Best Camera Lenses for a Chimpanzee Photo Safari in Uganda or Rwanda

Choosing the Best Camera Lenses for a Chimpanzee Photo Safari in Uganda or Rwanda

Best Camera Lenses for a Chimpanzee Photo Safari in Uganda or Rwanda — Planning a chimpanzee photo safari in Uganda or Rwanda? If you’re eager to capture unforgettable moments of wild chimpanzees in their natural forest habitat, choosing the right camera lens can make all the difference. From the lush canopies of Kibale Forest in Uganda to the misty highlands of Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda, these environments offer both photographic opportunities and technical challenges. Here’s a guide to the best camera lenses for chimpanzee trekking, recommended by Trek Africa Expeditions.

1. Telephoto Zoom Lenses – Ideal for Distance and Flexibility

These lenses offer a great range for tracking fast-moving chimpanzees, especially when they’re high up in the trees.

Top Picks:

• Canon 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II

• Nikon 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR

• Sony 200–600mm f/5.6–6.3 G OSS

Why They’re Great:

• Excellent for framing distant subjects

• Versatile focal range for adapting quickly in dense forests

• Perfect for unpredictable movements of chimpanzees

2. Prime Telephoto Lenses – For Professional Wildlife Photographers

If you’re after maximum sharpness and performance in low light, a prime telephoto lens is worth the investment.

Top Picks:

• Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM

• Nikon 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

• Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS

Why They’re Great:

• Stunning clarity and light-gathering capability

• Wide aperture for dim rainforest conditions

• Lighter models are easier to carry during long treks

3. Wide-Angle Lenses – For Forest Atmosphere and Close Encounters

While not essential, wide-angle lenses are excellent when chimpanzees venture close.

Top Picks:

• Canon 16–35mm f/2.8L III

• Nikon Z 14–24mm f/2.8 S

• Sony 16–35mm f/2.8 GM

Why They’re Great:

• Adds environmental context to your portraits

• Useful for forest landscapes and low-angle shots

4. Standard Zoom Lenses – All-Purpose Versatility

A reliable option for mid-range and spontaneous photography.

Top Picks:

• Canon 24–105mm f/4L IS II

• Nikon Z 24–120mm f/4 S

• Sony 24–105mm f/4 G OSS

Why They’re Great:

• Useful when chimpanzees are at mid-range or closer

• Handy if you prefer not to switch lenses frequently

5. Macro Lenses – For Capturing Fine Details

If you’re interested in the finer elements like facial expressions, hands, or eyes.

Top Picks:

• Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

• Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro

• Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS

Why They’re Great:

• Sharp detail on small features

• Great for creative shots that stand out

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Lens for Chimpanzee Photography

• Low-Light Capability: Forest light can be dim. Choose lenses with wide apertures (f/2.8 or f/4).

• Image Stabilization: Essential for handheld shots, especially on long treks.

• Weight Consideration: A lighter lens means easier handling on steep forest trails.

• Weather Protection: Rain covers are vital for both camera and lens in humid forest conditions.

Kibale Forest vs Nyungwe Forest: Where’s Best for Chimpanzee Trekking and Photography?

Trying to decide between Uganda’s Kibale Forest and Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest? Both parks offer unique chimp trekking experiences, but the environment, ease of trekking, and chimpanzee sightings vary.

Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda

• Chimpanzee Density: Among the highest in Africa—over 1,500 chimps.

• Trekking Experience: Shorter and easier treks, with high chances of sightings.

• Biodiversity: Home to 13 primate species and over 370 bird species.

• Access: Located near Fort Portal, reachable by road or domestic flight from Entebbe.

• Photography Advantage: Easier visibility due to less dense forest and more active chimp groups.

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

• Chimpanzee Numbers: Fewer chimpanzees than Kibale, but sightings are still common.

• Scenery & Experience: High-altitude rainforest with stunning landscapes and longer treks.

• Extra Activities: Offers canopy walks, hiking trails, and rich birdlife.

• Access: Reachable by road from Kigali or domestic flight to Kamembe Airport.

Final Verdict:

• If your main goal is clear chimpanzee photography, Kibale Forest is your best bet.

• If you want scenic trails and a full ecological experience, Nyungwe Forest is a top contender.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Prices: Uganda vs Rwanda

Here’s a breakdown of chimpanzee trekking permit costs:

• Kibale Forest (Uganda):

  • Foreign Non-Resident: USD 250

  • Foreign Resident: USD 200

  • Includes a one-hour guided experience with a habituated chimpanzee group.

• Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda):

  • Foreign Non-Resident: USD 150

  • Includes a one-hour trek with guided chimp tracking.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Nyungwe

Chimpanzee trekking is possible year-round in both parks, but the dry seasons offer the best conditions for photography and trekking.

• Best Months: June–October and December–March

• Why: Trails are drier, visibility is better, and trekking is more comfortable.

• Rainy Season (April, May, November):

  • Vegetation is thicker, making photography more difficult.

  • However, chimpanzees often stay closer due to readily available food.

Getting to Kibale Forest and Nyungwe Forest

How to Reach Kibale Forest National Park (Uganda)

• By Road:

  • 5-hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala via Fort Portal.

  • Or travel via Kampala–Mbarara–Kasese route with a short drive to Kibale.

• By Air:

  • Flights from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kasese Airstrip, then transfer to Kibale.

  • Airlines: Aerolink Uganda, Fly Uganda

How to Reach Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda)

• By Road:

  • 5–6 hour drive from Kigali via Lake Kivu or through the scenic Nyungwe–Rusizi route.

• By Air:

  • Flights from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe (Rusizi).

  • Then, a 1–2 hour transfer to Nyungwe Forest.

Where to Stay During Your Chimpanzee Safari

Kibale Forest Accommodations (Uganda)

• Budget (USD 90–100): Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge, Kibale Homestay

• Mid-Range (USD 150–200): Kibale Forest Camp, Turaco Treetops, Prime Lodge Kibale

• Luxury (USD 250–700): Ndali Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge

Nyungwe Forest Accommodations (Rwanda)

• Budget (USD 90–100): Nyungwe Guest House, Gasakura Guest House

• Mid-Range (USD 150–200): Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

• Luxury (USD 500–1000): One&Only Nyungwe House

Book Your Chimpanzee Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we create unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer or simply passionate about primates, we’ll tailor your adventure to include the best opportunities for chimpanzee encounters and photo safaris.

We also offer:

• Gorilla trekking safaris

• Big Five game drives

• Hiking adventures

• Birdwatching tours

• Cultural excursions

• Multi-country safaris to Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia

Get in touch today to start planning your chimpanzee photo safari and find out more about the best camera lenses, trekking logistics, and park experiences.