Why Go on a Photo Safari in Uganda?
Why Go on a Photo Safari in Uganda? Africa for most photographers is a picture of the wide-open plains of the Serengeti mainly. But the color and texture palette and the subjects of Uganda are completely different and maybe more rewarding.
Uganda is a land of high contrasts. From the misty, “moody” forests of Bwindi to the golden savanna of Murchison Falls, Uganda is a land full of surprises.
Regardless of whether you’re a professional with a long lens or just a hobbyist with a smartphone, a photo safari in Uganda will give you the chance to create some very rare and powerful images. Why Uganda is the next place for your camera, you may ask.
The Intimacy of Primate Portraits
If I were to list one thing a photographer can dream about in Uganda, it would undoubtedly be the very special opportunity to get “human” close-up shots of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
Close-up Connections: Gorilla photography is different from shooting a lion from a distance. When you are only seven meters away from a mountain gorilla, you get so close to them that you can actually capture the tiny details of their hairs, the wrinkles on their hands and the deep and soulful wisdom that can be seen in their eyes.
The soft and diffused light of the rainforest gives the whole scene a natural “studio” look, saving you from the harsh shadows normally seen in the open savanna. These portraits reveal a story of connection and evolution that will never be as close with any other animal on earth.
The Diversity of “The Big Five” and More
Primates might be the first thing that comes to your mind when talking about Uganda. In reality, the country is also the home of the classic “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), so it offers a very diverse portfolio for your memory card.
The Tree-Climbing Lions: Only a handful of places in Africa, like the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, have the tree-climbing lions. These animals sitting in giant fig trees’ branches can be captured in photos and the pictures of the lions will look very different, as the background of green leaves and blue sky will add nice contrasting colors to the lions in the image. Besides that, the huge herds of elephants set against the Rwenzori Mountains’ backdrop provide stunning, wide-angle shots that look just like movie scenes.
A Paradise for Bird Photography.
With its over 1000 bird species, Uganda has some of the best birdwatching spots in the world and a bird photographer will benefit from the colors, shapes, and variety of birds present.
The Prehistoric Shoebill: Many bird photographers consider Shoebill Stork as their “Holy Grail” of birds. It is a prehistoric-looking bird found in the Mabamba Swamp that stays motionless for long periods, letting you take sharp, close-up photos without disturbing the bird.
Apart from the Shoebill, the Great Blue Turaco, various Kingfishers, and the famous Grey Crowned Crane (Uganda’s national bird) are some of the birds that you can capture. The slow-moving boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel or the Nile River are perfect for bird photography, as you can get shots of birds flying or hunting without too much shaking of the camera.
Landscapes of “The Thousand Hills”
From the volcanically formed peaks to the thickly forested slopes, Uganda is a world geography wonder. The surprising variety here will please even the most demanding of landscape photographers.
The Mist and the Mountains: The “Pearl of Africa” is well-known for its misty mornings. Taking a picture of the sun emerging over the 29 islands of Lake Bunyonyi, while the fog covers the terraced hills, produces a “dreamlike” and heavenly picture.
To the north, the mountains in Kidepo Valley seem to have a “raw,” wild look, whereas the extremely powerful Murchison Falls, through a narrow seven-meter gap, let us hear almost the whole Nile working the water and give us high-speed “action” shots of the water crashing and rainbows.
Vibrant Cultural Colors
Uganda is not only about animals but also about people. The Ugandan people are among the most hospitable in the world, and their culture is filled with colors and excitement.
Street and Portrait Photography
From the busy, colorful Kampala markets to the traditional “Karamojong” manyattas in the north, you have street style and cultural photography opportunities at your fingertips.
Capturing a woman wearing a bright, traditional “Gomesi” dress or a young child’s genuine smile gives a human element to your safari album. If you ask politely and show them the photo on your screen, most Ugandans would be happy to be photographed, lending to a friendly and interactive experience.
The Advantage of “Green” Backgrounds.
Often, African photo safaris end up with lots of “yellow and brown” pictures because of the dry grass.
Vibrant Contrast: The rich tropical flora gives a beautiful emerald-green background that sets off the colors of the animals, like the black of a gorilla or the orange of a patas monkey, really well. This “vibrant” color scheme is much simpler to tweak and frequently looks more “alive” than photos taken in drier areas. No matter if it’s the deep green of the rainforest or the bright lime of the tea plantations, Uganda’s colors are a boon for any digital sensor.
Summary: The Photographer’s Checklist
Primate Portraits: Bwindi and Kibale habitats offer unbeatable close-range shots.
Birding: The elusive Shoebill and 1,000+ other species.
Unique Wildlife: Tree-climbing lions and great Nile boat and Kazinga channel shots.
Scenery: Craters, waterfalls, and the “Mountains of the Moon.”
A photo safari in Uganda is an opportunity to view the world through a more colorful and close-up lens. It is where you can take a picture of the “raw” force of nature as well as the “soft” charm of the forest. When you desire a portfolio different from normal safari snapshots, Uganda is the place where your camera will really come alive with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.
