14 Days Uganda Butterfly Photography Safari

Welcome to Uganda’s Butterfly Paradise

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly received by your professional guide from Butterfly and Birding Safaris. After a short transfer, you’ll settle into Kisubi Forest Cottages, nestled in the green outskirts near Zika Forest, one of Uganda’s earliest entomological study sites.

Depending on your arrival time, a gentle afternoon walk can be arranged along the nearby forest trails. These lowland habitats a mosaic of savanna and semi-deciduous woodland host an array of butterfly species that immediately signal the photographic richness of the days to come.

Expect to see glimmers of Charaxes zingha, African Emigrant, Common Leopard, and Forest Mother of Pearl, fluttering between the dappled sunbeams. As evening approaches, the warm air fills with the sounds of cicadas, tree frogs, and distant bird calls the perfect overture to your Butterfly Photography Safari in Uganda.

Dinner is served at the lodge, where your guide briefs you about the itinerary, the forest codes, and the species checklist for the next morning’s exploration.

• Overnight: Kisubi Forest Cottages
• Meal Plan: Dinner

Full Day Butterfly Photography in Zika Forest

After an early breakfast, set out for a full day of butterfly watching in Zika Forest, a site of global entomological significance known for its extraordinary diversity.

Between 09:40 hrs and 16:40 hrs, the forest’s sunlit paths reveal a living canvas of wings and motion. You’ll explore both the dense forest interiors and the surrounding savanna edges, ensuring a broad range of habitats. Among the key species to photograph are Cynandra opis, Liptena congoensis, Leptotes xanthostola xantha, Leptotes ideoides, Pseudacraea eurytus, Hypolycaena philippus philippus, and Green-banded Swallowtail.

Look out for Mocker Swallowtail, Immaculate Wood White, Ugandan Hairstreak, and Cambridge Vagrant fluttering along forest paths. The dazzling Charaxes eurinome, Charaxes zingha, Forest Mother of Pearl, and Green-veined Charaxes add bursts of metallic sheen to your lenses.

Your guide assists in identifying behaviors and host plants, ensuring not just photographs but meaningful ecological insight. Packed lunch is enjoyed under the forest canopy as you rest and review your shots amid the tranquil rhythm of rustling leaves and sunbeams.

Return to Kisubi Forest Cottages in the late afternoon for relaxation and dinner, recounting your first full day of Butterfly & Birding Safari discoveries.

• Overnight: Kisubi Forest Cottages
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Kibale National Park – The Forest of Primates and Butterflies

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 7–8-hour drive to Kibale National Park, Uganda’s crown jewel for both primates and butterflies. The route winds through rural landscapes, lush tea plantations, and crater lake regions that offer breathtaking photographic stops.

Arrive in the afternoon at Guereza Canopy Lodge, a serene eco-lodge perched at the forest edge. Take time to relax and prepare your equipment for the following day’s exploration in the butterfly-rich Turaco Trails.

Optional short walks around the lodge in the evening can yield Common Blue Diadem, Variable Diadem, and African Map butterflies, often seen gliding through the late light. Dinner and overnight at Guereza Canopy Lodge.

• Overnight: Guereza Canopy Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Butterflies of Turaco Trails – The Jewel of Kibale

After a hearty breakfast, your guide leads you to Turaco Trails, a pristine section of Kibale known for its blend of forest and mid-elevation habitats. This full-day session, from 09:40 hrs to 16:40 hrs, is a highlight for photographers and collectors alike.

Expect encounters with endemic and rare forest species, including Euphaedra ugandae, Euphaedra medon, Glassy-winged Acraea, Telipna sheffieldii, Blood-red Glider, Elymniopsis bammakoo, Orange Forester, and Falcuna iturina stempffi. Keep your lens ready for Ornipholidotos ugandae and the beautifully patterned Eagris tigris.

Lunch is enjoyed at Turaco Tree Tops, offering scenic canopy views and excellent light for mid-day macro photography. The afternoon brings renewed activity along sun patches and puddling sites, where clusters of Acraeas gather in mesmerizing formations.

Return to Guereza Canopy Lodge by late afternoon, content with the day’s captures and surrounded by the sounds of Kibale’s forest life from calling turacos to rustling primates.

• Overnight: Guereza Canopy Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kanyawara Trails – Exploring Kibale’s Hidden Forest Corners

Today’s exploration takes you deeper into the Kanyawara sector of Kibale National Park, known for its unique butterfly assemblages. With your packed lunch, you’ll spend the day immersed in cool, shaded trails filled with forest fragrance and soft light.

Species highlights include Acraea althoffi, Zaddachi’s Mimic Forester, Common Palm Forester, Acraea lycoa, Hewitsonia intermedia, Epitolina melissa, Kallimoides rumia, and Cymothoe lurida. The natural forest pools are ideal spots for puddling butterflies, offering spectacular opportunities for close-up photography.

Your Butterfly & Birding Safaris guide provides context on species behavior and identification, emphasizing the subtle differences that distinguish similar genera. As afternoon light filters through the canopy, capture slow, artistic frames of perched butterflies glowing against the golden hues of the forest floor.

• Overnight: Guereza Canopy Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Butterflies and Birds of Sunbird Hill

After breakfast, set off for Sunbird Hill, located at the forest edge near Kibale. This region blends open woodland, forest margin, and farmland habitats ideal for both butterfly and bird activity.

The day’s sightings often include Acraea lycoa, Euphaedra medon, Cymothoe lurida, Papilio jacksoni, and shimmering Lycaenidae species. Birders will delight in the possibility of spotting the rare Green-breasted Pitta, one of Uganda’s most sought-after forest birds.

Photography sessions benefit from the open light of forest edges, enhancing color vibrancy and wing detail. The tranquil trails of Sunbird Hill offer a gentle but rewarding conclusion to your Kibale segment.

• Overnight: Guereza Canopy Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Kalinzu Forest via Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, embark on the scenic drive to Kalinzu Forest Reserve, passing through the savanna expanses of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This 6–7-hour journey combines landscape, wildlife, and photography.

Expect roadside encounters with elephants, Uganda kob, and buffalo occasional reminders that this is East Africa’s big game country. Along the way, colorful savanna butterflies such as African Migrant, Common Grass Yellow, and Blue Pansy are often sighted.

Arrive at Ankole Tea Guest House, your base near Kalinzu. Spend the evening reviewing photos or walking among the tea estates, where Charaxes species can often be seen gliding at sunset.

• Overnight: Ankole Tea Guest House
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Butterfly Wonderland of Kalinzu Forest

Spend the next three days exploring Kalinzu Forest one of Uganda’s most diverse butterfly ecosystems. Each day focuses on a different trail: Main Trail, 300 Trail Loop, and Forest Trail, ensuring coverage of multiple microhabitats.

Kalinzu teems with Papilio and Euphaedra species. Photographic highlights include Papilio hesperus, Papilio charopus, Central Emperor Swallowtail, Noble Swallowtail, Blue Monarch, and Small Striped Swordtail.

Forest puddling sites shimmer with color as Euphaedra christyi, Euphaedra imitans, Euphaedra edwardsii, and Euphaedra medon gather in tight mosaics. Add to that the grandeur of Charaxes paphianus, Charaxes eupale latimargo, Charaxes pollux, Lilac Beauty, Blue Mother of Pearl, and Variable Diadem.

The forest edge blooms with Acraea, Nymphalidae, and Skipper species, while shady streambeds reveal rare finds such as Preuss’s Forester, Hewitsonia intermedia, Neave’s Banded Judy, and African Map.

Evenings are devoted to species identification and relaxed discussions over dinner a time to appreciate how this Butterfly Watching Safari transcends simple observation to become a study in light, patience, and ecological artistry.

• Overnight: Ankole Tea Guest House
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Across the Equator – Transfer to Nkima Forest Lodge

After breakfast, depart for Nkima Forest Lodge, located near Entebbe, with lunch en route at the Equator crossing. The drive, approximately 7–8 hours, offers opportunities to stop for butterfly photography and cultural encounters.

Nkima Forest Lodge, overlooking Lake Victoria and adjacent to Mpanga Forest, provides a serene base for the final leg of your Butterfly & Birding Safari. Late afternoon walks around the lodge often yield Charaxes eupale latimargo, Acraea peneleos, and Brown Pansy.

Dinner is served amidst the evening chorus of forest frogs and cicadas.

• Overnight: Nkima Forest Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mpanga Forest – The Kingdom of Telipna sheffieldii

For two days, explore Mpanga Forest, a compact yet exceptionally rich forest reserve near Mpigi. Known as the home of Telipna sheffieldii, this forest is a highlight of Uganda’s Butterfly & Birding Tours.

Between 09:40 hrs and 16:40 hrs, the forest awakens with activity. Species highlights include Charaxes eupale latimargo, Acraea lycoa, Acraea peneleos, Ariadne enotrea, Aterica galene, Bebearia absolon, Bebearia carshena, and Bematistes macarista.

The forest’s soft, filtered light and accessible trails create ideal photographic conditions. Butterflies puddle near streams and forest clearings, while birds such as the Great Blue Turaco and Woodland Kingfisher flit overhead.

These two days balance intensive macro work with reflective appreciation a fitting penultimate chapter of your Butterfly Photography Safari in Uganda.

• Overnight: Nkima Forest Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Butterflies of Nkima Forest & Departure via Entebbe

Your final morning is spent around Nkima Forest Lodge, where gentle trails and flowering shrubs attract a variety of species Cymothoe herminia johnstoni, Neptis melicerta, and Harma theobene superna among them.

Depending on flight timing, you may also visit the nearby Mabamba Swamp, home to the iconic Shoebill a wonderful final photographic encounter.

After lunch, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for departure, carrying with you thousands of butterfly images and a heart full of forest memories.

This concludes your 14-Day Uganda Butterfly Photography Safari — an expedition where science meets art, and every wingbeat tells a story.