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TO THE PEARL
OF AFRICA
A PHOTOGRAPHIC
ADVENTURE
One of the most extraordinary travel experiences of my life.
- Dianne C.
Join Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom and Award Winning Photographer Mark Kettenhofen on a Photography Adventure to Uganda!
Feb 28th-March 9th 2025
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey where you will witness some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet. A place where the air is thick with adventure and the landscapes are infused with vibrant colors that will leave you speechless. Gorilla, chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, tree climbing lions, leopards all roam the hills of Uganda. This area is also a birders hotspot with shoebills, grey crowed cranes, hamerkops among its 1088 confirmed species. Which is just a few reasons why this area is called the Pearl of Africa.
Personally, I love that we get to hike and really feel the nature around as we trek on the mountainsides looking for Gorillas and Chimpanzees.
Adventure, education and stunning wildlife! From Mark's amazing landscape photography to Kristi's emotional wildlife images, this workshop is designed to teach you everything you need to produce portfolio images of some of the most jaw dropping wildlife in the world.
Led by Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom, and Mark Kettenhofen this 10-day workshop will take you on a journey through Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable
Forest. These are places where nature is at its most raw and magnificent, and where you will have the chance to capture the essence of Africa's wildlife and landscapes through your lens.
Our workshop is designed for all levels of photographers, from beginners to advanced. Mark and Kristi are dedicated to teaching you the skills and tools you need to capture stunning photographs or video that you’ll be excited to share with the world. They will guide you through every step of the process, from composition and camera settings to post-processing and storytelling.
With a 5 to 1 guest to teacher ratio, this workshop is very limited in numbers, so both Kristi and Mark will have lots of time to spend with each person.
Our mission is to provide our guests with life-changing experiences and to give them the tools to share their stories. Whether you are a professional photographer or just purchased your first camera, we believe that you can change the world through your own visual storytelling. Throughout the workshop, we will be teaching classes, assisting with any photography questions and offering one-on-one mentoring.
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ITINERARY
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN KAMPALA
Today our adventure begins! On arriving at Entebbe International Airport, you will be picked up and driven to your beautiful accommodation in Kampala. Tonight, you will meet your group of fellow photographers and learn more about the adventure ahead. We will have our first group dinner and lecture by Kristi Odom on how to put more emotion into your photography. If you arrive early and want to spend the day exploring Kampala, there are a lot of optional activities (for an additional cost) that we are happy to help you arrange. Including a city tour, craft villages, botanical gardens, visit the Uganda Wildlife Educational Centre, or a cheese and wine sundowner on Lake Victoria.
Day 2
After breakfast in Kampala, we will be transferred back to Entebbe Airport to catch our domestic flight to
Kasese Airstrip and head to Ndali Kasenda Crater Lakes.
Kibale is home to 13 different species of primates, the most famous being the Chimpanzee. Kibale’s 1450 Chimpanzee represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate. Kibale is also a home to the rare I’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates include the black and white Colobus, Blue monkey, Grey cheeked mangabey, Red tailed monkey, Olive baboon to mention but a few.
Tonight, we will get ready for our morning trek, and also have a class on compositional and photography techniques taught by Mark
Kettenhofen.
Day 3
After breakfast we are off for our first trek! This trek is in Nibale Forest National Park, home to the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. After lunch, we will head to Magombe Swamp that's home to around 200 species of birds (highlights include papyrus gonolek, white-winged warbler and great blue turaco). The highlight of this tour is catching a glimpse of the great blue turaco. The swamp is also good for spotting butterflies and primates, with 8 different species here, including grey-cheeked mangabey. The 2-3 hour guided walk is led by experienced
Day 4
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast our adventure continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our drive takes us alongside the beautiful scenery of the crater lakes, through the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside, then continues through the game park where we might spot some wildlife. We will arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon we will go for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park!
One of the most popular parks in Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in the western region of the country. In the northern part of the park, visitors can look forward to boating along the Kasinga Channel, which is home to the largest population of hippos in the world and an abundance of Nile crocodiles. Along the banks, an incredible number of birds and wild animals flock to the river’s edge. At Kyambura Gorge, fondly known as ‘Valley of the Apes’, chimpanzees are at home in a world of lush tropical rainforest spread with canopies, and three salty crater lakes are decorated with swathes of pink flamingos. On the western shore of Lake George, the vast Kasenyi Plains are inhabited by lions and several interesting bird species.
Day 5
Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early wake up, we will go for a morning game drive and later return for breakfast. We will enjoy a hot lunch and later in the afternoon take a unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos and this launch/cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous, with well over 550 resident species.
Tonight, we will have time for one on one’s with either Kristi or Mark to help you more along your photographic journey.
Day 6
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, we will be transferred to Ishasha plains in search of tree climbing lions. We will arrive at our lodge in time for lunch and after lunch, then we will go for a game drive. Surrounded by other wonderful parks in the western region of Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife and history. Today we will be exploring the Southern part of the park.
Day 7
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After breakfast we will have a morning game drive as we travel to Bwindi. We will arrive at our lodge in the evening for our group dinner and prep for the Gorilla Trek ahead!
Bwindi forest is Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities. The rugged landscape features dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys and steep ridges. This untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance.
Aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot and a variety of butterflies.
Day 8
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After an early breakfast we will head out for an adventure of a lifetime! A trek amongst the Bwindi Impernetrable Forest in hopes to see the endangered Mountain Gorilla. When arriving there will be a briefing about our gorilla trekking adventure, after which we will be led by experienced gorilla trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is amazing, and the beauty of the gorilla forest and its inhabitants are fascinating. One of Africa’s major highlights is when you encounter these amazing apes. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man’s distant cousins as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones.
We are allowed an hour with the gorillas before finally sloping down back to your lodge. If your trek was relatively short, you may opt for optional activities.
Day 9
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Today, relax at the lodge or go for an second gorilla trekking (at an additional cost that should be booked in advance) Or opt for Golden Monkeys Trekking in Mgahinga (also at an additional cost)
Tonight, we will have our final night slide show and celebrate our amazing journey throughout the Pearl of Africa!
Day 10
After a leisurely breakfast bid farewell to all the amazing wildlife and depart for the Kisoro Airstrip to catch your
domestic flight to Entebbe Airport. With lots of new memories, friends and stories to share!
DETAILS
Dates
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Feb 28th-March 9th 2025
Education Overview
● A keynote introduction on photographing wildlife and putting more
emotion into your wildlife by Kristi Odom
● A keynote on compositional discipline and seeing light and
shadows by Mark Kettenhofen.
● Twenty minute 1-on-1 sessions with Kristi Odom and/or Mark
Kettenhofen. During these sessions, you will review your raw
images from your first day(s) of photographing the wildlife. These
sessions are vital in making sure that your photographs are both
technically correct as well as showing off your unique voice.
● Opportunities to share your images at dinner for critiques to help
with growth and critical thinking.
● Daily assistance during in-the-field shoots from both Kristi and
Mark.
Inclusions
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Airport transfer
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Domestic flights inside Uganda
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All ground transportation
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Full-time driver/guide
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Drinking water in the vehicle
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Shared rooms*
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Full-board accommodation: breakfast, lunch, and dinner**
Exclusions
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International flights
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Travelers Insurance***
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Visas
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Immunizations
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Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, telephone calls, etc.
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All optional activities and/or those not specified in the Safari Itinerary
Cost
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Price:
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$10,985
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$1500 non refundable retainer at time of booking
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Maximum 10 Photographers
*Single room upgrade - $525
**Meals NOT included in Kampala
***Guests are required to obtain their own travelers’ insurance
FAQ
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Is February a good time for wildlife?
February is a relatively dry month in Uganda, making it a great time for gorilla trekking.
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What animals might we see?
Gorillas, chimpanzees, elephant, buffalo, Ugandan kob, hippopotamus, topi, waterbuck, warthog, giant forest hog, Nile crocodile, leopard, spotted hyena, and lion. Uganda also has a ton of beautiful bird life with1088 confirmed species.
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How do I get there?
You will need to fly into and out of Entebbe International Airport. On the last day make sure you have a flight that departs in the evening.
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How physically demanding are the wildlife safaris
You will be trekking in this adventure, so you will need to be able to hike. There will be porters for hire that can help you carry your gear and give you a hand if needed on some of the steep areas.
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How many guests are in each vehicle?
Maximum 4 guest in our 4x4 land cruiser (that seats 7 in the back), so you will have a window seat and lots of room for your gear.
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Will we have Internet and Phone service?
The lodges will have spotty wifi services. I have found that I often even get reception with my international T-Mobile plan inside the game parks. I am happy to provide my number (in the case of an emergency only) to family back home.
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What happens if there is a medical emergency?
One of the drivers can help take you to seek medical care. We do require that everyone has medical insurance. If this is a concern, I do recommend talking to your insurance company about what it provides. Some policy will even do medical evacuations so you can get treated at home.
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Any recommendation for travel insurance?
I personally use an Allianz Global policy.
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Any shots or vaccines?
You will need to talk to your own travel doctors about your recommended shots and medications. To get an idea, I usually check the Traveler's Health area on the CDC website for Uganda.
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What about Visas?
Please check the travel.state.gov for up to date information about visas.
INSTRUCTORS
MARK
KETTENHOFEN
Mark’s work spans across decades and genres. He has been behind his camera covering war in Iraq, to spending weeks the jungles of the Amazon River basin for NGOs. His efforts and talent were recognized through numerous awards, including being awarded the prestigious Military Photographer of the Year. After serving 20-years in the US Navy, Mark spent 21-years working for Nikon Professional Services, as a seniorstaff photographer where he produced several award-winning UHD time-lapse movies highlighting the D850 and Z7. Mark is the co-author of America from 500-feet II, a photographic study of the United States using experimental aircraft with legendary landscape photographer, Bill Fortney. Mark’s passion for photography is only eclipsed by teaching, mentoring and sharing the magic of photography with others. This has allowed Mark to be a workshop leader for Defense Information School, Nikon School, Eddie Adams Workshop, Arizona Highways Magazine, US DOD Military Workshops, Santa Fe and National Geographic’s Lindblad Expeditions.
Check out his work on his sizzle reel or on his Instagram.
KRISTI
ODOM
Kristi Odom is an internationally acclaimed photographer, a Nikon Ambassador, an associate fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, and a motivational speaker. A photographer and filmmaker, her work focuses on connecting people emotionally to animals and celebrating those who have a connection to the natural world.
Her accolades include over 60 international photography awards including 2 Nature’s Best Photography awards, which exhibited her images at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Her work has appeared either online and/or in print for the following clients: National Geographic, Nikon, Forbes, Rollingstone, Microsoft and Outside Magazine.
