Night photography in Africa: capturing stars and wildlife after dark in Uganda

Updated 19 October 2026

Uganda offers good night photography because many lodges are far from city lights. The best places for star photography are remote parks such as Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls and Lake Mburo, ideally in the drier months and around a new moon. Because Uganda sits on the equator, both northern and southern skies are visible, and the Milky Way’s bright core rises well above the horizon in the middle of the year. For wildlife at night, join an authorised night drive or walk and avoid flash.

Photographing the stars

Use a sturdy tripod, a wide-angle lens with a wide aperture, manual focus set to infinity, and a high ISO. As a starting point, try about 15–25 seconds at f/2.8 and ISO 3200, adjusting to avoid star trails and noise. Shoot in raw and use a remote release or timer. Thick forest around Bwindi blocks much of the sky, and the wet season brings clouds, so savannah lodges in the dry months give the best chances. Ask your lodge if it is safe to step outside after dark, and never walk around unescorted in parks.

Wildlife after dark

Night drives in some savannah parks, and night walks in Kibale, offer chances to photograph leopards, hyenas, genets, bushbabies and nightjars. Light comes from the guide’s spotlight, often red-filtered, so use a fast lens and high ISO and accept some noise; flash is discouraged as it can dazzle animals. Brace against the vehicle for stability. See our guide to night game drives.

Lodge scenes and campfires

Campfires, lantern-lit dinners and lodges glowing under the stars make atmospheric images. Blend firelight with a short exposure of the sky, and ask permission before photographing other guests or staff. Protect gear from evening damp with a bag and silica gel. See our guides to Kidepo Valley, photography ethics and memory cards. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November.

Frequently asked questions