Testimonials

Uganda - Gorillas, chimpanzees and more

2nd safari with Ingrid (after 'Maneaters' in Kenya, one and a half years ago) and again all expectations were more than met.
The chimpanzee trekkings in Kibale and the gorilla walks in Bwindi were breathtaking. I will cherish those "close encounters" in the jungle forever. And spotting a shoebill stork during a boat trip in the Mabamba swamp is a much more intense experience than photographing one during a trip to Pairi Daiza.
The organisation was impeccable again: the local guide/driver/fixer Henry, the lodges, the meals, the jeeps, the domestic flight and the photographic guidance. The visit to the Ugandan NGO 'Ride 4 a woman' during the resting day between the 2 gorilla trekkings was also a bull's eye.
And what more needs to be said about Ingrid and her tireless efforts. Ingrid even accompanies a customer to the hospital if he or she has been so stupid as to grab a branch on which a large caterpillar with hard spines was sitting. (Message to my concerned fellow travellers: the allergic reaction on my hands and arms has completely disappeared in the meantime).
TUI states in the general terms and conditions that Ingrid can be replaced in exceptional cases of force majeure, but that seems to me - figuratively - to be very big shoes to fill.
Thanks Ingrid and until the next safari.

Dan(nie) - Uganda - Gorillas, chimpanzees and more 2025

My photography trip to Uganda with Ingrid Vekemans was an absolute dream. From day one, everything was organised to perfection, with accommodation that was not only comfortable but also perfectly located to take the most beautiful photos. Ingrid's guidance was truly outstanding. Her expertise and passion for photography helped me take my skills to the next level. Even when my own lens failed, Ingrid was there immediately and lent me her lens, so I didn't have to miss a single magical moment. Her dedication and professionalism are unmatched. Thanks to this trip, I didn’t only manage to capture beautiful images, but also made unforgettable memories. If you are looking for a photography trip where everything is taken care of down to the very last detail and where you are accompanied by a top photographer with a big heart, then a trip with Ingrid Vekemans is definitely recommended! 

Petra - Uganda - Gorillas, Chimpanzees and more 2025

The trip to Uganda that I had been looking forward to for 2 years finally became reality on January 11, 2025. I traveled with my friend and we ended up in a fine group with a fantastic tour guide, who was always ready to answer all our questions and to help us. The whole trip exceeded my expectations - what a beautiful country that really needs tourists. The accommodations were great, our jaws often dropped in amazement, good food, friendly people. Everything was top notch. Meeting the chimpanzees and gorillas is beyond words. The trekkings were pretty tough but the reward was more than worth it... my heart was overflowing with happiness. The other activities were also super nice. I have beautiful pictures but the best are in my head and in my heart. Thank you Ingrid and all the people who made this possible....

Sonja - Uganda - Gorillas, chimpanzees and more 2025

I am perhaps the least experienced photographer of the bunch. I photograph because I am on safari. I didn't go on safari to photograph. This group - because they are photographers - really take the time to stay with the animals and take time to absorb every detail. That's what I was looking for and what I found with Ingrid. And literally making my way on foot through “the impenetrable forest” ... is as unique as the intense look in the eyes of a gorilla or chimpanzee. I have gained some unique experiences (with photos to look back). I also learned more about photography in these 12 days by the way than I have in past years, from Ingrid and the other participants.

-I’ll never forget-

Steven - Uganda - Gorillas, chimpanzees and more 2025

January 2023. Eagerly looking forward to the “primate journey” in Uganda. A small club of friends and Ingrid. A beautiful green country and friendly people. Somewhat intimidated by the stories surrounding the infamous “trail walks” we, with the help of the local porters and guides, managed to maneuver our way smoothly and safely over tree roots, rivers and the dense foliage of the forest. The reward: a unique introduction to the socially interactive world of the great apes with whom we share more than 98% of our DNA. Unforgettable. Wonderful photo opportunities thanks to the efforts of Ingrid, the local guides and our mere 2% modified DNA. Accommodation and atmosphere as usual perfectly fine. 48-hour days would have been better to fully experience all of this. Tanzania already beckons in the distance.

Els and Luc - Uganda 2023

The tracking to the chimpanzees and gorillas was spectacular. Long hikes but with an incredible experience when you come face to face with a silver back Gorilla and his family or are nearly knocked over by a Chimpanzee. This was the pinnacle of nature experience. We took beautiful photos and videos. As always good technical guidance by Ingrid and excellent lodges and transport. We are still impressed.

Kristien and Paul - Uganda 2023

It's not as luxurious out here in Finland as with our Ingrid ;-) . You at +28, me at -2, you at the bbq, I muesli and an apple. Alone yes, sleeping bag no, no food in the first 100 km. There are 2 burger joints, but that's not great. From 03.30 am until now I have already shot two pictures and went for a pee twice. Continuing until 9 pm and then the burger resto will be closed. In the time between I think about our trip, that gives me courage. Thanks again. Put this message on your website :-)

Frank - Uganda 2022 (update 4 months later)

In mid-January 2022, we finally left for Uganda for the long-awaited confrontation with the chimpanzees and gorillas as the main target. The other stops such as Lake Victoria and Queen Elisabeth National Park are also great. Let's not talk about Corona!
My expectations were beyond all expectations, just wow. The chosen resorts, food, the local staff, our driver, nature with wildlife and Ingrid with advice and help. Gradually we could see improvement of our photos. I am certainly considering further participation in the wide range of photo tours. Hopefully see you somewhere in Africa.

Frank - Uganda 2022

After a year of delay it was finally time to leave for Uganda in January 2022. For me it was the first time in Central Africa and also the first time on an organized photo tour. Until now I knew more about southern Africa, so the chimpanzees, gorillas and the wildlife of the jungle were a huge new experience, which you must have experienced once in a lifetime. Despite my low level of fitness, I certainly enjoyed the wildlife, hopefully my patient fellow travelers, too, who had to stop for me every now and then. Afterwards I could enjoy Ugandan hospitality in a top choice of resorts with friendly staff as well as food and drink that leaves nothing to be desired. Not to mention our personal driver, the great support in the background. With Ingrid's advice, I have not only improved my photography during the trip, but also eliminated some of the bad habits in my earlier photography. It won't be the first and last time to go on one of Ingrid's exclusive trips. See you in Africa.

Joern - Uganda 2022

For the 3rd time with Ingrid on a photo safari, this time to hospitable Uganda: again very well organized and with perfect guidance ... what more could you wish for?

Marc - Uganda 2022

My 6th photo tour with Ingrid already, now Uganda, was certainly a direct hit. The trip was very well prepared so we could have lots of photo opportunities. The accommodation was also excellent. And what I will especially remember is the expert support to take our photography to a higher level. My expectations for this trip were far exceeded. My special thanks and appreciation, Ingrid.

Geert - Uganda 2019

It was indescribably good. We enjoyed every moment. Learned a lot about nature and photography.

Marleen and Jacques - Uganda 2019

Everything was perfectly organised and optimised in function of photography. Thanks to the repeated trackings we were able, after extensive personal feedback from Ingrid, to increase the chances of taking good pictures and improve our technique. Ingrid also gave us lots of tips during the trackings, and she gave us the space to take the best pictures.

Alain - Uganda 2019

Uganda was not only unforgettable, educational, exciting and an honor to be there.
For me it was Breathtaking, truly a Magical experience.

Elke - Uganda 2019