Good wildlife photos in Uganda depend on handling very different conditions: dark forest for gorillas and chimps, bright open savannah, close-range boat trips, and night drives. The key points are a fast zoom lens, comfort with high ISO, spare batteries, protection from rain, and knowing the rules, especially no flash with primates and no drones in parks without permission. Here is what works in each setting.
Gorillas: low light, close range
Gorillas are usually seen 7 m or more away in shade under the canopy, so light is low and contrast is high. A zoom around 70-200 mm or 100-400 mm covers most situations, and a 24-70 mm helps when gorillas come closer. Expect ISO 1,600 to 6,400, a shutter speed of at least 1/250 s, and expose for the face. Flash is banned. You have one hour, so do not spend it all behind the camera. See our camera settings guide.
Chimpanzees in Kibale
Chimps move fast, often high in trees or on the dark forest floor, and they rarely sit still for long. Use continuous autofocus, a faster shutter speed of 1/500 s or more for movement, and accept high ISO. Shooting into bright sky behind chimps in trees causes silhouettes, so add exposure compensation or wait for them to come lower.
Savannah game drives
Light is best in the first two hours after sunrise and the last two before sunset. A 100-400 mm or longer lens is useful for lions, leopards and birds, and a beanbag on the vehicle window keeps the lens steady. Ask the driver to switch off the engine to stop vibration. Midday light is harsh, so use it for travel. Our telephoto lens guide covers focal lengths.
Boat trips
The Kazinga Channel and Murchison launches get you close to hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds, so a mid-range zoom is often enough. Keep shutter speeds high, as the boat moves, and shoot from the shady side when you can. Water reflections fool meters; check your histogram. See our guide to Queen Elizabeth.
Night drives
Night photography relies on the guide’s spotlight. Use a wide aperture, high ISO and a fast enough shutter to freeze movement, and accept some noise. Do not ask guides to keep the light on an animal’s eyes for long, as it dazzles them, and never use your own flash on wildlife at night.
Kit and care
Bring at least two spare batteries and plenty of memory cards, because charging is limited in some lodges. Carry a rain cover or dry bag, silica gel and a lens cloth for humid forest. Drones are not allowed in national parks without permission from Uganda Wildlife Authority and the aviation authority. Back up your photos every evening.
The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. For more ideas, see our best photography spots in Uganda and wildlife photography ethics.
Frequently asked questions
A 100-400 mm zoom covers most wildlife, with a 24-70 mm for close gorilla encounters and scenery.
No. Flash is banned around gorillas and chimpanzees.
Not without permission from Uganda Wildlife Authority and the civil aviation authority.
Often ISO 1,600 to 6,400, depending on how dark it is.
