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This extraordinary photo tour of Uganda was comprehensive but the pace was reasonable thanks to the incredible organization and planning by Luka and Ivan, our local guide. Our accommodations, meals and transportation were all first rate and well-suited to the needs of the travelers (both the photographers and non-photographers) in our group. The itinerary was structured to guarantee a level of predictability necessary for packing and ensuring we accomplished our travel goals, yet flexible enough to allow for deviations when unique opportunities presented themselves along the way. We began our journey tracking the rare and elusive shoebill crane in Mabamba Swamp with great success. From there, we visited a rhinoceros sanctuary with unparalleled access to these majestic creatures - I had never imagined we could get so close to them and had to switch out my telephoto lens to get the best images. After this, we had several days of game drives in the savannah, a visit to a monkey sanctuary, and trips to the impressive Murchison Falls, both walking and by boat for different perspectives. After exploring north central Uganda, we headed further west and south, crossing the equator on our way to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking. This was a fantastic photo opportunity as the chimpanzees came down from the canopy to check us out and we had plenty of time to capture more intimate portraits of these expressive primates. From there, we traveled further south and west to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Near the top of this expansive park, we enjoyed additional game drives and sighted the tree climbing lions perched in the Euphorbia Candelabrum trees. While in this area we also enjoyed a boat ride in nearby lakes George & Edward and through the channel between them. Here we were greeted by such an abundance of wildlife it was almost unbearable as a photographer. So much was happening that it was difficult to decide where to train your lens, from fighting elephants, to large hippo families, to crocodiles, to the extravagant bird population. By the end of our boat trip, we were all exhausted (but exuberant), toasting to a highly successful outing and enjoying the delectable snacks served onboard. Over the next days, as we made our way south through QE National Park, there were more spectacular game drives as the landscape slowly started to change while we gained elevation on our way to the mountains. It was at this point in the trip where we had an unexpected close encounter with a massive colony of black-headed weaver birds living in the trees surrounding our lodge. From the upper terrace of the main lodge, we literally had a birds-eye view of the bustling activity of the colony: the bright, colorful males were building new nests, adding appurtenances to existing nests, fighting, preening, and generally doing what it takes to attract females in preparation for the upcoming mating season. It was difficult to tear ourselves away, but our tour had been building towards the penultimate experience of gorilla tracking in the oldest sector of the Bwindi Impenatrable Forest, so we pressed on with our guides in our trusty Toyota Land Cruisers that now felt more like members of the family rather than mere vehicles. We had permits for two separate days to track gorilla family groups in two different parts of this sector of the park. It is impossible to overstate how much we were impacted by our visits with the gorillas - words simply don’t express the emotions and the connection one experiences with these kindred souls. The park rangers at the welcome center first gather all the groups together to explain the mission of conservation and the highly regulated visits that are permitted with certain gorilla family groups who have become accustomed to human interactions. The rules are strictly enforced to keep the gorillas safe and to minimize stress. For our first day, we had about an hour drive through the mountainous area before we began our uphill hike that culminated in crossing a stream carried by our porters, perched on a makeshift seat as two of them linked arms so we could sit and keep our boots dry. From there, the vines and branches were hacked by machetes until we reached a small clearing where our gorilla family was enjoying their meal, dexterously stripping branches to get to the soft core. They noticed our presence but were not bothered by us in the least, continuing to eat and casually glance over at us. That is, until the baby saw us and was as fascinated by us as we were by him. He was quite young, and a little clumsy, as he made his way towards us and as he played with his family members, including the large dominant silverback male. The photo opportunities were abundant even as the rainforest light was a bit challenging. However, the best moments were actually the ones not captured, when we set our cameras down and just connected with these gentle gorillas and shared this magical place with them. Our second day of gorilla tracking involved no additional driving, but a more challenging vertical climb up to a different family. While the hiking was not for the faint of heart, the rewards were equally gratifying as the first day. This time, we had a dominant male with all females with him except for a 2yr. old juvenile who was eager to entertain and impress us. He swung from vines, wrestled with a playful older sister and even climbed all over his silverback father. The ability of these powerful, yet quiet and gentle beings to hold us utterly entranced cannot be overstated. Time stood still for the moments we were allowed to be with the gorillas until, all too soon, the rangers let us know that it was time to leave and head through the rainforest back down the mountain. It was enough because it had to be this way in order to allow the gorillas to live their lives without constant interference, but, honestly, we would have stayed for hours if it were possible. So hard to tear ourselves away, but we left with a sense of peace and goodness in the world. This was far beyond a typical photography tour. Over the course of the entire photo tour, all along the way, and in between planned excursions to see animals, we drove through colorful and active villages, stopping at schools, shopping kiosks, orphanages and other gathering places where we were greeted by welcoming, friendly people everywhere we went. Although most of us came on the tour for the experiences with wildlife, we were all even more impressed with the human interaction. Away from the cities, village life is more rustic, that is certain, but there is joy, pride, and hope in the rural corners of Uganda, and the connection with the land is palpable. What a remarkable contrast the typical daily life of most westerners. Overall, the tour helped me sharpen my skills as a photographer, but my main takeaway will be the connections I made with my fellow travelers, our knowledgeable guides, the people of Uganda, and the beautiful creatures that inhabit the Pearl of Africa. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough. In fact, don’t be surprised if you see me on this very same tour in the future. I haven’t even managed to download and edit the images from my camera yet, but I’ll share iPhone images so you can get a sense of how close we were to the action.

Once in a lifetime trip. Luka knows what he is doing, and does an excellent job! We never had to do a single thing, except show up.

Is it possible to do serious landscape photography and have too much fun at the same time? Take a trip with Esenko Workshops to find out! There were 4 of us that wanted to do a private photo tour of Slovenia this past October. We were referred to Esenko Workshops based in Slovenia, who did a wonderful job of arranging all the logistics. Our little group was lead by Matija Špelić, one of the pros on the team. Never in my life have I had more fun than the time I spent with Matija and photographing Slovenia! I know the other members in our little group would say the same thing! In fact we had such a wonderful time, we're going back in 2027 for 2 weeks this time with Esenko Workshops and Matija!!

I’m a returning customer to Esenko Workshops after visiting Slovenia a few years ago. This review is for their Winter Dolomites tour that was lead by the excellent and dry humoured Dan Briski that took place in January 2026. The pre-tour communication was excellent, and I was joined by 3 other photographers to enjoy some landscape scenery and wasn’t let down. The tour itinerary was flexible and weather dependant, and Dan’s knowledge of the area prevailed in order for us to maximise our photo opportunities. The accommodation was comfortable, the food stops great, and the company fantastic. I am looking forward to going on another photo tour with Esenko in the future.

Wonderful trip with outstanding guides and great opportunities to photograph a variety of animals, experience nature and Uganda’s culture!

We had a small group of 3 photographers for this tour plus our guide, Dan. I had never been to Slovenia before and I had a great time. The weather was not cooperating in giving us snow but Dan worked very hard to find us quality locations to shoot every day. I feel like I saw a lot of the country and learned about it too. The bed and breakfast we stayed at was fantastic and I really thought everyone we encountered was great. What a beautiful country. Thank you for showing it to me.

One of great experience that I wasn't expecting before the trip. Super friendly people and tour leads take care us very well.

This was a fabulous trip. The first day was amazing in the arena at Simitli and we didn't want to leave because we thought it couldn't get any better. But it did. It got better and better every day. The opportunities for photography that we were given were incredible. The experience of the Surva Festival in the small villages was completely magical and unforgettable. And due to the planning of Esenko and the skill of our guides, Dancho and Amadeja, we were able to get right in among the action for some fabulous photos. Looking back on our photos now we can hardly believe that we were really there.

One week of fascinating views in Durmitor and Biogradska Gora national parks. As Luka Esenko is an intimate connoisseur of the best photo spots in the region we got many top photos, even in less than ideal meteorological conditions. We also got in contact with local people who are very welcoming and friendly.

I had an opportunity to attend the Autumn in Slovenia photography workshop in October 2025 and I must say that it was exceptionally good! Slovenia is a very photogenic country and the autumn lights and leaves simply make it magical. Our guide, Jaka, worked really hard to make sure that we went to the right place at the right time for each stop. Each morning, he would religiously check five or six weather apps on his phone. Appreciating his efforts, even the weather cooperated most of the time.  Twice he took us back to the same respective spots because he thought the light conditions were not ideal the first time and on both occasions we had better conditions on our second visits. I was able to get more than one wall-hangers, by my standard of course, thanks to this trip. The hotels we stayed were clean and comfortable and all the local cuisines recommended by Jaka were excellent. All in all, this workshop has set a high bar against which all my future ones will be measured!

Esenko tours are lead by passionate photographers which makes the difference between good and excellent. The tour leaders go the extra mile to provide the best photo opportunities to their guests.

This was the first time I had with Luka. Luka has a great team. Everyone knows the places well. Each tour was thoughtfully organized. This was my first time to visit that region too, A truly beautiful place and such memorable tours. Thank you Luka and crew.