Self-driving is undeniably one of the most unforgettable ways to explore the beauty of Uganda, but when you add photography to it, there is need for seriousness and taking caution not to ruin your experience. National Parks in Uganda (especially Savannah) offer the best backdrops for photography although rainforests are also captured. Therefore, we bring you some of the tips for self-drive Photographers in Uganda and they include;
Plan about the destinations
For you to have the best out of your self-drive Photography safari in Uganda, it is very important to plan and decide on what destinations or combination of destinations you are planning to explore. There could be several reasons for selecting a particular destination including other travellers’ experiences for achieving unmatched wildlife and landscape images. What destinations in Uganda offer the best light for sunrise or sunset views? instead of just heading to a destination and realizing it has low light hence not-so-good images. All these aspects have to be considered when planning a successful photography self-drive safari in Uganda.
Understand the best time of the day to venture out (chase the best light for photography)
Uganda is popular for its hot midday sunshine (light), thus the best time to capture unmatched images is at least a few hours after dawn and a few hours before dusk. During these times of the day, the light is spectacularly warm and produces the most perfect photos of anything you are capturing.
If you are a photograph perfectionist, you would decide to divide the day into two amazing trips and instead head out in the morning and then retire to the Safari Lodge or Hotel for Lunch before returning for the afternoon photography trip. The resting time between photography trips can be put to good use, for instance, to enjoy a siesta, a quick swim to calm your nerves or even some photo editing. When you talk in terms of months, there is no specific perfect month of the year to go for self-drive photography in Uganda.
Carry the right equipment
Unmatched Photography experiences come with modern equipment, to capture emotions and portray deep meaning in addition to beautiful images. For travelers planning to embark on self-drive photography in Uganda’s breathtaking safari destinations, ordinary but captivating cameras, or even smartphones with good cameras and lenses are required to take beautiful nature shots. However, besides your good camera, knowledge, care and consideration have to be taken at all times. Also include bird or wildlife guidebooks, cleaning kit, memory cards with enough space, snacks (dried fruits) and drinking water,
Make sure to drive slowly with open windows
Driving at best 20 kilometers per hour with car windows open guarantees capturing the best images. Uganda has a lot to offer for self-drive photographers with incredible landscapes, myriad wildlife and a wide array of bird species, and it doesn’t make any sense to keep the car windows closed and air-conditioning pumping when you can just enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.
The sweet melodies of the birds, spectacular sunrise/sunset views, myriad of wildlife and general landscape will make your photography trip worthwhile.
Carry the camera everywhere you go
Self-drive photography is the perfect choice for travelers who wish to visit, explore and experience destinations they had never been to before, but don’t be afraid to explore Uganda’s beauty beyond the accommodation facility, game drives or walking safaris. Even when you take a simple walk on the streets of the Town or brief unguided nature walks around the Lodge, make sure to carry your camera because you can never be sure to capture the images of bird species you always yearned for around the corner from the Lodge or Hotel.
Respect wildlife at all times
You may think or feel that you are dauntless in your car but if you provoke and come up against a lone elephant, buffalo or Hippo, you will be in for big trouble. Always keep in mind that driving through the National Park, you are in their World hence maximum respect has to be shown to avoid falling into big trouble.
Recommended Cars for self-drive photography
The recommended Cars for self-drive photography in Uganda depend on the number of people embarking on the trip, luggage and destinations you are planning to visit. The Toyota Rav4 with a sunroof is perfect for two persons with enough space for luggage and photography equipment and given that it is a 4WD vehicle, it can maneuver most Ugandan terrains. Hiring a vehicle in Uganda with an open-roof or popup roof offers chances to take nice photos of wildlife in the savannah parks. Other nice vehicles include the Land Cruiser TX/GX/TZ/V8 for 3-4 persons or the Land Cruise extended for 7 persons among others.
