Douglas Steakley
Photography Tours and Expeditions
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Photography Tours and Expeditions
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THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS OF UGANDA
June 21-27, 2018
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO THE MASAI MARA, KENYA
June 27-July 2, 2018
A large Silverback poses for a photograph
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Join professional photographer Doug Steakley on this seven day photo safari to The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda for an unforgettable close-up encounter with the mountain gorillas. You will always remember your first encounter in the highlands jungle with a large silverback and his family of several females, adolescents and babies. These non-aggressive, vegetarian gorilla groups are accustomed to visitors and are accessible by hiking into their habitats in the steep, forested hills of south west Uganda.
ROOMS AT BWINDI LODGE
We will spend five nights in Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, a beautiful setting near the entrance of the park where we will make three treks in to see different gorilla families. Some of the groups are nearby and relatively easy to visit, while some may be higher up in the jungle and require several hours of trekking to see them. There are times when the gorillas walk through the grounds of the Bwindi Lodge and spend the night nearby. Mountain gorillas move to a different location every day, foraging for fresh food sources.
Recent renovations at the Bwindi Lodge means that visitors do not have to go without western luxuries, the elegant rooms now have full modern bathrooms with his and her sinks, flush toilets and solar showers. The lodge has 8 spacious cabanas that feature comfortable king size beds covered with mosquito nets, even though. mosquitoes are rare in this locale. Each room has an outdoor seating area overlooking the adjacent forest and each comes with an assistant who will ensure that your needs are met. The rooms are cleaned daily and include a turn-down service with hot water bottles placed in the beds to add warmth to the cool mountain nights. Gorilla trekking can be a muddy affair so guests are offered complimentary laundry and shoe cleaning. All rooms are decorated in colorful fabrics often worn by locals and stunning prints of the gorillas. While the rooms have simple decorations, the warm earth tones make for an inviting atmosphere, allowing one feel at home while being surrounded by the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP UNIQUE?
We will make three trips to visit gorilla families and this can be very helpful for having optimal light. The best light to photograph the gorillas is when the days are overcast or cloudy. Sunlight on the black fur of the gorillas creates contrast, so we will be hoping for soft light, which happens frequently in this rain-forest environment.
I have made about 20 previous hikes to visit mountain gorillas families, and I will be available before and during the trip to provide assistance and answer questions about camera settings, exposure, clothing, equipment or anything else that may arise.
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Volcanoes Bwidni Lodge
CAN I MAKE THE HIKES TO SEE THE GORILLAS?
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where the gorilla families live, ranges in elevation from 4000’-8000’ and is a tropical rain-forest. The treks begin along trails, but soon turn into following the guide and trackers through dense jungle growth. These hikes can be moderately strenuous and are not for everyone. However the pace is slow and the guides are accommodating and helpful, offering a hand when necessary. It is important to able to hike up hill at elevation at a slow pace for a couple of hours or more. Gorillas eat and move in the mornings and evenings and when we come to them they are usually resting or foraging. The guide-naturalist and trackers are very helpful and when we find the family they will often clear the brush so we will have better views and be able to see and photograph the gorillas in their natural habitat. We are asked to stay twenty feet back, but frequently a curious baby or adolescent will approach closer.
At the trailhead we will meet porters who will carry our camera bags or backpacks up to the gorillas. Some of the porters were former poachers so we provide employment which assists the local economy and also provides a viable alternative to poaching. Not carrying gear in the jungle makes the hike much more pleasant and enjoyable. Our backpacks contain water, rain gear and camera equipment.
We will be staying at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge which is located near the entrance to The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The day begins early with breakfast around 6 am so we can have an orientation before beginning our hikes in to see
the gorillas. The trail-heads are located about a 1/2 mile walk from the lodge. We then trek into the jungle and visit a gorilla family for an hour. This may sound like
a short period of time but there are numerous opportunities for photography and
it is not unusual to take hundreds of images. If we return early we will have time to relax and enjoy the lodge and surrounding forest.
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"Follow me"
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Hiking through the jungle to visit the gorillas
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ITINERARY
DAY ONE-THURSDAY, JUNE 21
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where you will be met by one of our guides and transferred to the luxurious Protea Marriott Hotel in Entebbe to overnight. If you are joining this tour from Botswana and Zambia, it will be necessary to spend the night of May 30 in Johannesburg to catch a connecting flight on May 31.
DAY TWO-FRIDAY, JUNE 22
After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our one hour flight to Kihihi Airstrip. Upon landing we will be met by our local guide who will drive us for two hours to the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. Depending upon our arrival time we may explore the lodge grounds with its clear mountain stream or visit a nearby village. Breakfast, lunch, dinner included all days at the lodge. The approximate flying time is one hour and driving time is two hours.
DAY THREE-SATURDAY, JUNE 23-GORILLA TRACKING
After enjoying an early breakfast, we will set off gorilla tracking. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills and then finally coming across the gorillas in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment. Tracking in the Bwindi forest requires stamina and sometimes can take most of the day, but the pace will be slow and porters will carry our gear.
DAY FOUR-SUNDAY, JUNE 24-GORILLA TRACKING
Today will be similar to the day before. We will get up for an early breakfast early and set off tracking a new family group in a different area of the forest.
DAY FIVE-MONDAY, JUNE 25-REST DAY AT CAMP
After two days of trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, we will have a rewarding rest day. This will give us an opportunity to relax around the beautiful camp, get a massage or visit a nearby Batwa village. There are also several nearby walks available, including three waterfalls.
DAY SIX-TUESDAY, JUNE 26-GORILLA TRACKING
Today we will set out on our final day of gorilla tracking in the Ugandan forest. We will look for a different gorilla family and hope they are not far from our lodge.
DAY SEVEN-WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27-DEPARTURE
After breakfast we will transfer to the local airport for our flight back to Entebbe International Airport and connect with flights back to the USA.
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COST AND DETAILS
The cost for the tour is $6480.00 per person, double occupancy and a $2500.00 deposit is required with registration. The registration fee covers deposits on the lodge rooms and permits to visit the gorilla families. This tour can accommodate 6-8 participants and a minimum of 6 will be required. The single supplement fee is $495.00
I will send out additional information about what to wear and what to bring well in advance of the tour.
Please read the Terms and Conditions. Print and fill out the Registration Form and Liability Release Form and return them to me by mail along with a non-refundable deposit check for $2500.00.
Doug Steakley
P. O. Box 736
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
INCLUDED
~Driver and assistance from the Entebbe Airport and back and all transportation in Uganda
~Local flights as shown in the itinerary-Entebbe/Kihihi/Entebbe
~Professional English-speaking tour guide and driver
~National Park and Game Reserve Entrance Fees
~All meals at the Bwindi Lodge
~Three gorilla-trekking permits in Uganda's Bwindi Forest
~Photographic assistance and guidance
~Laundry and shoe-cleaning at the lodge
NOT INCLUDED
~Visa for Uganda, which costs $50 and must be obtained in advance
~Alcoholic Beverages
~Tips for the driver/guide and gratuities to porters and staff
~International Flights
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A young gorilla receives some fatherly advice
A WORD ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
While this safari is designed with photography in mind, this is not a requirement. Non-photographers are welcome and encouraged. My experience in Africa has been that almost everyone wants to return with stunning images and improve their photographic skills., so I will be available to assist with questions about photography at all levels from beginners to advanced.
HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
The good news about visiting and photographing mountain gorillas is that you are close, the light is often perfect and sometimes it feels like they are posing. Flash is not allowed, but the guides and gorillas are accustomed to visitors with cameras. A tripod or monopod can be helpful and I recommend taking them along. However, there may be times, if there is a lot of activity, when it may be easier to increase the ISO setting and hand hold the camera. Long telephotos are not necessary, I usually use a 70-200mm or even a wider angle for some of the close encounters. If possible, it is a good idea to carry two bodies with different lenses--a 70-200 on one and a wider angle lens on the other.
One hour sounds like a short period of time, but there are numerous opportunities to get great shots and there is always some interaction going on between the gorillas that makes the time with them special and unforgettable. The guides and rangers are very helpful and communicate with the large silverbacks with grunts and groans to let them know we are approaching. They will also let us know if one of the males is going to pound his chest or do a bluff charge. And the nice thing about having several visits is that you will be able to look at your images and make adjustments on following trips.
Mother with very rare young twins
Map of Uganda
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EXTENSION TO THE MASAI MARA NATIONAL PARK, KENYA
JUNE 27-JULY 1, 2018
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I have added an optional four day extension to the Masai Mara National Park in southern Kenya. We will be staying at the Mara Bush Camp, a small but luxurious tented camp that is centrally located in an area that is full of wildlife. I just spent three nights at this camp in September, 2017, and highly recommend it. The accommodations are spacious and comfortable, the staff is truly amazing and the kitchen crew will surprise you with excellent meals.
ITINERARY
DAY ONE-WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27
After breakfast we will transfer to the local airport to return to Entebbe. Those that are not continuing will connect with international flights back to the US, and those that are going to Kenya will connect with a flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival our group will be met and transferred to the Sheraton Hotel, which is located nearby. Four Points Sheraton Nairobi Airport. Breakfast included.
DAY TWO-THURSDAY, JUNE 28
We will be up early for breakfast and transfer to the Wilson Domestic Airport for our flight to the Masai Mara. We will arrive at a small, bush airport and transfer to the Mara Bush Camp for lunch, an orientation and our first game drive in the late afternoon. The Masai Mara is well known for the large variety of animals that reside there year-round, including lions, cheetah, leopards and many more.
Room at the Masai Mara Bush Camp
DAYS THREE-FIVE, FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 30 AND JULY 1
We will have three full days to enjoy and explore the beauty and wilderness of the Mara with early morning and afternoon game drives. In the middle of the day we can relax around the camp while enjoying the views of the small river below. The Masai Mara National Park is home to the annual migration of tens of thousands of wildebeests and zebra, as they trek from the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania into Kenya and back. At this time of year we should be able to see the migration as the swarms of animals line up to cross the treacherous Mara River.
We will also have an opportunity to visit a well-preserved local Masai village.
DAY SIX-MONDAY, JULY 2
We will have one last morning game drive followed by breakfast. Afterwards we will be taken to the local bush airstrip for our flight back to Nairobi to the Four Points Sheraton, where we will have day rooms to nap and freshen up before connecting with our flights home. Most return flights are late at night, so the day room will be very helpful.
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EXTENSION TO THE MASAI MARA NATIONAL PARK, KENYA
JUNE 27-JULY 1, 2018
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I have added an optional four day extension to the Masai Mara National Park in southern Kenya. We will be staying at the Mara Bush Camp, a small but luxurious tented camp that is centrally located in an area that is full of wildlife. I just spent three nights at this camp in September, 2017, and highly recommend it. The accommodations are spacious and comfortable, the staff is truly amazing and the kitchen crew will surprise you with excellent meals.
ITINERARY
DAY ONE-WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27
After breakfast we will transfer to the local airport to return to Entebbe. Those that are not continuing will connect with international flights back to the US, and those that are going to Kenya will connect with a flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival our group will be met and transferred to the Sheraton Hotel, which is located nearby. Four Points Sheraton Nairobi Airport. Breakfast included.
DAY TWO-THURSDAY, JUNE 28
We will be up early for breakfast and transfer to the Wilson Domestic Airport for our flight to the Masai Mara. We will arrive at a small, bush airport and transfer to the Mara Bush Camp for lunch, an orientation and our first game drive in the late afternoon. The Masai Mara is well known for the large variety of animals that reside there year-round, including lions, cheetah, leopards and many more.
Room at the Masai Mara Bush Camp
DAYS THREE-FIVE, FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 30 AND JULY 1
We will have three full days to enjoy and explore the beauty and wilderness of the Mara with early morning and afternoon game drives. In the middle of the day we can relax around the camp while enjoying the views of the small river below. The Masai Mara National Park is home to the annual migration of tens of thousands of wildebeests and zebra, as they trek from the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania into Kenya and back. At this time of year we should be able to see the migration as the swarms of animals line up to cross the treacherous Mara River.
We will also have an opportunity to visit a well-preserved local Masai village.
DAY SIX-MONDAY, JULY 2
We will have one last morning game drive followed by breakfast. Afterwards we will be taken to the local bush airstrip for our flight back to Nairobi to the Four Points Sheraton, where we will have day rooms to nap and freshen up before connecting with our flights home. Most return flights are late at night, so the day room will be very helpful.
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COST AND DETAILS
The cost for the extension to Kenya is $3875.00 per person, double occupancy.
There is an additional charge of $228.00 for the flight from Entebbe to Nairobi, and this may change at the time of booking.
A single room supplement is $660.00
There is no additional deposit required for this extension
Please note that a visa is required to enter Kenya. E visas are available in the US prior to departure and these can be converted to a regular visa at the airport. Please do not plan to get a visa at the airport, it may take hours.
INCLUDED
All accommodations in Entebbe, Nairobi and the Mara Bush Camp
Professional English-speaking tour guides and drivers
Internal flights from Nairobi to the Mara and back to Nairobi
Guaranteed window seats in a comfortable 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
All national park and game reserve fees
A visit to the local Masai village
Membership in the Flying Doctors service while on safari
All meals at the Masai Mara Bush Camp
Bottled water during game drive
NOT INCLUDED
International air fares and departure taxes
Items of a personal nature and alcoholic beverages
Tips to the drivers
Trip Insurance
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional detailed information will be provided well in advance of departure
The cost for the extension to Kenya is $3875.00 per person, double occupancy.
There is an additional charge of $228.00 for the flight from Entebbe to Nairobi, and this may change at the time of booking.
A single room supplement is $660.00
There is no additional deposit required for this extension
Please note that a visa is required to enter Kenya. E visas are available in the US prior to departure and these can be converted to a regular visa at the airport. Please do not plan to get a visa at the airport, it may take hours.
INCLUDED
All accommodations in Entebbe, Nairobi and the Mara Bush Camp
Professional English-speaking tour guides and drivers
Internal flights from Nairobi to the Mara and back to Nairobi
Guaranteed window seats in a comfortable 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
All national park and game reserve fees
A visit to the local Masai village
Membership in the Flying Doctors service while on safari
All meals at the Masai Mara Bush Camp
Bottled water during game drive
NOT INCLUDED
International air fares and departure taxes
Items of a personal nature and alcoholic beverages
Tips to the drivers
Trip Insurance
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional detailed information will be provided well in advance of departure