I’m on my way back from Uganda after seeing the most amazing wildlife in my entire life with the highlight being the mountain gorillas. I feel so very humble from this experience and so incredibly happy. ” Gillian Read

Mountain gorilla photography – a unique experience

The expectation on this mountain gorilla photography tour is enough to make you tingle. Meeting these great apes is so special, that mere words cannot begin to do it justice. But Uganda is more than a one trick wonder. It marks the transitional point between East African savannah, West African rainforest and the semi-desert of the North. Packed with wildlife, boasting 342 mammal species including 19 primates, and over a 1000 different kind of birds. Mountain gorillas might be the highlight; but you’ll also meet chimpanzees, tree climbing lions, elephants, hippos and so much more.

 

Conservation is at the heart of this mountain gorilla photography tour. Included in the cost is a donation to Gorilla Doctors  and you’ll get to meet one of their vets the evening before our first gorilla trek. Usually they will also accompany us on our gorilla trek the following day. Their inspiring work is one of the reasons this is such a positive conservation success – there’s more mountain gorillas than there has been for several decades and numbers continue to steadily increase. Ethical tourism really does make the difference here. This is way beyond a tour. It’s a rare opportunity to photograph some of the world’s most iconic primates while contributing to their survival.

f you’re dreaming of coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas, chances are you’re considering either Uganda or Rwanda. I’ve spent huge amounts of time in both countries over the last twenty years and personally I far prefer Uganda. Here’s why.

Let’s start with the numbers. While Rwanda is known primarily for its mountain gorillas, Uganda is home to 19 species of primates – more than any other country in Africa. These include:

• Chimpanzees (in Kibake, Budongo & Kyambura gorge.
• Golden monkeys (in Mgahinga)
• Olive baboons
• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Red colobus
• Black & white colobus
• Red tailed monkeys
• Blue monkeys
• Grey cheeked mangabey and many more

So while gorillas may be the main reason you come, you’ll leave with memories of so many special wildlife encounters.

Uganda’s landscapes are nothing short of spectacular. From the could forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the volcanic slopes of Mgahinga, the scenery is diverse, dramatic and unspoiled. What sets Uganda apart is the feeling of true wilderness. Gorilla treks here involve walking along lush paths in some of my favourite forests in the world. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is beautiful too, but the landscape in Rwanda is far more manicured and the treks more commercial. On My Uganda mountain gorilla photography trips along with numerous primate species you’ll almost certainly see Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and the infamous Shoebill. There’s well over a 1000 bird species in Uganda and they will be a feature of everywhere we go.

My next mountain gorilla photography holiday will take place in January 2027. Exact dates to be confirmed soon, Contact me here to express an advanced interest.

To be confirmed soon …

To be confirmed soon …

Nothing prepares you for the moment you come face to face with a wild mountain gorilla. It’s not just the size or strength — it’s the intelligence in their eyes, the quiet authority, and the feeling that you’re witnessing something truly rare.That’s exactly what you’ll experience on my mountain gorilla photography tours — small, conservation-focused trips into the forests of Uganda, with special access to photograph these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

🦍 The Hour That Stays With You Forever

After a guided trek through dense montane forest, you’ll come into a quiet clearing — and there they are. A habituated gorilla family going about their day. Babies playing, mothers grooming, a silverback watching over his group. For one hour, you’ll observe and photograph from a few meters away. It’s intimate, humbling, and unforgettable. That hour may be the most intense photographic experience of your life — and I’ll help you make every frame count.

📸 Photographing Gorillas Ethically and Effectively

Because the time is limited and the moment is powerful, I offer guidance on how to prepare — from camera settings to composition. You’ll learn how to photograph respectfully, without disrupting their space, and how to capture emotion, texture, and storytelling in your images. And if you’d rather keep your camera down and just take it all in, that’s completely valid too. Many do.

🐒 Beyond Gorillas: Golden Monkeys and Forest Life

In addition to gorillas, trips include a chance to photograph the lively and colorful golden monkeys, which inhabit the same forests. These agile primates contrast beautifully with the slow, thoughtful movements of the gorillas — and offer fantastic action photography opportunities. Along the way, you might encounter forest elephants, tropical birds, and other wildlife unique to these ecosystems.

🌍 Supporting Gorilla Doctors: Conservation With a Purpose

This tour isn’t just about wildlife watching. A donation is made to Gorilla Doctors, the only organisation providing veterinary care to wild gorillas. You’ll learn about their groundbreaking work and see how responsible tourism can directly contribute to the survival of these critically endangered animals.

Final Thoughts

Standing just meters from a mountain gorilla changes you. It shifts something inside — makes the world feel smaller, wilder, more connected. If you’re ready for an experience that’s not only breathtaking but deeply meaningful, I’d love to share it with you on the next mountain gorilla photography tour.

“My mountain. gorilla photography holiday turned into a wonderful, unforgetable adventure.  To find myself in such beautiful places, so incredibly close to an amazing variety of wildlife that I have, all my life, only marvelled at in books & TV documentaries was a surprisingly emotional experience.  From the rareshoebilll in swamps to chimpanzees & awesome gorilla families in their forest homes. Lakes filled with exotic birds, crocodiles & hippos. And so fortunate to see up close lions & leopard relaxing in trees on the savanna. We watched beautiful sunrises & sunsets from our comfortable lodges. Oh yes nearly forgot – my photograhpic skills have definately improved & I have some pleasing photos that I shall cherish forever. So a big thank you Ian. Warmest wishes Pat x”

“Thanks for a such a great Ugandan trip. As you said, it is a very beautiful country with wonderful people, and a superb variety of wildlife. For me it was like going on holiday with a small group of friends. Thanks for your relaxed,friendly,entertaining and informative tour leadership.”” Barbara Sampson

“Just returned from an incredible adventure in beautiful Uganda, wonderful people and amazing experiences of a life time. Gorilla, chimpanzee, giraffe, lion, zebra, buffalo, hippos, antelope and a 100 bird species! Unforgettable!,’Rob and Chris

“We are both quite experienced travellers, used to planning our own trips, but never in a million years could we have assembled a trip like this. Just such a range & depth of experience in quite a compressed period, truly inspirational” Peter and Jenny Barham

“What a trip ! Our small multinational group got on famously and had the most wonderful gorilla and chimpanzee encounters. And also large portions of buffalo, elephant, shoebill, colobus monkey, and kingfisher with a bit of cheetah and cub on the side. Awesome, awesome, awesome. A month later and we’re still buzzing. An amazing country with amazing, friendly people. Even having to bribe the speedcop who pinged Ian was fun.” Russell and Jo Watkins

“This trip to Uganda with Ian was a once in a lifetime experience filled with incredible wildlife, lovely scenery and wonderful people (both on the trip and the Ugandans alike). Ian is a great guide with a vast knowledge of the surroundings and history. Moreover, his warmth and kindness meant that by the time I left after the 10 days, I felt we had gotten to know eachother so well, that it was like leaving old friends. As a primatologist who has seen and worked with a wide variety of primate species including orangutans and ring-tailed lemurs, I thought those experiences would be hard to top. However, our gorilla trek especially was absolutely mind-blowing and one I will never forget. To top it off Ian introduced me to Jane Goodall – possibly making this the best trip ever! Thank you so much for an utterly awe-inspiring experience ! I look forward to another adventure together in the near future !” Carolyn Thompson

“Thanks again for organising such a fantastic trip to Uganda, with such a lovely bunch of people. Our Guide Ronnie was an absolute treasure and a credit to his family. Seeing Gorillas in the wild was definitely one of the favourites on my mental bucket list, and in reality it certainly didn’t disappoint! Seeing them in the wild was fantastic, but the adventure of tracking them was exhausting but absolutely amazing! Each day brought new adventures. The trip into the Kyamburu Gorge was another brilliant day, and I hadn’t realised just how different in looks and personality each of the Chimps were. I’ve seen them at Monkey World in the UK, but it’s a whole new experience to actually meet them in their natural world! Being so close to them and looking into their eyes was a very emotional experience. The whole trip was fantastic, and when I look back at my photos I can’t believe how much we actually packed in. As I’ve already said, each day brought new and different adventures and I feel very lucky indeed that I was able to play a part in those adventures. Kindest regards to you Ian, and I hope one day to be part of another adventure. ” Val

“Adventuring with Ian is so special- especially if – like me- you typically do not like group travel. But this trip is different – there is a relaxed and open feeling and I enjoyed every moment for its presence and richness. The most important moments are not in my photos or memories. They are in my heart. Thank you so much.” Barbara Draimin

” I’m on my way back from Uganda after seeing the most amazing wildlife in my entire life with the highlight being the mountain gorillas..I feel so very humble from this experience and incredibly happy!” Gillian Read

” This was my second trip with Ian having been with him to Borneo to see the orangutans two years ago. Our chimpanzee and mountain gorilla encounters were intimate and we also saw a huge range of other wildlife during our time in Uganda. Hippos, elephants, buffalo, Red Colobus monkeys, Black & white Colobus monkeys, Vervets, Baboons, Red Tailed monkeys. The Shoebill and so many other birds that I lost count. ” Linden Crowley

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