and light-infused landscapes
Day 12 – Morning Rhino Photography | Transfer to Entebbe / Departure
Spend the final morning photographing rhinos in the sanctuary before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for departure, concluding the expedition.
Photographic Opportunities
Early morning rhino activity and interactions
Scenic transfer landscapes
Final shots of Uganda’s raw wildlife and rolling countryside
Day 1: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls
Depart early from Entebbe or Kampala, heading north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Embark on a guided walk to track white rhinos, observing these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the top of the falls to witness the Nile being funnelled through a narrow 7-meter gorge into a 42-meter deep chasm — a truly breathtaking spectacle. Transfer to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Meals & Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Begin the day with an early morning game drive, spotting lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and diverse birdlife. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. Watch for hippos, crocodiles, elephants along the riverbanks, and bird species like kingfishers and fish eagles. Return to your lodge for relaxation.
Meals & Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park & Night Game Drive
Depart early for Kidepo Valley National Park, located in northeastern Uganda near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. This remote park features expansive savannahs, rugged valleys, and abundant wildlife, including cheetahs, ostriches, giraffes, elephants, and over 500 bird species. In the evening, enjoy a night game drive, spotting nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, civets, and serval cats.
Meals & Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Day 4: Morning Nature Walk & Evening Game Drive
Experience the park on foot with a morning nature walk, capturing stunning photos of wildlife and landscapes. Spot giraffes, lions, leopards, elands, buffaloes, and diverse bird species while learning about the park’s ecosystem from your guide. In the evening, go on a game drive to observe wildlife as they become more active during cooler hours.
Meals & Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Day 5: Bush Breakfast & Cultural Experience
Wake early for a bush breakfast surrounded by Kidepo’s wild landscapes. Visit Karimojong homesteads to experience traditional life, or opt for a hike into the mountains to meet the Ike community, learning about their customs and way of life. This is an immersive cultural experience, perfect for photography and interaction with local communities.
Meals & Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Day 6: Return to Entebbe or Kampala
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy scenic stops along the way for photos and refreshments. Arrive late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your unforgettable northern Uganda safari.
Meals: Half board | No accommodation
Day 1 – Arrival in Juba
Arrive in Juba and transfer to your riverside accommodation. In the evening, enjoy dinner beside the White Nile, watching the river drift past as the expedition briefing outlines logistics, photography ethics, and cultural protocols.
Overnight: Juba
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Juba to Kapoeta | Journey to Toposa Territory
After finalizing travel permits and logistics, fly from Juba to Kapoeta in South Sudan’s far east. From here, travel by 4×4 into the rugged landscapes of Toposa country, where volcanic hills and open plains frame traditional settlements.
Arrive in time to settle in and begin familiarization with the community.
Overnight: Near Toposa villages
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3 – Toposa People | Full Photography Day
A full day dedicated to photography among the Toposa, renowned for their elaborate beadwork, body scarification, ochre-covered hair, and strong pastoral traditions. Morning and afternoon sessions focus on daily life, portraits, cattle culture, and environmental storytelling, always conducted with respect and local consent.
Overnight: Toposa region
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4 – Sunrise with the Toposa | Drive to Jie Territory
Begin the day with sunrise photography as the Toposa villages come alive. Afterward, depart northward toward the Boma Plateau, traveling through increasingly remote terrain to reach the homeland of the Jie people.
Arrive in the late afternoon and prepare for the days ahead.
Overnight: Jie region
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5 – Jie People | Full Photography Day
Spend the day photographing the Jie, whose villages and customs reflect strong Nilotic roots. Capture scenes of domestic life, traditional attire, village architecture, and interactions shaped by life on the plateau.
Overnight: Jie region
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6 – Sunrise with the Jie | Kimotong Mountains & Laarim People
After a final sunrise shoot in Jie villages, continue toward the dramatic Kimotong Mountains, South Sudan’s highest range. This region is home to the Laarim people, known for their striking body paint, hairstyles, and ceremonial traditions.
Arrive in time to scout locations and connect with the community.
Overnight: Laarim region
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7 – Laarim People | Full Photography Day
A full day immersed in Laarim villages, focusing on portraiture, cultural expression, and mountain-backed landscapes. The Kimotong range provides a powerful natural backdrop for storytelling photography.
Overnight: Laarim region
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8 – Sunrise with the Laarim | Long Drive to Lopit Territory
After a final morning shoot, begin a long but rewarding drive to reach the remote homeland of the Lopit people. Arrival is planned for late afternoon, allowing time for sunset photography as the villages glow in warm evening light.
Overnight: Lopit region
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9 – Lopit People | Full Photography Day
Spend the day documenting life among the Lopit, one of South Sudan’s lesser-visited communities. Emphasis is placed on village life, personal stories, and the relationship between people and their rugged environment.
Overnight: Lopit region
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10 – Lopit Morning Session | Return Journey Toward Juba
After final morning photography, pack up vehicles and begin the journey back toward central South Sudan, breaking the drive as needed due to distance and road conditions.
Overnight: En route / regional stop
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 11 – Mundari Cattle Camps | Arrival for Sunset Photography
Travel onward to the legendary Mundari cattle camps near the Nile. Arrive in the afternoon as herders return with their long-horned cattle, smoke rising from dung fires — one of Africa’s most iconic photographic scenes.
Overnight: Near Mundari camps
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 12 – Mundari People | Full Photography Day
A full day with the Mundari, capturing cattle rituals, ash-covered herders, intimate portraits, and the rhythm of camp life from dawn to dusk.
Overnight: Mundari region
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 13 – Mundari People | Full Photography Day
An additional day allows flexibility for light, weather, and deeper storytelling. Time is spent refining shots, revisiting scenes, and building relationships within the camps.
Overnight: Mundari region
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 14 – Final Morning with the Mundari | Return to Juba
After a final early-morning photography session, depart the camps and drive back to Juba, arriving in the afternoon for rest and reflection.
Overnight: Juba
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 15 – Departure
The expedition concludes after breakfast. Transfers to Juba International Airport for onward travel.
Day 1 – Arrival in Juba
Upon arrival at Juba International Airport, you are met by the Wild Compass Africa team and transferred to your hotel. Time to relax and recover from your journey, with an evening briefing about the days ahead and cultural etiquette.
Overnight: Juba
Meals: – / Lunch / Dinner
Day 2 – Juba City Exploration
This morning introduces you to South Sudan’s young and vibrant capital. Begin with a visit to Konyo Konyo Market, the city’s busiest trading hub where spices, fabrics, grains, and daily life unfold in vivid color — excellent for street photography.
Continue to historical landmarks including the Jubek Tomb, followed by time at a local craft market showcasing traditional carvings, beadwork, and handmade items. Lunch is enjoyed at Afex Camp, beautifully located along the banks of the White Nile, offering relaxed views of river life.
The afternoon is at leisure before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: Juba
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3 – Juba to Mundari Cattle Camps – Bor
After breakfast, depart northwards following the course of the Nile toward Terekeka, home to the iconic Mundari cattle herders. Arrival is timed for the late afternoon when herders return with their long-horned Ankole cattle — a spectacular moment for photography as smoke rises from dung fires and the animals are coated in ash.
You will spend time observing daily routines, learning about cattle-centered traditions, social structures, and the spiritual bond between people and livestock.
Later, continue onward to Bor, a historic Nile town that grew from a 19th-century trading post into the administrative heartland of the Dinka people.
Overnight: Panorama Palace Hotel, Bor
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4 – Dinka Communities, The Sudd & Return to Juba
This day is dedicated to the Dinka (Jieng) people, South Sudan’s largest ethnic group. Visit a rural Dinka settlement near Bor to gain insight into their agricultural practices, cattle culture, and evolving traditions influenced by Christianity and modern life.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat excursion into the Sudd, one of the world’s largest freshwater wetlands. This immense ecosystem, formed by the White Nile, is a mosaic of papyrus channels, floating vegetation, birdlife, and remote waterways — offering rare photographic opportunities and a sense of true wilderness.
Later, drive back to Juba, arriving in the evening.
Overnight: Juba
Meals: Breakfast /Lunch / Dinner
Day 5 – Departure
Transfer to Juba International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your South Sudan cultural expedition.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 1 – Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive in Ethiopia’s capital and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, meet the Wild Compass Africa expedition team for a full briefing covering logistics, photography ethics, cultural sensitivity, and shooting conditions in the Omo Valley.
Photographic opportunities:
Urban scenes, preparation shots, low-light street photography (optional)
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Day 2 – Flight to Jimma | Drive to Mizan Teferi
Fly southwest to Jimma, then continue by road through coffee forests and highland villages to Mizan Teferi, the last major town before entering remote Omo Valley regions.
Photographic opportunities:
Highland landscapes, roadside life, environmental storytelling
Overnight: Mizan Teferi
Day 3 – Entering the Omo Valley | Suri Territory
Begin the journey into the Omo Valley, arriving in Suri (Surma) territory by midday. Afternoon photography begins as communities gather, paint their bodies, and tend cattle.
Photographic opportunities:
Body painting, portraiture, cattle camps, smoke and movement
Overnight: Mobile camp
Days 4–5 – Suri People | Immersive Photography
Two full days are dedicated to the Suri, allowing flexibility for light, ceremonies, and daily rhythms.
Photographic opportunities:
Early-morning body paint sessions, action photography, environmental portraits
(Donga stick fighting may occur but cannot be guaranteed)
Overnight: Mobile camp
Day 6 – Remote Valleys & Cultural Transitions
Travel through lesser-visited Omo landscapes toward neighboring tribal regions, with stops for spontaneous photography along the way.
Photographic opportunities:
Landscape photography, village transitions, travel narratives
Overnight: Mobile camp
Day 7 – Nyangatom / Dassanech Region
Visit communities living along the Omo River system, where fishing, floodplain farming, and cattle culture intersect.
Photographic opportunities:
River life, fishing scenes, water-based environmental portraits
Overnight: Mobile camp
Days 8–9 – Hamer Territory
Spend two days with the Hamer people, known for their elaborate hairstyles, beadwork, and ceremonial life.
Photographic opportunities:
Hair styling, adornment details, domestic scenes, ceremonial preparation
(Bull-jumping ceremonies may occur but are not guaranteed)
Overnight: Mobile camp
Day 10 – Karo People | Omo River Cliffs
Visit the Karo, whose cliff-top villages overlook the Omo River. Their white-chalk body paint creates dramatic visual contrast.
Photographic opportunities:
High-contrast body art, fine-art portraiture, elevated viewpoints
Overnight: Lodge or camp
Day 11 – Central Omo | Markets & Movement
Travel north through central Omo regions, stopping at local markets and villages.
Photographic opportunities:
Market photography, candid portraiture, color and motion
Overnight: Lodge
Day 12 – Jinka & Benna Stilt Walkers
Arrive in Jinka, stopping to photograph Benna boys walking on tall wooden stilts, a unique cultural expression found along rural roads.
Photographic opportunities:
Action photography, playful portraiture, market life
Overnight: Lodge near Jinka
Day 13 – Mago National Park | Mursi | Konso
Early visit to Mago National Park to photograph the Mursi people, followed by a scenic drive through the terraced landscapes of the Konso highlands.
Photographic opportunities:
Cultural portraiture, scarification details, terraced landscapes
Overnight: Arba Minch
Day 14 – Lake Chamo | Return to Addis Ababa
Early morning boat excursion on Lake Chamo, photographing fishermen in papyrus boats alongside crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife. Later, fly back to Addis Ababa where the tour ends.
Early Morning – Pick-Up & Transfer to Mabamba Swamp
Your day begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe or any other convenient location nearby. After a warm welcome and briefing by your expert birding guide, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to the shores of Lake Victoria. Depending on your access route, you may either drive directly to the swamp area or take a short boat transfer across the lake.
Morning – Shoebill Tracking Experience
Upon arrival at Mabamba, you’ll transfer into a traditional motorized canoe steered by an experienced local guide. You’ll silently navigate the winding channels of the swamp, which are surrounded by tall papyrus and floating vegetation. Your guide will help you spot the elusive Shoebill, often seen standing motionless while hunting lungfish, its primary prey.
Patience pays off, and the early morning hours offer the best opportunity for a successful sighting. During the excursion, you’ll also encounter a wide variety of other bird species, and if lucky, witness some unique wetland behavior.
The Shoebill tracking usually lasts between 1 to 3 hours, depending on weather conditions and bird activity. The serene boat ride also allows for excellent photography opportunities, especially when the lighting is soft and natural.
Late Morning – Return Transfer
After an enriching birding experience, you’ll head back to the docking point, followed by a return drive or boat ride to Entebbe. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or preferred drop-off location by midday or early afternoon, allowing you to relax or proceed with your next travel plans.
Day 1–6: Into the Wild – Exploring the Masai Mara
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari team. After a short briefing, embark on a scenic drive across the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Over the next five full days, immerse yourself in early morning and late afternoon game drives, when the light is perfect and wildlife is most active. Your photography guide will share techniques and tips for composing compelling wildlife shots, including action sequences, portraits, and environmental scenes.
Whether it’s lions lounging under acacia trees, cheetahs sprinting through the savannah, or wildebeests crossing crocodile-infested rivers, the Mara delivers non-stop photographic drama. Return to camp in the evening for image reviews, photography discussions, and relaxation. Enjoy warm hospitality at Sarova Mara Game Camp or similar.
Meal Plan: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp or similar luxury tented lodge
Day 7: Transition to Nairobi – A City Interlude
After a final morning in the Mara, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and depart for Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya. Arrive by late afternoon and check into your city hotel.
Depending on your interests, you may opt to rest, explore local dining, or take an evening city tour. Nairobi offers rich history, cuisine, and nightlife. We’ll assist with hotel selection and optional excursions.
Meal Plan: Half board or Full board (depending on package)
Accommodation: Comfortable city hotel (e.g., Four Points by Sheraton, Nairobi Serena, or similar)
Day 8–11: Amboseli National Park – Giants Beneath the Mountain
After breakfast, set off for Amboseli National Park, where Kenya’s largest elephants roam freely beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Spend the next four days on intensive photographic safaris, focused on capturing the unique character and grandeur of Amboseli. Track massive elephant herds, spot hippos wallowing in the swamps, and photograph buffalo, zebras, and a variety of antelope species.
Each day will feature full-day game drives with picnic lunches out in the bush, timed for the best lighting conditions. Your guide will ensure you’re in the right place at the right time to catch moments like elephant calves playing in dust, giraffes silhouetted at sunset, or lions emerging from the grasslands.
Evenings will be reserved for image curation, storytelling tips, and discussions on post-processing techniques for those interested.
Meal Plan: Full board
Accommodation: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena, or similar
Day 12: Farewell to the Wild – Departure
Enjoy a final sunrise drive through the park, savoring your last moments in the wild. If time permits and your flight schedule allows, you may visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage or enjoy a quick tour of Nairobi National Park, offering a final glimpse of Africa’s remarkable wildlife.
Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. Bid farewell to Kenya with a heart full of memories and a portfolio rich in once-in-a-lifetime images.
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
Airport pickup and overnight at a boutique photography-friendly lodge
Welcome dinner & pre-trip photography briefing with your guide
Accommodation: Emara Ole Sereni or similar
Focus: Street scenes, Nairobi skyline, sunset silhouettes
Day 2–4: Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Big Cats & Rhinos
Transfer to Laikipia and settle into a private tented camp in Ol Pejeta
Daily game drives focusing on black & white rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and elephants
Visit the last northern white rhinos under 24/7 armed guard
Optional low-angle rhino photography sessions from hides
Accommodation: Kicheche Laikipia Camp
Focus: Endangered species, golden hour predators, black & white conversions
Day 5–7: Loisaba Conservancy – Wild Dogs & Walking Perspectives
Transfer to Loisaba, home of some of Kenya’s most successful wild dog populations
Use of custom low-roof photography vehicles
Track carnivores with experienced scouts and get up-close perspectives on foot
Night drives for Astro, spotlight, and nocturnal wildlife photography
Accommodation: Loisaba Lodo Springs
Focus: Wild dogs in action, astrophotography, low-light big cats
Day 8–10: Lekurruki & Community Conservancy
Visit a Maasai-run conservancy that blends wildlife and cultural storytelling
Community photography sessions: portraits, daily life, and traditional ceremonies
Sunrise shoots in dramatic escarpments, acacia-studded backdrops, and river valleys
Option to fly drones (with permits) for aerial wildlife and landscape compositions
Accommodation: Sarara Camp
Focus: Cultural portraiture, landscape layers, community conservation visuals
Day 11–12: Private Hide & Conservation Storytelling
Use of exclusive waterhole hides for low-angle wildlife photography (elephants, buffalo, hyenas)
Photo storytelling workshop with Jaz Abaho: editing, composing for conservation, and building a visual narrative
One-on-one portfolio review sessions and creative feedback
Accommodation: Elewana Loisaba Starbeds
Focus: Behavioural photography, intimate angles, story composition
Day 13: Return to Nairobi – Departure or Extension
Optional photo walk in Nairobi (markets, wildlife-art community, street scenes)
End of tour with post-processing wrap-up and departure assistance
Option to extend to:
Masai Mara (Great Migration, river crossings, lion pride)
Amboseli (elephants with Kilimanjaro, dust storms, flamingos
Best Time to Go
January–March: Calving season, strong colors, fewer tourists
June–October: Dry season with best visibility, dramatic light, predator action
November: Post-rain greens, active wildlife, perfect for dramatic skies
Book Your Spot
This is a limited-space, high-demand experience curated for those who want to come home with more than just snapshots. Come away with a world-class portfolio, unforgettable memories, and a deeper connection to African wildlife and communities