Uganda Gorillas, Chimps, & More - A Wildlife Photography Tour June 19-July 3, 2021 - Ricker's Wildlife Safaris
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Uganda
Gorillas, Chimps, & More
A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19-July 3, 2021
Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
“For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life — bird, insect,
reptile, beast — for vast scale — Uganda is truly “the Pearl of Africa.” – Winston Churchill
If you only plan on going to Africa once in your life… then this is the trip ! The first time I traveled
to Uganda I fell in love. From the beauty of the people, to the diverse landscapes to the wild
creatures. Uganda is the one place in the world you can have it all.
I’ve developed this Photography Tour for people who may only travel to Africa once in their
lifetime. On this tour you will see the most diverse amount of wildlife. More then anywhere else in
the world. We will trek with Chimpanzees, Gorillas ( my favorites) and Golden Monkeys. Have
safari’s with Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, and so much more… You will be able to see
wildlife that is only found in this part of the world.
Along the way you will have myself as your Photographer Guide. Teaching you the basics from how
to use your camera to how to capture the perfect shot. We will have lessons and I will be there to
help each person one on one. I want you to leave this trip with not only the most incredible
memories of being with the animals but also beautiful photographs from our adventure.
I’m very excited to welcome you on this Adventure through Uganda. The Pearl of Africa.
Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
Park Highlights June 19 – July 3, 2021
Kidepo National Park
Nestled in the wild frontier region of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is the most isolated national park in Uganda but still
stands out to be one of the best virgin places every wildlife viewer can ever visit in Uganda. The virgin National park is undoubtly
among the best wilderness areas in Africa, harbouring a couple of extinct species of wildlife that can’t be found in any other
Ugandan National Park. Besides the exceptional Wildlife safari experience, this national park is another great spot for a cultural trail
especially those who would like to see the Karamojongs, Acholis plus other great tribes. Kidepo is the perfect park for wildlife
(Chances to spot Lions, Cheetah, Leopard, mane less zebras, kudus, buffalos, Oryx, Gazelle, Elephants, Giraffes, Elands, Roan
Antelopes, Stripped Hyenas, Jackals, Hyenas, Zebras, Reedbucks, Waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, Nile Crocodiles, Duikers, and many
other! ), cultural portraits, and landscape photography!
Murchison Falls National Park
Located in North Western Uganda it’s the largest national park of Uganda covering 3,480 sq km. The park is 300km drive from
Uganda’s capital city, Kampala. Uganda’s largest park has untamed wilderness and savannah, split through the middle by the river
Nile. MFNP has over 76 mammal species and 451 bird species; Nile river banks are a host to hippos, buffalos, waterbucks and
crocodiles. The vegetation in Murchison is Savannah and woodland. Wildlife to be seen in this area includes; lions, giraffes,
chimpanzees, hippos, leopards, elephants, antelopes and bird species. Murchison Falls is the name that was given to the point at
which the world’s longest river, the river Nile, is channeled through a narrow gorge within the Rift Valley, descending almost
50metres below.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which
include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big
game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds.
Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters
carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and
elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.
Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
Kibale National Park
The Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. A
community of chimpanzees has been habituated since 1991 and the chances of locating them are over 90%. Spending
01 Hour with the chimps will enable you to learn about their lifestyle and to discover the mysteries of their existence.
The behavior of the babies will be adorable while the older males do their very best to impress. Experience how they
feed themselves and play with each other. Listen to their chatter, see how they quarrel and make up again. You will be
amazed by their human features, as they share over 98% of our DNA.
Bwindi National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered
hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over
25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an
estimated 400 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which
can be tracked. This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several
primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species
of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest but most scenic national park. Located in South Western Uganda,
Mgahinga sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. It is an important habitat to the
remaining mountain gorillas in the world. At 33.7 square kilometers, Mgahinga National Park is the smallest National
Park in Uganda. It is located in the remote South-western district of Kisoro. It lies close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
another home to the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda. Mgahinga National Park forms part of the much larger
Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. It is bordered by is
bordered to the south by the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and to the west by the Virunga National Park of the
Democratic Republic of Congo. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and
their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery.
Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
July 19th - Arrive in Entebbe
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will transferred to the Karibu Guesthouse. You will have
time to relax and shower before our welcome dinner at 7:00pm. If you arrive early you can enjoy the beautiful
gardens of the guesthouse.
Included Airport Pickup, Accommodations at Karibu Guesthouse and Dinner.
July 20th – Flight to Kidepo National Park
After an early breakfast, we will be transferred to Kajjansi Airfield for our scheduled light aircraft flight departing
at 8:00am for Kidepo National Park. Upon arrival at the Kidepo Airfield approximately 10:00am, we will meet your
Guides in a Private 4WD Vehicle and transferred (with game viewing enroute) to the Kidepo Savannah Lodge
where we will be staying for 3 Nights. In a Self Contained Tented Room on a Full Board Basis. After Lunch we will
head out on another game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park returning to the lodge at sunset.
Included Flight to Kidepo National Park, accommodations, and all meals.
July 21 Kidepo National Park
We will start our morning with a game drive followed by lunch at the Lodge. In the afternoon we will visit an
authentic Karamajong Settlement/ Manyatta for an opportunity to photograph a local tribe and learn about their
culture.
Night at Kidepo Savannah Lodge , all meals included.
Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
June 22, 2021 – Kidepo Savannah National Park
Today we will go on a Guided Bush/Nature Walk with an Armed Ranger in the Kidepo Valley National Park. After lunch
we will go out on an evening game drive.
Night at Kidepo Savannah Lodge
All meals are included throughout.
June 23, 2021 – Travel to Murchison Falls
After breakfast we will check out of the Kidepo Savannag Lodge and set pace for Kitgum, and further on to the town
of Gulu – where we will arrive in time for lunch. After lunch we will continue to Northern Uganda and arrive at the
Fort Murchison Lodge by mid-afternoon. Time permitting we will be able to go on a short game drive in Murchison
Falls National Park and return to the lodge as the sun sets for dinner.
Drive time 6-7 Hours.
Night at Fort Murchison Lodge- All meals are included.
June 24, 2021 – Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast we will head out on a game drive on the Northern Bank of the Nile with chances of seeing
elephants, giraffes, lions and a variety of birds. Mid morning we will go on a private cruise of the Nile for game viewing
close up. After the boat cruise you will have the option to take a short scenic hike to the top of the falls – with
wonderful views along the way. We will have a packed lunch at the top of the falls before heading out on an afternoon
safari.
Night at Fort Murchison Lodge.
All meals are included throughout.
Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
June 25, 2021- Murchison Falls – Budongo Central Forest Reserve- Hoima
After breakfast we will check out of Fort Murchison Lodge and undertake another morning game drive on the Northern bank of the
Nile. After a packed lunch we will proceed to Budongo Central Forest Reserve- The largest surviving natural forest in Uganda for
Chimpanzee Tracking. Budongo offers an extremely rich bopdiversity including 24 species of small mammals, 9 species of primates
and 280 species of butterflies. It is also the natural habitat of more than 600 chimpanzees, of which a small community has been
habituated for eco-tourism purposes. This family consists of 80 individuals, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view these
amazing apes in their natural environment. Other primates that can be observed are the Black & White Colobus Monkeys, Olive
Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Grey Cheeked Mangabeys. Late afternoon you will get back out of the forest and
transferred to the town of Hoima. After dinner those who still have energy can enjoy a cultural performance.
Drive time 3 Hours
Night at the Hoima Cultural Lodge
All Meals Included
June 26, 2021 – Hoima to Kibale National Park
After breakfast we depart with a packed lunch and head towards Fort Portal and further onto the Kibale Forest National Park. This full
day journey through Uganda’s rural areas will be rewarded with stunning views while you pass small villages and local markets. We
will arrive at Kibale Forest Camp by mid-afternoon.
Drive time 5-6 Hours
Night in Kibale Forest Camp
All Meals Included
June 27, 2021- Kibale National Park – Chimp Trekking
We will start the morning with a choice. An early morning Chimp Trek or a walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary community
walk. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is situated just outside he park in Magombe Swamp. The sanctuary is a community-run initiative
aimed at conserving the unique biodiversity and environmental values of the wetland. The Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary features 08
primate species, numerous other interesting mammals, over 200 bird species, and reptiles. After your Community Based Guided Tour,
you will have lunch. And then the forest opens its doors for a sensational Chimpanzee trekking experience. By late afternoon you will
get back out of the forest and return to the Kibale Forest Camp.
Night at Kibale Forest Camp
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included
Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
June 28, 2021- Queen Elizabeth National Park
After Breakfast at the Kibale Forest Camp - you will depart the Kibale Forest at a leisurely pace via the Crater Lakes
Area to Kasese Town, the second most populous center in Western Uganda. The road passes through fertile
agricultural land and follows the lower slopes of one of Africa’s largest mountain ranges – namely the famous
Ruwenzori Mountains. On the way to Kasese Town you will pass through the little road-side town of Hima, famed
throughout Uganda for its Cement Factory. From Kasese, you will cross the Equator as the road passes though the
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda Cobs are abundant, and you may be able to observe elephants or
buffaloes in the distance. After lunch at the Mweya Safari Lodge - you will undertake the Kazinga Channel Boat
Cruise (Private) running at 14h30. The 32 Km long Kazinga Channel is a dominant feature of the Queen Elizabeth
National Park and links Lake George with Lake Edward. The channel attracts a varied range of animals and birds
and one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos year-round. After the boat-cruise you will undertake
another Game Drive before proceeding to the Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge.
Night at Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
All Meals Included
June 29, 2021 – Queen Elizabeth National Park to Lake Mutanda
After an early morning game-drive, you will depart the Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge through the South-Western
Region via Ishaka & Rukungiri to Kabale – leaving the typical East Africa Savannah Plains behind and climbing
through breathtaking scenery of rolling hills and terraced fields more characteristic of Central Africa. Kabale is one
of the largest towns in Western Uganda. From Kabale you will follow one of the most scenic roads (80 Kms) in the
country – bypassing Lake Bunyoni and with spectacular views across the valley towards the Virunga Mountains.
The road also partly passes through the bamboo and montane forest of the Echuya Forest Reserve. By mid-
afternoon / early evening you will arrive at the very scenic Lake Mutanda. Lake Mutanda is one of the few lakes in
Uganda that is bilharzias-free and therefore safe for swimming or to experience a ride in a traditional dug-out
canoe (just like the local fishermen). Time Permitting - you will have the opportunity of undertaking a motorized
boat excursion (2 Hrs) on the very scenic Lake Mutanda.
Driving Time 6-7Hours
Night at the Chameleon Hill Lodge
All Meals Included
Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
June 30, 2021 Gorilla Trekking- Bwindi National Park
Today is a big day! Our first Gorilla Trek. in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla Tracking is a captivating
and unforgettable experience which more than repays the effort needed to reach Bwindi and to trek through the
forest. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of the Gentle Giants of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
National Park surely is the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer.
Night in Chameleon Hill Lodge
All Meals Included
July 1, 2021–Lake Mutunda- Mgahinga National Park
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Mgahinga National Park to participate in Golden Monkeys
Tracking. This rare species is listed as endangered. The golden monkeys live in the bamboo vegetation towards the
base of the volcanoes. They are very sprightly creatures, and leap from tree to tree which is really entertaining, if a
little difficult to photograph. After your Golden Monkey Tour you will return to the Chameleon Hill Lodge.
Night in Chameleon Hill Lodge
All Meals Included
July 2, 2021 Gorilla Trekking #2
Today we will visit another one of the beautiful families in Bwindi National Park. Upon return we will have time to
rest up before our final night dinner and slideshow.
Night in Chameleon Hill Lodge
All Meals Included
July 3, 2021 – Travel to Kigali International Airport
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred with packed lunch back to Kisoro and onto the Uganda/Rwanda
Border. After Immigration & clearing Customs you continue towards Ruhengheri (Musanze) and Kigali. Upon arrival
in Kigali, we will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum, before being dropped off at the Kigali International
Airport for your International Flight
Drive Time 5-6 Hours
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
Cost of the Tour - $11,825
Tour Inclusions Tour exclusions
Airport & Road Transfers
2 Private Vehicles for 4 passengers each International Flights arriving in Entebbe on June 19th and
Cultural Village Tours Departing Kigali on July 3rd in the PM.
14 nights of Shared Accommodations Travel Insurance
All Meals as specified Uganda Visa (For US $50)
Park Fees and Government taxes Vaccinations (Yellow Fever is needed for this trip)
Game drives & wildlife activities with a professional guide Beverages other then water
Water & Snacks while in the Vehicle Laundry
Photography Lessons with Award Winning Photographer Personal Spending
Flight to Kidepo National Park Tips for bag handlers ($1 per bag)
2 Permits for Gorilla & Chimp Tours Any items of personal nature
Golden Monkey Trekking Permit
Rwanda Transfer Visa
Private Boat ride in Queen Elizabeth National Park & Murchison Falls
Driver and Hotel Service Tips
Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum
** Tour Price is based on Shared Accommodations- We will match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone.
If you prefer your own room the Single Supplement is $2000Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
Payment Due Dates :
Upon Registration - $4500 Secures Permits
December 15, 2020 - $2500
February 15, 2021 - $2500
April 1, 2021 – Final Payment is Due $2025
Payments can be made in Full at time of Booking or paid off at any time prior to April 1, 2021.
Acceptable Forms of Payment are All Major Credit Cards, Bank Transfers through Zelle, Venmo, or Checks.
**The initial balance is non-refundable as it hold our trekking permits. If you need to reschedule or cancel the trip
you may be able to receive some money back if the permits are filled by someone else.Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
Optional Tour Extensions
Rhinos & Shoebills - $1200
June 17-19, 2021
June 17 – Arrive at Entebbe – Night at Karibu Guest House to relax before your adventure begins. (Dinner Included)
June 18- Early morning Depart for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary -Enter the territory of the southern white rhinos on foot. Well-trained
rangers will guide you through the bush to where the rhinos are on the day of your visit. You will get the opportunity to watch
these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As these rhinos are free to move around on 7 000 hectares of
land, it is often necessary to drive to the areas where the rhinos are, before taking the bush trek. While at the sanctuary you may
also encounter a range of other wildlife species including Uganda kobs, oribis, bush bucks, water bucks among others and a
number of other bird species. After two on foot treks you will have a chance to relax and eat dinner before heading out on a night
walk. The guided night walk will introduce to you night sounds and sensations you did not know existed! This is an experience you
cannot exclude from your activities on the sanctuary. There are many nocturnal animals and who knows what you might bump
into... Tour Includes-
(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included) Airport Transfers
2 Nights of Accommodations
June 19- Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride - One of the most sought after birds to be seen in Uganda is the shoebill stork. This is one 2 Rhino Treks
of the only places that you are almost always guaranteed to see the storks. The best sighting has been 11 in one trip! Within our 1 Night Trek
swamps, these prehistoric-looking birds are nesting. An early morning (06H00) shoebill trek and canoe ride through the swamp not Private Driver and Guide
only gives you the opportunity to find the shoebill, but also to see the beautiful Ugandan sunrise over Lugogo Swamp. Water birds Meals as indicated
are plentiful and this activity is a must for anyone who loves nature or is interested in birding. After returning back from the Swamp Shoebill Trek and Canoe Ride
you will have a quick lunch before traveling back to Entebbe to meet the rest of the group for dinner.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps Trek- $3200
July 3- July 8, 2021
July 3 – Arrive at Lodge in Volcanos National Park- After crossing the border you will say goodbye to your fellow Uganda Travelers
as you head off on another adventure in Rwanda. Relax and Enjoy your evening with Dinner Included.
July 4- Volcanos National Park Gorilla Trek-Volcanos National Park is a completely different experience then Bwindi. Today you
will have the opportunity to trek with another family of Mountain Gorillas. After the trek you will be able to enjoy the beautiful
scenery around you. (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included)
July 5- An early morning departure to Nyungwe – This day is a long but beautiful drive from the northern province of Rwanda to
the Southern Province. We will arrive in Nyungwe for dinner and time to relax. (All Meals Included)
July 6- Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk- Awaken early for an early breakfast. Go to Nyungwe forest to track chimpanzees
Tour Includes- guided by rangers. These rangers are aware of best places to easily track these chimpanzees. While you hike through the verdant
Airport Transfers forest, you will find various other primates such as monkeys, which will excite you as you move closer to the forest chimpanzees.
5 Nights of Accommodations There are various Bird species as well for birdwatchers. The opportunity to see these chimpanzees are amazing, you will observe
Chimp Trek Permit them play, feed and rest. You will be allowed to take numerous pictures after this you will head back for lunch and later have a
Gorilla Trek Permit forest walk to see the beautiful twin lakes as well as various bird species. Have dinner and slumber. (All Meals Included)
Private Driver and Guide
Meals as indicated July 7- Travel to Kigali- After breakfast drive to Kigali International Airport. This journey is very fascinating as you will observe
Museum Entrances amazing sceneries all around the area. The guide will slowly drive to allow you capture the best photographs. You’ll have a
number of stopovers at Butare National Museum, Nyanza (Rukali) as well as Malaba coffee factory, plus other exciting
areas. Arrive late in the evening and check into your hotel. Have dinner and get ready for your trip home the next day. (All Meals
Included)
July 8- Depart Home at any time- Transfer to the airport from your hotel for your flight home. (Breakfast Included).Ultimate Uganda-A Wildlife Photography Tour
June 19 – July 3, 2021
Your Photographer Guide
Kathleen Ricker
Kathleen Ricker started behind the camera at the age of 13. She was always in love with wildlife and the cultures of the
World. After Graduating with a degree in Photography in 2004 she started working for Walt Disney World developing
what is now PhotoPass. In 2008, she opened her own Wedding Photography business and has since travelled the world
photographing wedding. She has even photographed a wedding in Antarctica.
While she loved photographing portraits of people her love for wildlife kept calling her. In 2014, she began her wildlife
bucketlist. It was her goal to travel the world photographing wildlife in it’s Natural Habitat. Her first stop was South
Africa and after that the travel bug hit hard. She travelled multiple times through Africa, Antarctica, and the northern
polar regions. She’s been trekking with Mountain Gorillas 10 times in DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda. And has trekked with
the Western Lowland Gorillas too. She has been cage diving with Great Whites, snorkeling with Orcas, within inches of
the big bears of Alaska, Camped on the Ice Floe Edge where Narwals and Belugas played nearby.
As her love for these wild places grew so did her desire to share her adventures with others. She wanted to bring them
out to see these creatures in their natural habitat and to fall in love with the wild and the people of the world like she
has. It took 4 years to develop and perfect tours in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. It was important for her to find the
right guides that cared about wildlife as much as she did and were excited to make sure that her guests got the perfect
shot.
In 2017 she lead her first Photography Tour to Uganda and Kenya. Since then she has led many more. Every year she adds
on new adventures for her guests!You can also read
