Luxury Wildlife Photography Safari in Rwanda & Uganda
11 Days of Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters, Trekking with Gorillas & Chimps like Jane Goodall
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
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 Inclusions
3 Nights At One of the Most Unique Accommodations in the Serengeti
The exclusive mobile safari camp offers a seasonal experience that moves between three prime locations within the Serengeti, strategically positioned to follow the path of the Great Migration. Its mobility places guests at the heart of the action throughout the year. Each individual suite provides a luxurious yet adventurous way to experience the wilderness, featuring an elevated bedroom, private balcony with sweeping views, and a full en-suite bathroom complete with both a bathtub and shower.
Sustainability and community are at the heart of the camp’s philosophy. All staff are Tanzanian, every meal is crafted with locally sourced ingredients, and the entire camp runs on solar power, with a strong commitment to responsible waste management and minimal environmental impact.
Recognized by National Geographic Traveller as the Best Glamping Experience, the camp sets a new standard for immersive, off-the-beaten-path luxury in East Africa.
This camp is strategically located to offer front-row seats to one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the Great Migration. From July to October, the camp is positioned along the Mara River in the far north of the Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeest brave the treacherous river crossings. This dramatic scene, often referred to as the holy grail of safaris, unfolds as massive crocodiles lie in wait beneath the surface, ready to strike at the most vulnerable.
It’s a raw, unforgettable display of survival. And where the wildebeest go, the predators are never far behind.
2 Nights At A Water-Based Safari Camp in the Serengeti Wetlands
Tucked between the sweeping plains of the Serengeti and the shimmering expanse of Lake Victoria, this water-based safari camp offers a truly unique perspective on one of Africa’s richest ecosystems. Just 10 minutes from the Serengeti’s Ndabaka Gate, the camp is perfectly positioned for both land and water-based adventures, with regular sightings of zebra, wildebeest, plains game, hippos, and elephants nearby.
Set within the Serengeti wetlands, the camp is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Lake Victoria is home to hundreds of species, making this one of the top birding destinations on the continent.
A standout feature is the multi-level viewing tower, where brunch is served on one of three decks, the Weaver Deck, Lake Deck, and Serengeti Deck, each offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Accommodation consists of spacious en-suite tented rooms raised on wooden platforms, each with a private terrace for soaking in the surrounding wilderness. As the sun sets, guests enjoy dinner under the stars or in the camp’s cozy restaurant, an unforgettable way to begin or conclude a Serengeti safari.
3 Nights At A Coastal Retreat with Purpose
Set on a former coconut plantation where the bush meets the beach, this rustic coastal camp offers a rare blend of safari adventure and seaside serenity on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Located just outside Saadani National Park, it features nine elevated tented bandas with sweeping sea views, solar power, and a strong commitment to conservation, including an on-site research centre focused on lions and green turtles. Guests can explore the surrounding wilderness on game drives, boat safaris, and canoe rides, then return to the sounds of crashing waves, curious vervet monkeys, and starlit dinners in a setting that feels both wild and wonderfully remote.
1 Night in Arusha At The Base of Mount Meru
Nestled at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania and the perfect gateway to your wildlife adventure. Surrounded by lush landscapes and a temperate climate, it's an ideal place to relax and recharge before heading into the wild. You'll stay at an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of the city, where warm hospitality and refined comfort set the tone for the incredible days ahead.
1 Night At A Coastal Oasis Near Dar es Salaam
Set within lush, landscaped gardens brimming with vibrant tropical flowers and shaded by swaying palm trees, this charming cottage-style hotel offers a serene retreat just north of Dar es Salaam. The cool, rustic interiors of the rooms provide a refreshing escape from the coastal warmth, while the on-site restaurant delights guests with authentic Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing Italian specialties crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Strategically positioned north of the bustling city center, the hotel serves as an ideal starting point for travellers heading to Saadani National Park. This advantageous location allows guests to bypass much of Dar es Salaam's traffic, facilitating a smoother journey northward via the historic town of Bagamoyo, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque beaches. This convenient positioning enhances the overall travel experience, making the transition from urban landscape to the wild beauty of Saadani both seamless and enjoyable.
Water Safaris Through Remote Wilderness
Water-based safaris are a rare and unforgettable experience in Tanzania, and at the camps guests have the opportunity to explore some of the country's most pristine and wildlife-rich waterways.
From the reed-lined channels near Lake Victoria to the hidden river systems between the Grumeti and Mbalageti rivers, these aquatic journeys offer a completely different perspective on the African wilderness. In one of the only parks in the country where boat safaris are permitted, guests may witness vast elephant herds, sometimes 80 strong, gathering along the riverbanks, while crocodiles, hippos, and vibrant birdlife thrive in the wetlands.
Whether drifting quietly after lunch or arriving at a secluded tower for brunch by boat, these safaris combine serenity and spectacle, offering a rare and intimate connection to the natural world.
Culinary Highlights
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 8 dinners are included throughout the journey, along with select local drinks at our migration camp. The lodges cater to all dietary restrictions, ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable culinary experience. The menus celebrate farm-to-table ingredients while delivering the sophistication of fine dining.
Start your mornings with coffee on the go, infused with love and a splash of Amarula, before indulging in lavish bush breakfasts. Savour bush picnics and dinners under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
This journey goes beyond breathtaking landscapes and iconic wildlife sightings. At its core is a deep commitment to conservation, community, and long-term sustainability.
Each guest directly supports carefully chosen lodges that invest in projects protecting endangered wildlife, empowering future generations, and uplifting local communities.
This trip specifically supports three powerful initiatives:
In Saadani National Park, where lions den near nesting sea turtles, one lodge hosts a dedicated research centre supporting long-term conservation. Through its Green Turtle Project and newly launched Lion Project, the team works to protect this rare coastal ecosystem and raise awareness of the broader environmental challenges facing similar habitats across Africa.
In Zanzibar, a partner lodge has created a life-changing education initiative for local students in underserved communities. Promising young learners receive tutoring, access to private schooling, and ongoing lessons in sustainability, preparing them to become future leaders.
In Northern Tanzania, another lodge powers the country’s first high-level Girls Netball Academy, offering sports training, quality education, nutrition, and life skills. This initiative aims to elevate Tanzania’s national presence in sport while giving girls opportunities to thrive.
Safari With A Purpose
All game reserve levies will be covered. These fees preserve the wildlife heritage of each park for future generations.
Smaller game reserves, like those we’re visiting on this trip, are at an increased risk of poaching unless rhino monitoring programs and other security measures are implemented and maintained. Conservation levies are now deemed essential to assist in the significant costs associated with these multi-layered anti-poaching measures. We love supporting family-run operations dedicated to getting the local community involved in wildlife conservation and converting privately owned land into agricultural land for conservation. Protecting the rhinos is a key factor in the ongoing success and sustainability of this initiative.
Conservation Levies
All transportation within Tanzania is taken care of, so guests can relax and enjoy the journey.
This includes airport transfers to and from both Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam, all internal transfers between lodges, and three scenic internal flights.
Upon arrival in Arusha, a private group shuttle will be waiting to take you directly to the hotel. From there, every leg of the adventure, whether by road, air, or boat, is seamlessly arranged and fully covered.
All Domestic Flights & Road Transfers To/From Safari Lodges
Daily Morning Game Drives
At first light, you'll set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle for a thrilling morning game drive. Experience the magic of the bush as predators conclude their nocturnal hunts, and many animals emerge to graze in the cool, tranquil hours before the heat of the day. Expert guides will lead you through the landscape, offering unique insights into the rhythms of the wild. Imagine the anticipation of spotting a lion or leopard, or the serenity of watching herds of wildlife silhouetted against the rising sun. Each morning promises new wonders and breathtaking photographic opportunities.
Daily Evening Game Drives
As the African sun begins to dip below the horizon, join expert rangers for an unforgettable evening game drive. You’ll have the unique opportunity to track the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife as they stir with the setting sun. Witness the dramatic spectacle of animals coming to the river to drink in the late afternoon light. As darkness falls, the bush comes alive with new sounds and possibilities, and our night drives often produce rare and unusual wildlife sightings, making each drive a unique and exciting adventure.
Individual Photography Coaching
The core of this experience is helping you gain confidence in the field and to provide individual photography coaching. If you’re an iPhone user, amateur, seasoned photographer, videographer, or the spouse of a photography enthusiast along for the ride, you’re welcome to join Jesse and Susan in the field for hands-on learning! A wildlife safari is truly for everyone!
One-On-One Lightroom Photo Editing
In wildlife and landscape photography, challenges like varying weather and low lightcan impact image quality. With targeted editing techniques, you can reveal incredible detail and enhance your images. Photo editing sessions at the lodge will focus on essential skills, such as reducing digital noise from high ISO settings and adding depth to your images. You’ll also learn to develop a consistent aesthetic across your portfolio, ensuring your images always look their best, regardless of shooting conditions.
Take The First Step In An Unforgettable Adventure Today
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
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
- 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
Trip Inclusions
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
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10 Overnight stays and meals in lodges and
camps on Full Board
In cases where warm lunches are not
provided, you shall have a packed lunch
A professional and experienced English-
speaking Guide
Transportation in 4*4 Landcruiser Jeep with
pop up roof
All Entrance fees and game drive fees, all
relevant government tax
Administration Fee
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/From Kilimanjaro Airport
All participants will be responsible for their own International airfare or applicable travel to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and departure flight from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport [ZNZ]. We and our travel partners can assist you with booking your flights to ensure all road transfers to/from lodges align with our group. We’ll be picking you up at the airport so you won’t need a vehicle rental.
+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.
+Lunch & Dinner In Arusha & Dar Es Salaam
This trip includes 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 8 dinners. In Arusha and Dar es Salaam, we'll be staying at charming bed and breakfasts, where a hearty morning meal is provided. Lunch and dinner in these cities will be at your own expense, giving you the flexibility to explore local restaurants and enjoy the culinary offerings at your own pace.
+Spa Treatments
Between tours, guests are able to enjoy spa treatments at the lodges at their own expense.
+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 or African Rand are the accepted currencies in South Africa.Please, see each lodge’s tipping suggestions listed below in each of the lodges descriptions. Each has their own payment structure.
+ 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.
+Alcoholic Beverages
Select local drinks are available at our first migration camp, however, other wine and spirits are not covered.
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
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+Elevated upstairs bedroom for enhanced views and security
+Choice of double or twin beds
+Mosquito nets for a comfortable night's sleep
+Private balcony perched atop the Land Rover, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wildlife
+En suite bathroom on the lower level, featuring:
Bathtub
Hot-water shower
Flushing toilet
+Solar-powered lighting and hot water throughout
+All-inclusive stay with meals, park fees, activities, and local spirits, wines, and beers
+24-hour security for peace of mind
-
Below is a guideline for tipping at this lodge, quotes in African Rand.
Guide: R400 - R450 per day, per room
Tracker: R300 - R350 per day, per room
Butler: R150 - R200 per day, per room
General Staff: R400 - R500 per day, per room
Consider budgeting $350USD for tipping at this lodge for the week.
Envelopes will be provided in each room to separate tips, and all tips will be collected on the last day of your stay.
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
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+Double or twin beds
+Elegant furnishings and natural décor
+Mosquito nets for a comfortable night’s sleep
+En suite bathroom with:
Bathtub
Shower
Flushing toilet
+Private terrace with scenic views
+24-hour security
+Personalized service for an exclusive experience
-
Below is a guideline for tipping at this lodge, quotes in African Rand.
Guide: R400 - R450 per day, per room
Tracker: R300 - R350 per day, per room
Butler: R150 - R200 per day, per room
General Staff: R400 - R500 per day, per room
Consider budgeting $350USD for tipping at this lodge for the week.Envelopes will be provided in each room to separate tips, and all tips will be collected on the last day of your stay.
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
-
+Double or twin beds
+Mosquito nets
+En suite bathroom with rain shower and flushing toilet
+Private terrace with seating and sun loungers
+Makuti thatched roof and raised wooden platform
+Private beach area
+24-hour security
+Ocean and beach views
-
Below is a guideline for tipping at this lodge, quotes in African Rand.
Guide: R400 - R450 per day, per room
Tracker: R300 - R350 per day, per room
Butler: R150 - R200 per day, per room
General Staff: R400 - R500 per day, per room
Consider budgeting $350USD for tipping at this lodge for the week.Envelopes will be provided in each room to separate tips, and all tips will be collected on the last day of your stay.
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
