Africa, and specifically, East Africa has been on our travel bucket list since we created a travel bucket list. Timing and budgets have been the only thing preventing us from going to East Africa. Fortunately, everything aligned for us this year. We originally planned to spend the majority of 2 weeks in Rwanda. After researching what we wanted to do and assessing cost, those plans changed, as Uganda is significantly less expensive than Rwanda. For example, gorilla tracking is half the cost in Uganda as it is in Rwanda. It’s even less expensive in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the possibility of not coming back from seeing the gorillas or not even seeing the gorillas at all was too much of a gamble. The DRC is seemingly not a safe travel decision at all. Anyway, we could not have been more thrilled with our trip.

This post highlights some of my favorite photo captures of our trip. In total, I captured 7,000 images. Of those, they were culled down to only the best 731 images. Our East Africa trip is divided into two posts, one for each country we visited.

Photography gear taken on this trip

If I were to go on a safari trip again, and one which includes significant portions in very dense forests, I would rent or purchase a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. The 2.8 would have let in more light and kept my ISO down to more favorable levels. The Fujifilm 16-80 f/4 was almost perfect for dense forest with limited light, however, the X-T3’s autofocus is not close to Canon’s and when you’ve been hiking for over an hour, mostly up hill with uneven terrain, and you finally come across gorillas, but you’re a sweaty mess; Canon’s ability to see better than you can is invaluable. What isn’t so awesome is the EOS R7’s high ISO (12800) noise level. Had I not had foggy glasses (due to hiking, wearing a mask and it being humid) the entire time we were with gorillas, the Fujifilm would have been perfect adequate, as my ISO never went above 6400. So, again, for gorilla tracking, if I were to do it again, I would put a 70-200mm 2.8 on the Canon, but still bring the 100-400mm for birds and for tighter wildlife portraits. Overall, I am very happy with my captures. I have yet to use denoise software, but maybe staring at some of these 12800 ISO images for a while will make me reconsider.



Uganda

While in Uganda, we traveled around a lot. In total, we stayed at 5 different hotels/lodges. We tracked chimpanzees in Kibale National Forest, visited Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives, took several boat rides to view hippos, elephants, water buffalo, and, perhaps the central highlight of the trip: tracked gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Our trip was unforgettable and one we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives.


Street views and scenery

The following images were either captured while in motion, traveling between locations in our guide’s Land Cruiser, or they were captured while walking around near wherever we were staying.

Woman walking down the street while balancing a water jug on her head, Entebbe, Uganda
Woman walking down the street while balancing a water jug on her head, Entebbe, Uganda
Woman walking down the street while balancing a water jug on her head, Entebbe, Uganda
Woman walking down the street while balancing a water jug on her head, Entebbe, Uganda
Store fronts, Entebbe, Uganda
Store fronts, Entebbe, Uganda
Fruit stand, Entebbe, Uganda
Fruit stand, Entebbe, Uganda
Fruit stand, Entebbe, Uganda
Fruit stand, Entebbe, Uganda
Person riding a motorcycle full of bananas, Entebbe, Uganda
Person riding a motorcycle full of bananas, Entebbe, Uganda
Women on the road, Entebbe, Uganda
Women on the road, Entebbe, Uganda
Fruit stand, Entebbe, Uganda
Fruit stand, Entebbe, Uganda
Traffic street view, Entebbe, Uganda
Traffic street view, Entebbe, Uganda
Store front views, Entebbe, Uganda
Store front views, Entebbe, Uganda
Person leading a couple goats along the road, Entebbe, Uganda
Person leading a couple goats along the road, Entebbe, Uganda
Person leading a couple goats along the road, Entebbe, Uganda
Person leading a couple goats along the road, Entebbe, Uganda
People working on a new building, Entebbe, Uganda
People working on a new building, Entebbe, Uganda
People hanging out in front of homes, Entebbe, Uganda
People hanging out in front of homes, Entebbe, Uganda
Hillside view with several large ant hills and a building that resembles the sun coming up over the horizon, Entebbe, Uganda
Hillside view with several large ant hills and a building that resembles the sun coming up over the horizon, Entebbe, Uganda
People hanging out in front of homes, Entebbe, Uganda
People hanging out in front of homes, Entebbe, Uganda
People hanging out in front of homes, Entebbe, Uganda
People hanging out in front of homes, Entebbe, Uganda
People walking along the road, Entebbe, Uganda
People walking along the road, Entebbe, Uganda
Fruit and vegetable stand, Entebbe, Uganda
Fruit and vegetable stand, Entebbe, Uganda
A young boy tending to the family cows, Entebbe, Uganda
A young boy tending to the family cows, Entebbe, Uganda
Fruit and vegetable market, Entebbe, Uganda
Fruit and vegetable market, Entebbe, Uganda
Person pushing a bicycle full of bananas, Entebbe, Uganda
Street view of a person pushing a bicycle full of bananas. Entebbe, Uganda
People on a motorcycle next to a wooden box full of watermelon and pineapple, Entebbe, Uganda
Street view of people on a motorcycle next to a wooden box full of watermelon and pineapple, Entebbe, Uganda
People on a motorcycle next to a wooden box full of watermelon and pineapple, Entebbe, Uganda
Street view of people on a motorcycle next to a wooden box full of watermelon and pineapple, Entebbe, Uganda
Street view wth sign that reads 'Slow down on a rainy day', Entebbe, Uganda
Street view wth sign that reads "Slow down on a rainy day", Entebbe, Uganda
Street views on the road with our driver, Simon, Entebbe, Uganda
Street views on the road with our driver, Simon, Entebbe, Uganda
People on the street in front of stores, Uganda
People on the street in front of stores, Uganda
Food stalls and items for sale, EUganda
Food stalls and items for sale, Uganda
People working, Uganda
People working, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front, Uganda
Store front, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front selling milk and juice, Uganda
Store front selling milk and juice, Uganda
Child playing with a roller by a store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Child playing with a paint roller by a store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store front and fruit stand, Uganda
Store fronts, Uganda
Store fronts, Uganda
Street views, people hanging out, Uganda
Street views, people hanging out, Uganda
People hanging out in front of homes, Uganda
People hanging out in front of homes, Uganda
Person sitting on a curb under a parking sign, Uganda
Person sitting on a curb under a parking sign, Uganda
Store front, Uganda
Store front, Uganda
Store front, Uganda
Store front, Uganda
Person sitting behind an air compressor in front of store fronts, Uganda
Person sitting behind an air compressor in front of store fronts, Uganda
Stack of tires in front of store fronts, Uganda
Stack of tires in front of store fronts, Uganda
Street views and Airtel mobile kiosk, Uganda
Street views and Airtel mobile kiosk, Uganda
People hanging out in front of stores, Uganda
People hanging out in front of stores, Uganda
A family and a fruit stand, Uganda
A family and a fruit stand, Uganda
People on motorcycles on a dirt road, Uganda
People on motorcycles on a dirt road, Uganda
Person riding a bicycle on a dirt road, Uganda
Person riding a bicycle on a dirt road, Uganda
Two kids pushing a bicycle filled with bananas, Uganda
Two kids pushing a bicycle filled with bananas, Uganda
Person riding a motorcycle on a dirt road, Uganda
Person riding a motorcycle on a dirt road, Uganda
Person riding a motorcycle on a dirt road, Uganda
Person riding a motorcycle on a dirt road, Uganda
Kids carrying branch bundles on their heads, Uganda
Kids carrying branch bundles on their heads, Uganda
Kids carrying branch bundles on their heads, Uganda
Kids carrying branch bundles on their heads, Uganda
Kids carrying laundry baskets on their heads, Uganda
Kids carrying laundry baskets on their heads, Uganda
People hanging out under trees, Uganda
People hanging out under trees, Uganda
People hanging out under trees, Uganda
People hanging out under trees, Uganda
A family of five on a motorcycle, Uganda
A family of five on a motorcycle, Uganda
A family of five on a motorcycle, Uganda
A family of five on a motorcycle, Uganda
Mother and child walking home, Uganda
Mother and child walking home, Uganda
Mother and child walking home, Uganda
Mother and child walking home, Uganda
Two people pushing a bicycle filled with bananas, Uganda
Two people pushing a bicycle filled with bananas, Uganda
Person wearing colorful clothes walking to the side of the road, Uganda
Person wearing colorful clothes walking to the side of the road, Uganda
Mother walking with child and carrying a bunch of branches on their head, Uganda
Mother walking with child and carrying a bunch of branches on their head, Uganda
Mother walking with child and carrying a bunch of branches on their head, Uganda
Mother walking with child and carrying a bunch of branches on their head, Uganda
Kyamuhunga town sign, person on a motorcycle and person carrying a bundle on their head, Uganda
Kyamuhunga town sign, person on a motorcycle and person carrying a bundle on their head, Uganda
Street scenes, Uganda
Street scenes, Uganda
Street scenes, Uganda
Street scenes, Uganda
Street scenes, Uganda
Street scenes, Uganda
Street scenes from inside our vehicle with our driver, Simon, Uganda
Street scenes from inside our vehicle with our driver, Simon, Uganda
Street scenes of people at a market, Uganda
Street scenes of people at a market, Uganda
Street scenes of people at a market, Uganda
Street scenes of people at a market, Uganda
Street scenes of people at a market, Uganda
Street scenes of people at a market, Uganda
Street scenes of people at a market, Uganda
Street scenes of people at a market, Uganda
Street scenes of people at a market, Uganda
Street scenes of people at a market, Uganda
Women walking along the street, one with a bundle on her head, Uganda
Women walking along the street, one with a bundle on her head, Uganda
People walking along the street, one person is carrying a goat, Uganda
People walking along the street, one person is carrying a goat, Uganda
People walking along the street, one person is carrying a table on their head, Uganda
People walking along the street, one person is carrying a table on their head, Uganda
People walking along the street, Uganda
People walking along the street, Uganda
Woman walking along the street with a colorful basket on her head, Uganda
Woman walking along the street with a colorful basket on her head, Uganda
Women walking along the street with colorful baskets on their head, Uganda
Women walking along the street with colorful baskets on their head, Uganda
Women walking along the street, one carrying a bundle of branches on their head, Uganda
Women walking along the street, one carrying a bundle of branches on their head, Uganda
Person walking with their cows, Uganda
Person walking with their cows, Uganda
Person walking with a bundle on their head, Uganda
Person walking with a bundle on their head, Uganda
Three kids waving with their hands covered in brick dust, Uganda
Three kids waving with their hands covered in brick dust, Uganda
Women walking along the street, one carrying a bundle on their head, Uganda
Women walking along the street, one carrying a bundle on their head, Uganda
Women walking along the street, one carrying a bundle on their head, Uganda
Women walking along the street, one carrying a bundle on their head, Uganda
Woman walking along the street carrying a bundle on their head, Uganda
Woman walking along the street carrying a bundle on their head, Uganda
Woman walking along the street carrying a bundle on their head, Uganda
Woman walking along the street carrying a bundle on their head, Uganda
Kid carrying a smaller kid on their back, Uganda
Kid carrying a smaller kid on their back, Uganda
Kid carrying a bucket on their head, Uganda
Kid carrying a bucket on their head, Uganda
Person carrying a bucket on their head, Uganda
Person carrying a bucket on their head, Uganda
Person carrying a bucket on their head, Uganda
Person carrying a bucket on their head, Uganda
Person carrying a bucket on their head, Uganda
Person carrying a bucket on their head, Uganda

Landscapes and Scenery

The following images were mostly captured from the lodges in which we stayed. Others were captured while in motion, moving between locations, in our guide’s Land Cruiser.

Half and half tree landscape, Uganda
Half and half tree landscape, Uganda
Landscape views, Uganda
Landscape views, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Landscape view from our grass-topped hut at Chimpanzee Lodge, Uganda
Coffee beans on a coffee tree, Uganda
Coffee beans on a coffee tree, Uganda
Coffee beans on a coffee tree, Uganda
Coffee beans on a coffee tree, Uganda
Coffee beans on a coffee tree, Uganda
Coffee beans on a coffee tree, Uganda
Single tree in front of layered hills, Uganda
Single tree in front of layered hills, Uganda
Landscape rolling hills, Uganda
Landscape rolling hills, Uganda
People in a boat on the Kazinga Channel, Uganda
People in a boat on the Kazinga Channel, Uganda
People in a boat on the Kazinga Channel, Uganda
People in a boat on the Kazinga Channel, Uganda
People in a boat on the Kazinga Channel, Uganda
People in a boat on the Kazinga Channel, Uganda
People in a boat on the Kazinga Channel, Uganda
People in a boat on the Kazinga Channel, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum and Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum and Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum and Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum and Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum and Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum and Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum and Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum and Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum and Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Road and rolling hills landscape, Uganda
Road and rolling hills landscape, Uganda
Tree landscape with person riding a motorcycle, Uganda
Tree landscape with person riding a motorcycle, Uganda
Tree landscape with person riding a motorcycle, Uganda
Tree landscape with person riding a motorcycle, Uganda
Rolling hills farm, Uganda
Rolling hills farm, Uganda
Rolling hills farm, Uganda
Rolling hills farm, Uganda
UNRA landscape, Uganda
UNRA landscape, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Euphorbia candelabrum and Queen Elizabeth National Park landscape, Uganda
Two women in a boat on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Two women in a boat on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Two women in a boat on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Two women in a boat on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Two women in a boat on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Two women in a boat on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Two women in a boat on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Two women in a boat on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Farmer farming on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Farmer farming on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Farmer farming on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Farmer farming on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Rolling hills farmland landscape, Uganda
Rolling hills farmland landscape, Uganda
Rolling hills farmland landscape, Uganda
Rolling hills farmland landscape, Uganda
Rolling hills with farmer farming on farmland landscape, Uganda
Rolling hills with farmer farming on farmland landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling hills farmland landscape, Uganda
Rolling hills farmland landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Duck flying over water with rolling hills landscape, Uganda
Duck flying over water with rolling hills landscape, Uganda
Foggy water landscape, Uganda
Foggy water landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda
Rolling, layered hills landscape, Uganda

Birds and wildlife

We saw so many colorful, interesting, or just plain weird looking birds.

Green-Headed Sunbird, Uganda
Green-Headed Sunbird, Uganda
Green-Headed Sunbird, Uganda
Green-Headed Sunbird, Uganda
African Blue Flycatcher, Uganda
African Blue Flycatcher, Uganda
African Blue Flycatcher, Uganda
African Blue Flycatcher, Uganda
African Blue Flycatcher, Uganda
African Blue Flycatcher, Uganda
African Blue Flycatcher, Uganda
African Blue Flycatcher, Uganda
Bronze mannikin, Uganda
Bronze mannikin, Uganda
Black-and-white-casqued hornbill, Uganda
Black-and-white-casqued hornbill, Uganda
Violet-Breasted Sunbird and Brimstone Canary on a tree branch, Uganda
Violet-Breasted Sunbird and Brimstone Canary on a tree branch, Uganda
Violet-Breasted Sunbird and Brimstone Canary on a tree branch, Uganda
Violet-Breasted Sunbird and Brimstone Canary on a tree branch, Uganda
African fish eagles at the top of a tree, Uganda
African fish eagles at the top of a tree, Uganda
Pied kingfisher, Uganda
Pied kingfisher, Uganda
Little pied cormorant, Uganda
Little pied cormorant, Uganda
African fish eagle, Uganda
African fish eagle, Uganda
Red-necked spurfowl, Uganda
Red-necked spurfowl, Uganda
Palmnut Vultures, Uganda
Palmnut Vultures, Uganda
Palmnut Vulture, Uganda
Palmnut Vulture, Uganda
Palmnut Vulture, Uganda
Palmnut Vulture, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Brown snake eagle, Uganda
Black-headed weaver, Uganda
Black-headed weaver, Uganda
Black-headed weaver, Uganda
Black-headed weaver, Uganda
Black-headed weaver, Uganda
Black-headed weaver, Uganda
Black-headed weaver, Uganda
Black-headed weaver, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Red-chested sunbird, Uganda
Black-winged kite, Uganda
Black-winged kite, Uganda
Red-necked spurfowl on an anthill, Uganda
Red-necked spurfowl on an anthill, Uganda
African wattled lapwing on an anthill, Uganda
African wattled lapwing on an anthill, Uganda
African wattled lapwing on an anthill, Uganda
African wattled lapwing on an anthill, Uganda
Yellow-billed duck on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Yellow-billed duck on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Great cormorants on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Great cormorants on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Great cormorants on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Great cormorants on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Great cormorants on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Great cormorants on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Great cormorants on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Great cormorants on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Great cormorants on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Great cormorants on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Pied kingfisher on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Pied kingfisher on a tree branch on Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

Crocodiles

Crocodile, Uganda
Crocodile, Uganda
Crocodile, Uganda
Crocodile, Uganda

Chimpanzee tracking - Kibale National Park

Our chimpanzee tracking experience was wonderful. Unfortunately, on our outing the chimpanzees refused to come down from the trees they were sleeping in, but I was still able to get some decent shots. The hike through the Kibale National Park was fairly easy and mostly over flat terrain.

Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Baby chimpanzee with its mama in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Chimpanzee in a tree surrounded by branches, Kibale National Park, Uganda

Hippos

Hippos everywhere! We absolutely couldn’t get enough hippos on this trip. Most of the captures below were taken from a boat while in the Kazinga Channel.

Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippos in water, Uganda
Hippos in water, Uganda
Hippos in water, Uganda
Hippos in water, Uganda
Hippos in water, Uganda
Hippos in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda
Hippo in water, Uganda

Elephants

Elephants are the best. I will never get tired of watching elephants. Many of the captures below were taken while in a boat on the Kazinga Channel or while in a vehicle at Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Elephants on the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants on the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants walking along the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants walking along the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephant drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants drinking water at the water's edge, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Elephant close up, Uganda
Elephant close up, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Baby elephant trying to climb over a hill, Uganda
Elephants on the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants on the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants on the water's edge, Uganda
Elephants on the water's edge, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Herd of elephants in the water, Uganda
Elephant in the water, Uganda
Elephant in the water, Uganda
Elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Uganda Kob

Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Two Male Uganda Kob, Uganda
Two Male Uganda Kob, Uganda
Uganda Kob crossing the road, Uganda
Uganda Kob crossing the road, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda
Herd of Uganda Kob, Uganda

Lions

We saw a couple lions while in Queen Elizabeth National Park. We were fortunate enough to see one in a Euphorbia candelabrum, however, unfortunately, it was quite far from our vehicle and at the end of my lens’ focal range (600mm). I’m happy to have captured some photos, but do wish the lion was a bit clearer/less noisy.

Lion in a Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Lion in a Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Lion in a Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Lion in a Euphorbia candelabrum, Uganda
Lion laying in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Lion laying in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Lion laying in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Lion laying in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Lion laying in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Lion laying in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Water Buffalo

We learned about “loser” buffalos. A loser buffalo is an older buffalo who is too slow to keep living with the herd. Loser buffalo are kicked out of the herd and must live their remaining days alone or with other losers. It’s sad, but I suppose it’s a necessary part of the life of water buffalo.

'loser' Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
"loser" Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
'loser' Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
"loser" Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Herd of Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Herd of Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Water Buffalo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Gorilla Tracking - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Our gorilla tracking experience was intense. Our group hiked mostly uphill through the mountains for an hour and a half before finding the gorilla family we were tracking. Once we were with the gorillas we had to put on our face masks (to protect the gorillas from any possible diseases we may have and to protect us from any possible disease any gorilla may have). We were able to hang out with them for an hour before hiking back to where we started. The whole experience lasted around 4 hours. The most difficult aspect of capturing images of the gorillas, and one which I did not prepare for, was the fact that I’d be a sweaty mess, with foggy glasses, and unable to effectively see the gorillas through my camera’s viewfinder. Thankfully, my Canon’s autofocus could see better than I could and it captured some great images. I mentioned this at the top of the post, but I have to mention it here, too, that the noise levels in some of these images is less than ideal. I was shooting an ISO of 12800 due to lighting conditions in the dense jungle, coupled with not using a fast lens – one with an aperture lower than f5.6. If I were to go gorilla tracking today, I would rent a 70-200mm 2.8 lens and call it a day. So if you’re going gorilla tracking, please, learn from me and rent or purchase a 70-200mm 2.8 equivalent lens. I adore Fujifilm, but their autofocus can not match the Canon EOS R7. If I could have seen the gorillas well through my Fujifilm viewfinder, I think the 16-80 f4 would have been almost perfect. Having a bit more length would have been perfect, which is, again, why a 70-200mm 2.8 would have been perfect. Okay, end rant.

One other challenge to effectively capturing photographs of the gorillas is that where we had to stand/sit while with the gorillas was precarious at best – full of thick vegetation and tree roots.

Toward the end of our time with the gorillas, one of the trackers was clearing debris/vegetation between the male silverback shown below and the rest of the family who we couldn’t see from our vantage point. The tracker got a bit too close and the silverback wasn’t happy about it and charged the tracker. No one was hurt, thankfully, just scared. We left with a story to tell.

Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla details: hands, in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla details: hands, in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla making faces in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla making faces in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla making faces in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla making faces in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla making faces in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla making faces in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla making faces in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla making faces in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla details: hands, in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Female gorilla details: nose/head, in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback and female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback and baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback and female gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Male Silverback and baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Baby gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Final thoughts

Uganda is an incredible place to visit. While driving across the country, one can observe so much activity. Every town is packed with activity and things to see. If I had to pick my two favorite parts of visiting Uganda, they would be: visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park and the entire experience gorilla tracking. If you were to ask me to name what our favorite lodge/sleeping accommodation was, I would tell you all about the fantastic Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, its good food, friendly staff, and its beautiful scenery.

At the end of my forthcoming post on Rwanda, I will post some thoughts about the differences we observed between Uganda and Rwanda.