Luxury Wildlife Photography Safari in Rwanda & Uganda
11 Days of Adventure, Tracking Gorillas, Chimps, and The Big Five
Operated by
Finisterra Travel
Come Eye to Eye With the Gentle Giants of the Rainforest
This exclusive 11-day wildlife photography adventure through Uganda and Rwanda is operated by Finisterra Travel (BC Reg. #70260), with photography instruction hosted by Follow Me North.
This isn’t your average safari. It’s a rare and intimate journey through East Africa’s quiet forests, crater lakes, and wildlife-rich savannahs, home to some of the most elusive and awe-inspiring creatures on the planet. From the slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the volcanic peaks of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, you’ll have the extraordinary opportunity to track and photograph mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, along with elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and a variety of birdlife and primates.
Track chimps through the canopy of Kibale Forest. Cruise silently along the Kazinga Channel, where elephants line the banks and hippos rule the water. Trek deep into the rainforest to witness gorilla families in their natural habitat. Then close the journey with golden monkeys leaping through bamboo groves in Volcanoes National Park.
Designed with photographers in mind, this itinerary allows for quiet moments and unhurried time in the field. With just four guests per vehicle and a focus on immersive, off-the-grid experiences, you’ll explore this remarkable region without the crowds, capturing powerful images while forging a deeper connection with the wild. Whether you're behind the lens or simply soaking it all in, this is a journey that will stay with you forever.
Trip Summary
DATES: March 2027 - TBD
LOCATIONS: Rwanda & Uganda: Entebbe, Kibale Forest, Bigodi Wetlands, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Sector, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Kigali
PHYSICAL RATING: MODERATE.
Trekking to see the mountain gorillas requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Participants should be prepared for hikes that can vary in length, depending on the location of the gorilla families on any given day. While some groups may be reached in as little as 30 minutes, others may require a few hours of hiking through forested hills, uneven paths, or muddy terrain.
Local porters are available to carry camera gear and personal items, and will assist with footing when trails become steep or slippery. This added support makes the trek more manageable and enjoyable. However, all participants should feel comfortable walking for extended periods over varied terrain at a gentle, steady pace.
Our team prioritizes your comfort and safety and will adapt the day’s activities to match the group’s needs wherever possible.
GROUP SIZE: Limited to 10 to ensure an intimate and personalized experience
PRICING: Four Equal Payments of $2,987.50 USD (Taxes Included)
Please Note: Follow Me North Photography is not a travel agency or tour operator, and does not sell or facilitate the sale of travel services. All travel arrangements, payments, and logistics for this trip are managed solely by Finisterra Travel, a licensed travel company (BC Reg. #70260), and proud members of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Follow Me North is responsible for hosting and delivering photography instruction. Travel details and payment instructions will be sent to you after registration.
Trip Highlights and Inclusions
- Private photography-focused game drives and boat cruises on the renowned Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees
- Bigodi Swamp Walk, an exceptional Forest Edge experience
- Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the World’s most unforgettable Great Apes experiences
- Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation:
- 1 x Night in Entebbe
- 3x Nights at the edge of Kibale Forest
- 2x Nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 3x Nights in a eco-friendly lodge in Bwindi
- 1x Night at a remote lodge in Volcanoes National Park
- All domestic ground and air transfers
- Two Gorilla, Two Chimpanzee and One Golden Monkey Trekking Permit(s) in Bwindi, Kibale and Volcano National Park
- Meals as noted in the itinerary. In cases where warm lunches are not provided, you shall have a packed lunch
- Individual Photography Coaching and Lightroom Editing sessions with Jesse & Susan
- Transportation in 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep with pop up roof
- All Entrance fees and game drive fees, and all relevant government tax
What You Should Know Before You Go
Non-Refundable Fees
All workshop fees and dues are non-refundable.
You have the option to make your workshop payment in full upon booking, or paying a 25% Non-Refundable Deposit to hold your spot. Final Payment is due 60 days before departure.
If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant within their own personal network.
IMPORTANT: Failure to pay by the payment due date means forfeiting your deposit and fees to date, and your spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant.
ACCEPTANCE: Once your request is accepted, we will provide you with a link to our secure payment portal to pay your deposit and sign waivers.
Trip Exclusions
+International Airfare To Entebbe International Airport and From Kigali International Airport
All participants will be responsible for their own International airfare or applicable travel to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and departure flight from Kigali International Airport (KGL). Finisterra Travel can assist with booking your flights for a small fee, to ensure all road transfers to/from lodges align with the group.
+Travel Insurance
Health Insurance is Mandatory. Trip cancellation recommended. For our Canadian friends, we recommend Manulife Insurance for general liability. Photographers might also consider Front Row Insurance or Arthur J Gallagher Canada Limited for equipment coverage of items valued at more than $5000 per item.
+Gratuity For Staff & Field Guides
Our tour operators are small business owners and it is generally customary to leave a tip at the end of your stay. USD, Rwandan Franc and Ugandan Shilling are accepted. Small denominations of local currency, Rwandan Franc or Ugandan Shilling, for tips at hotels, restaurants, or markets.
+ Laundry
Laundry services are not included and may not be available at the accommodations throughout this trip. We recommend packing accordingly, with lightweight, quick-drying clothing and enough changes to last the duration of the journey.
Double Occupancy
This safari is based on double occupancy.
Feel free to sign up with your spouse, friend or friend-of-a-friend!
For solo travellers coming without a workshop buddy, we will happily pair you up with a same-sex partner to room with.
Where Wildlife, Culture, and Conservation Unite
What sets this safari apart isn’t just the breathtaking scenery or incredible wildlife, it’s the deep, meaningful connections we’ve built with local guides who dedicate their lives to conservation. While many luxury lodges make claims about supporting communities, we’ve gone further by working with individuals actively involved in conservation projects that directly benefit their communities and protect Africa’s most vulnerable wildlife.
Our guides are more than professional trackers, they’re storytellers, advocates, and stewards of the land. Their knowledge of the local environment and wildlife, paired with their personal (often humorous) experiences, provide a perspective that goes far beyond the surface.
It’s not just about capturing bucket-list images, it’s about gaining a profound understanding of the delicate ecosystem and the people dedicated to protecting it. By limiting the number of vehicles and crafting intimate experiences, guests leave with authentic, exclusive moments that go beyond the ordinary.
The Wild Soul of East Africa
Deservedly dubbed the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is a land of staggering ecological diversity, nestled in the Great Lakes Region of central Africa. Here, the Eastern Savannah meets the West African jungle, creating a kaleidoscope of ecosystems, from rolling grasslands and crater lakes to tangled rainforests and misty mountain ranges. It’s bordered by Africa’s largest lake (Lake Victoria), the jagged Virunga volcanoes, and the Rwenzori Mountains, often called the Mountains of the Moon, the third highest range in Africa.
No other destination on the continent offers such an effortless encounter with primates. Uganda is home to more than ten species of monkeys, along with chimpanzees and the endangered mountain gorilla, making it a dream for primate lovers and wildlife photographers. And if that weren’t enough, it’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Uganda is the smallest of the four African countries, where more than 1,000 bird species have been recorded, and with a concentration of rare rainforest specialists found nowhere else.
You’ll witness some of Africa’s most memorable wildlife encounters in Uganda, from tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest to watching tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the far south, the ancient jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest shelter multiple gorilla families. In the north, the mighty Nile squeezes through a seven-meter gorge at Murchison Falls, a breathtaking display of raw power. Further east, the vibrant riverside town of Jinja is rapidly emerging as East Africa’s counterpart to Victoria Falls, known for its dramatic scenery and the headwaters of the Nile.
Just across the border, Rwanda offers its own quiet magic. Steep, terraced hills give way to the volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park, where golden monkeys leap through bamboo forests and mountain gorillas patrol the jungle. This tiny country punches well above its weight in biodiversity, conservation efforts, and soulful beauty.
Together, Uganda and Rwanda create a rare corridor of protected wilderness, a region bursting with life, depth, and authenticity. We invite you to explore this corner of the world where conservation and connection come together in the most unforgettable ways.
Day One: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by Jesse and Susan, and your local safari guides, and transferred to your hotel.
Entebbe offers a soft landing with its laid-back vibe and proximity to Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to photograph the vibrant local life along the lake, or take a short nature walk in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. This day is all about settling in and preparing your gear for the adventure ahead.
You'll meet your fellow travellers for a welcome briefing over dinner. This is a great time to get to know each other, set intentions for the trip, and talk shop about camera settings.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Transfer Time: 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport to hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest
After breakfast, take a scheduled domestic flight from Entebbe to Kasese, offering stunning aerial views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from the vast savannas to the Albertine Rift Valley ridges and finally to the
tropical rainforest. On arrival, transfer by road to Kibale Forest, the primate capital of East Africa.
After check-in at your eco-lodge, nestled in the forest canopy, enjoy a relaxing afternoon to recharge, edit photos, or join an optional forest walk. The atmosphere is serene, and vervet monkeys or black-and-white colobus monkeys may pass by your veranda, a sign of the forest wonders awaiting tomorrow.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: 1.5-hour flight and 1.5-hour drive from Kasese to Kibale
Day 3: First Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Following an early morning breakfast, your local guides will transfer you to the Kanyanchu Orientation Center, where you will check in for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale’s lush rainforests. As you trek through the dense vegetation, you’ll observe and photograph these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, watching them groom, play, and interact with one another. After your chimpanzee encounter, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the lodge before heading out for a peaceful Bigodi Wetland Walk in the afternoon.
This biodiversity hotspot is home to Uganda’s special primate species, such as the Uganda Mangabey, Red-tailed Monkey, Red Colubus Monkeys, Eastern Guereza Monkey, L’hoesti’s Monkey, Blue Monkey, among other primate species that call the Kibale Forest home, and the walk provides an opportunity to learn about local conservation efforts and community engagement.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Second Chimpanzee Tracking and Afternoon Relaxation
This morning offers a second chance to track and photograph chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. With different light and activity, it’s the perfect opportunity to capture more dynamic images and observe new behaviours. Your ranger team will help position you for the best shots for yet another 1 hour in their presence.
After the trek, enjoy a relaxed afternoon back at the lodge. This will be the time to review your photos, rest, or continue shooting around the lodge’s scenic grounds.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Kibale - Queen Elizabeth National Park with Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, begin a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the crater lakes region. Rolling hills and banana plantations line the journey, offering beautiful vistas and village life photography en route.
After arriving and checking in at your lodge overlooking the Kazinga Channel, head out on an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where waterbucks, kobs, elephants, and buffalo are commonly spotted as well as the chances of seeing Africa’s Big Cats backdropped by the Rwenzori Mountains. As the sun dips behind the Rwenzori Mountains, focus on silhouette shots and dramatic light, a photo-rich end to the day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 3–3.5 hours from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
This morning, rise early for another game drive, this time focusing on the morning routines of both predators and prey. This region of the park is teeming with wildlife, and your guide will position the vehicle for optimal photographic opportunities.
Later in the afternoon, go on a private boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George. This waterway boasts one of the highest concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in Africa. You'll have excellent opportunities to photograph elephants, buffalo, and a huge variety of birdlife arriving at the water's edge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi via Ishasha Sector
Following a relaxed breakfast, make your way to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via the remote Ishasha Sector, known for its iconic tree-climbing lions. These rare behaviours offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph lions lounging in giant Sycamore figs, framed by the vast open plains of southern Queen. Continuing on, the landscape changes dramatically as we climb into the rainforest of Bwindi. You’ll arrive at your luxurious lodge in time to settle in and prepare for the next day’s gorilla tracking. The air is cool and misty, and the sounds of the jungle offer a whole new photographic world.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 5–6 hours total (3 hrs to Ishasha, 2–3 hrs Ishasha to Buhoma)
Day 8: First Gorilla Tracking & Pangolin Visit
This is the day you’ve been waiting for: a chance to stand in the presence of one of the planet’s most endangered and majestic creatures: the Mountain Gorilla. The day begins early with an energizing breakfast before heading to the park for a detailed briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. After the briefing, you will head out to start your ultimate gorilla tracking experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi. Every step of the journey feels like an exploration into an ancient, untouched world, with towering trees, colourful birds, and the occasional rustle of wildlife in the underbrush.
After minutes (and sometimes hours) of anticipation, your patience pays off as you encounter a gorilla
family in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they play, groom, and move through the forest. The magic of locking eyes with a silverback and infants is a moment that words can hardly capture.
In the afternoon, visit a Pangolin Rescue Center to learn about Pangolin Conservation from the local who has
given his life to save these remaining endangered species. The center offers an opportunity for up-close shots of the White-bellied Pangolins and storytelling around endangered species protection.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: First Gorilla Tracking & Pangolin Visit
Today gives you a second and equally special opportunity to track another gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This second trek often provides completely new perspectives and photographic chances, different lighting, a new group dynamic, or unique behaviours you may not have seen before. Your previous experience also helps you anticipate moments and position yourself better for powerful images.
In the afternoon, return to the lodge for some well-deserved rest. It’s a quiet time to unwind and review your photos. You’ve just completed one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences on the continent, today is for soaking that in.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Bwindi – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After a relaxed breakfast, start a journey southwest driving through the Impenetrable Forest to the border of
Uganda and Rwanda. Cross the Cyanika border into Rwanda and head toward Volcanoes National Park, a region famous for its dramatic volcano scenery and another population of endangered gorillas. The drive is scenic, passing through terraced hills and lively markets, a great day for candid photography.
After checking into your comfortable lodge in Musanze, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the views of the volcanoes and preparing for tomorrow’s Golden Monkey trek in the Volcanoes National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 5 hours (including border crossing)
Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Kigali & Departure
This morning you’ll trek into the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park to photograph golden monkeys, quick, lively, and beautifully photogenic against the green canopy and understory. Unlike the Mountain Gorillas, they may be constantly on the move, making this a dynamic session for capturing motion and expression.
After the trek, transfer to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. Depending on your departure time, you will be dropped off at Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight, marking the end of this unforgettable photography journey to Tropical East Africa.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer Time: Approx. 2.5–3 hours from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali Airport
About Finisterra Travel
Finisterra Travel began in 2012, founded by seasoned traveller, Keri Montgomery. In 2015, Nicola Wilson, joined as a partner, bringing along a passion for in-depth cultural connections (and a love of food). Together, they built a company known for its women-led, women-only small group tours.
Since 2020, Follow Me North has hosted photography experiences with Keri and Nicola to help guests venture off the beaten path and experience nature in its purest form. Finisterra Travel specializes in small-group photography adventures to hidden corners of the world, places untouched by heavy foot traffic, where it's just us and the wild.
As seasoned travel designers, Keri and Nicola are passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure-based travel. They’re not armchair travellers, they’ve explored these places themselves, and every itinerary reflects their deep local knowledge.
No one wants to feel like a tourist. That’s why Finisterra crafts custom journeys rooted in authenticity, whether you're joining one of their intimate group departures or extending your adventure post-workshop. Their unique, fully customizable itineraries showcase favourite destinations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe.
Finisterra isn’t your typical travel agency or tour operator, they’re international travel curators with a flair for creating unforgettable experiences. They’re also a licensed Canadian travel agency (BC Reg. #70260) and proud members of the Adventure Travel Trade Association.
Each experience is hosted and led by Follow Me North, while all travel arrangements and payments are handled securely through Finisterra.
BC Reg 70260
What People Are Saying
“I'm still dreaming about my incredible trip to South Africa with Follow Me North last month! It was a bucket list trip for me, and Jesse and Susan made it a more incredible experience than I could have possibly imagined. They are two of the most warm, fun, and kind people I've met, and as a solo traveller, there was never a moment where I didn't feel included and comfortable. They put so much heart and care into every aspect of the trip and every single day was the best day ever!
I couldn't be more grateful for every sighting and special moment that we had, and the amazing photography assistance we received each day. Jesse and Susan made time for anyone who needed it, to work out settings, any issues we were having, and composition tips and reminders on game drives to help us get the best shots we could, along with editing help every afternoon during breaks.
I came home with so much more confidence in both my photography and editing (so much so that I ended up with 38,000 photos 🤭). For anyone on the fence about taking that bucket list trip, absolutely just do it, and make it even more memorable with Follow Me North!”
— Megan Corrigan
“5 STARS—A Once-in-a-Lifetine Safari Experience with Follow Me North.
From the moment we touched down in South Africa to the final sunset, this journey, led by Susan and Jesse Villemaire of Follow Me North, was nothing short of magical. Their passion, professionalism, and genuine warmth created an unforgettable experience for our group of photographers.
Every detail was masterfully planned, from seamless logistics to stunning accommodations and expertly guided safaris. Each day was filled with breathtaking wildlife encounters—lions, elephants, giraffes, wild dogs, rhinos—all under the iconic African light. Susan and Jesse curated not just a trip, but an adventure, blending photography, exploration, and community in the most meaningful way.
Their leadership turned a dream safari into a soul-stirring, life-changing experience. We returned home with full memory cards, fuller hearts, and memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re considering traveling with Follow Me North, don’t hesitate—this is the kind of trip that redefines what travel can be.”
— Laura Campbell
“After a two-week photography excursion to South Africa with Jesse and Susan I can honestly say that this is one of the most outstanding trips I have ever had the pleasure of taking.
Their attention to detail and extremely personal touches and attention to their guests is second to none.
They offered endless advice when needed in regards to shooting and were both an absolute joy to work with on a personal level.
GREAT humans, outstanding business.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
— Kim Russell
