14 Days Hong Kong to Uganda Butterflies and Bug Photography Safari
Uganda, aptly called The Pearl of Africa, is a paradise of biodiversity, a land where rainforest, savanna, and swamp blend into a living mosaic of color and life. For butterfly lovers, macro photographers, and naturalists, this is a realm unlike any other. Within its forests and grasslands dwell more than 1,250 species of butterflies some endemic, many rare, and all breathtaking.
The 14 Days Hong Kong to Uganda Butterflies and Bug Photography Safari, curated by Butterfly and Birding Safaris, offers an immersive journey across Uganda’s most vibrant butterfly ecosystems from the fabled Zika and Kisubi Forests near Entebbe to the butterfly-rich woodlands of Kibale, Bigodi, Kalinzu, and Mpanga Forests. It’s a carefully balanced itinerary that merges butterfly watching, macro photography, birding, and a touch of adventure, creating an unforgettable naturalist experience.
Each day of this Butterfly Watching Safari is designed for optimum photographic light and insect activity, beginning around 09:40 hrs when the day warms and butterflies begin to dance through the forest shafts of sunlight. The pace is unhurried allowing ample time for framing, observation, and discovery.
Throughout the expedition, participants encounter a dazzling array of species: majestic Papilio hesperus, shimmering Euphaedra ugandae, the elusive Telipna sheffieldii, the regal Charaxes zingha, and vibrant Acraea and Elymniopsis species that shimmer like living jewels. Accompanying these are Uganda’s equally fascinating beetles, dragonflies, and tropical bugs that enrich the macro-photographic opportunities.
Beyond the wings and colors, this journey explores the cultural and ecological heart of Uganda its welcoming people, diverse habitats, and the pristine charm that defines Butterfly & Birding Safaris’ field experience.
The safari offers an unrivaled opportunity to capture the essence of tropical entomology while enjoying comfortable accommodations, expert naturalist guidance, and curated photographic sessions. It’s more than a journey; it’s a celebration of life’s delicate art painted in wings and light.
14 Days Hong Kong to Uganda Butterflies and Bug Photography Safari
Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Zika Forest
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by your professional butterfly guide from Butterfly and Birding Safaris. After a brief introduction and orientation, you’ll be transferred to Zika Forest, located about 25 km from Entebbe.
Zika Forest, globally recognized for its rich biodiversity, is where scientific research on mosquitoes and butterflies began decades ago. Today, it remains a hotspot for Butterfly & Birding Tours, offering photographers a first glimpse into Uganda’s colorful butterfly world.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short evening nature walk around the forest, where early sightings may include Forest Mother of Pearl, Common Leopard, African Emigrant, and Charaxes zingha. As the day fades, the forest transforms into a tranquil paradise with soft golden light filtering through the canopy a perfect introduction to Uganda’s natural rhythm.
You will settle into your comfortable lodge near Zika, surrounded by the serene sounds of nature. Your guide will brief you about the butterfly photography program and share the highlights of the coming two weeks.
- Overnight: Zika Forest Lodge / Kisubi Forest Cottages
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Full Day Butterfly Photography in Zika Forest
After an early breakfast, prepare for a full day of butterfly exploration in the legendary Zika Forest. The warm tropical morning awakens an array of butterfly activity as the sunlight dapples through the forest canopy.
Today’s focus is both forest and savanna-edge butterflies, ensuring a comprehensive photographic and observational experience. The list of species is long and thrilling: Cynandra opis, Liptena congoensis, Leptotes xanthostola xantha, Leptotes ideoides, Pseudacraea eurytus, Hypolycaena philippus philippus, Anthene levis, Green-banded Swallowtail, Mocker Swallowtail, Immaculate Wood White, Neave’s Judy, Mountain Pearl Charaxes, Cambridge Vagrant, and many more.
The forest’s mosaic of shade and sun offers a perfect environment for Butterfly Watching Safari photography whether capturing a delicate hairstreak perched on a leaf or a swallowtail in mid-flight. Your experienced naturalist will point out host plants and explain ecological relationships that make this site so unique.
Lunch will be served in the field or at your lodge, followed by another afternoon session focusing on puddling sites where multiple species gather in vivid clusters.
Return in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and a review of the day’s photographic highlights.
- Overnight: Zika Forest Lodge / Kisubi Forest Cottages
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Bigodi (Kibale National Park)
After breakfast, you embark on a scenic drive to Bigodi, located near Kibale National Park, approximately 6–7 hours away. This road journey is a photographic experience in itself, showcasing Uganda’s rural beauty green tea plantations, crater lakes, and gentle hills.
Arrive at Turaco Tree Tops Lodge or Guereza Canopy Lodge, both nestled at the forest edge, where the soundscape of Kibale’s primates and birds forms a soothing background. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an evening forest-edge walk, introducing you to species like Blue Diadem, Common Diadem, Little Commodore, and Blue Sailor.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge, preparing for the next day’s full immersion in one of Africa’s richest butterfly ecosystems.
- Overnight: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge / Guereza Canopy Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Butterfly Expeditions around Kibale and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
The next three days are devoted to the butterflies and bugs of Kibale Forest and Bigodi, areas famed for their incredible insect diversity. This part of your Butterfly & Birding Safari balances forest and edge habitats ideal for photographing both canopy and understory species.
Expect to encounter a fascinating array, including Pilodeudorix baginei, Orange Forester, Euphaedra ugandae (endemic to this region), Zaddachi’s Mimic Forester, Euphaedra medon, Common Palm Forester, Shining Green Forester, Acraea althoffi, Penelope’s Acraea, Glassy-winged Acraea, Hewitsonia intermedia, and the rare Telipna sheffieldii.
Butterfly puddling stations along riverbanks attract clouds of Acraeas and Pierids, while tree trunks host elusive Charaxes species. Bird lovers will enjoy sightings of the Great Blue Turaco, Crowned Hornbill, and even the shy Green-breasted Pitta.
Afternoons are perfect for macro photography of smaller forest insects beetles, mantises, and dragonflies enriching the “bug” side of this expedition.
Evenings are spent reviewing photos, identifying species, and discussing macro techniques over warm Ugandan cuisine.
- Overnight: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge / Guereza Canopy Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Kalinzu Forest – The Realm of Swallowtails and Forest Jewels
After breakfast on Day 7, you transfer to Kalinzu Forest Reserve, passing through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda and parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive itself offers opportunities to photograph roadside butterflies like African Migrant and Common Grass Yellow.
Kalinzu Forest is an exceptional site for both butterfly and birding safaris one of Uganda’s key hotspots for swallowtails and forest Charaxes. Over the next four days, you’ll explore different forest sections and trails, each offering unique compositions of color, light, and species.
The star attractions include Papilio hesperus, Central Emperor Swallowtail, Noble Swallowtail, Blue Monarch, Small Striped Swordtail, Angolan White Lady, Charaxes paphianus, Charaxes eupale latimargo, Scarce Forest Emperor, Blue Mother of Pearl, Lilac Beauty, Blood-red Glider, Euphaedra imitans, Euphaedra edwardsii, and Neave’s Banded Judy.
Kalinzu’s mixed canopy and its network of shaded paths provide excellent diffused lighting perfect for slow-shutter macro shots. Many photographers describe Kalinzu as the heart of Uganda’s Butterfly Watching Safari circuit.
Evenings at the Ankole Tea Guesthouse are peaceful and communal, with tea-scented breezes and shared enthusiasm for the day’s sightings.
- Overnight: Ankole Tea Guesthouse
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mpanga Forest – The Domain of Telipna sheffieldii
After breakfast on Day 12, transfer to Mpanga Forest Reserve, located near Mpigi, with a lunch stop at the Equator crossing for memorable photos. This transfer is approximately 6–7 hours and marks the final forest chapter of your Butterfly & Birding Safari.
Over the next two days, immerse yourself in Mpanga Forest, famous for its endemic Telipna sheffieldii and other exceptional species like Charaxes eupale latimargo, Acraea peneleos, Aterica galene, Bebearia absolon, and Bematistes macarista.
The forest’s trails offer soft filtered light ideal for composition, and the open glades create the perfect backdrop for puddling and behavior shots. Mpanga also attracts several bird species African Paradise Flycatcher, Black-headed Gonolek, and Forest Robin creating opportunities for crossover Butterfly & Birding Tours.
Evenings are relaxed at Nkima Forest Lodge, where you can enjoy a sundowner overlooking Lake Victoria and share the final reflections of your journey.
- Overnight: Nkima Forest Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Final Morning in Nkima Forest – Departure via Entebbe
Your final morning unfolds around Nkima Forest, where morning light reveals a fluttering encore of your Ugandan adventure from Blue Pansy and Brown Pansy to Forest Mother of Pearl. Depending on flight time, you may visit Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in the world to see the Shoebill, Uganda’s iconic prehistoric bird.
In the afternoon, you transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight back to Hong Kong, carrying not only thousands of photographs but also memories of still mornings, shimmering wings, and the tranquil beauty of Uganda’s forests.
This marks the end of your 14-Day Butterfly & Bug Photography Safari a journey of science, art, and passion curated by Butterfly and Birding Safaris.
Uganda Butterflies and Bug Photography Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
Safari Inclusions:
- Professional English-speaking butterfly and birding guide
- All ground transfers in a 4WD safari vehicle with fuel
- Full-board accommodation throughout the safari
- All park and forest entrance fees
- Bottled water while in transit and in the field
- En route lunches during transfers
- Photographic assistance and field interpretation by expert naturalists
- All guided butterfly and bug photography walks
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
Safari Exclusions:
- International airfares from and to Hong Kong
- Uganda entry visa and travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, drinks)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and hotel staff
- Optional or unscheduled activities
- Medical expenses or personal equipment (camera gear, insect repellents, etc.)
Optional Gorilla Trekking Safari Extension
Extend your journey with an unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Safari — either in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). This add-on allows travelers to complement their butterfly adventure with an encounter among mountain gorillas — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The lush forests of Bwindi or the volcanic slopes of Rwanda are also home to a rich assemblage of butterflies and birds, offering a natural continuation of your Butterfly & Birding Safari.
By Butterfly and Birding Safaris
Pioneers in Butterfly Safaris, Butterfly Watching Safari Expeditions, and Butterfly & Birding Tours across East Africa — combining science, art, and conservation in every journey.