Mountain gorillas Photography Tours in Uganda or Rwanda
Mountain gorilla photography tours in Uganda and Rwanda provide unparalleled opportunities to capture these majestic creatures in their natural habitats. Both countries are top destinations for gorilla trekking, offering unique experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories and stunning photos. This guide will help you plan your ultimate gorilla photography safari, including essential details, photography tips, and a thorough packing list.
Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after tourist activities in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to over 400 mountain gorillas, making it a prime location for trekking, though it comes with a higher permit cost of $1500. In Uganda, you can explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, where permits are more affordable. Non-foreign residents can expect to pay $800, while foreign residents are charged $700. These destinations offer incredible opportunities to photograph mountain gorillas up close, ensuring a truly remarkable experience.
Gorilla Habituation and Trekking Locations
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to around 10 habituated gorilla families, but gorilla habituation experiences are not available there. Uganda, however, offers a different experience with gorilla habituation. Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park hosts one gorilla family, while Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to approximately 19 habituated gorilla families. Bwindi is also where gorilla habituation takes place, providing visitors with the unique opportunity to spend extended time with these incredible creatures as they become accustomed to human presence.
Both of Uganda’s gorilla trekking parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, are located in the southwestern region of the country. Bwindi is notably divided into four distinct trekking sectors: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Each of these sectors offers a different trekking experience and access to various gorilla families, making Bwindi a diverse and rewarding destination for those seeking an unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Tips for Capturing Great Gorilla Photos
When you encounter gorillas, you’ll have only an hour with them, so it’s crucial to prepare in advance to make the most of your time. Here are some essential tips for taking excellent gorilla photos during Mountain gorilla photography tours:
Prepare Your Gadgets: Ensure all necessary equipment, such as personal cameras and binoculars, are ready without inconveniencing other trekkers. Carry fully charged gadgets and spare batteries and memory cards.
Maintain Distance: Maintain a distance of 7 meters between you and the gorillas, respecting their space and safety.
Adjust Lighting: Be prepared to adjust your camera’s light settings to accommodate varying lighting conditions in the jungle. Remember, flash photography is prohibited as it may disturb the gorillas.
Exercise Patience: Gorillas are wild animals, even after habituation, so patience is key. Observe them calmly through your lens to capture their natural behaviors.
Photography Packing List for Gorilla Safari
Packing for your gorilla photography safari requires careful consideration. Here’s a comprehensive packing list:
Camera Equipment: Bring a camera suited to your skill level, along with essential accessories like tripods, lens cleaning equipment, extra lenses, batteries, and memory cards.
Binoculars: Don’t forget binoculars for wildlife viewing, especially if you’re interested in birdwatching.
Day Backpack: Carry a backpack with essentials such as toiletries, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, first aid kit, and personal items.
Hiking Boots: Sturdy, ankle-length hiking boots are recommended for trekking through the jungle, preferably waterproof.
Clothing: Pack neutral-colored, long-sleeved shirts and trousers to blend in with the environment. Avoid camouflage, blue (which attracts tsetse flies), and black (which absorbs heat). Include garden gloves for hand protection.
Weather Protection: Prepare for Uganda’s unpredictable weather with rain jackets, shower caps for equipment, adjustable gaiters, thick socks, and warm sweaters.
Other Essentials: Bring insect repellent, toiletries, cash, wet wipes, a refillable water bottle, flashlight, and any additional personal items you may need.
Gorilla trekking rules
These rules are designed to protect both the gorillas and the visitors. By adhering to these guidelines, tourists contribute indirectly to the conservation of these magnificent creatures.
Minimum Age Requirement
To participate in gorilla trekking, tourists must be at least 15 years old in Uganda and Rwanda. This requirement aims to ensure that young children, who may be harder to control, do not disturb the gorillas’ natural behaviors.
Duration of Gorilla Encounters
During a standard gorilla trek, tourists are permitted to spend one hour with the gorillas once they are located. However, during habituation experiences, tourists can spend up to four hours observing the gorillas.
Group Size Limit
Each gorilla trekking group is limited to a maximum of eight people. This restriction helps prevent large crowds, reducing the risk of human-to-primate infections and minimizing disturbance to the gorillas.
Maintaining Cleanliness
Tourists are required to keep the habitat clean by refraining from littering in national parks. All rubbish must be properly disposed of in designated areas.
Staying Together
It’s important for all trekkers to stay together and not wander off from the group. This ensures the safety of tourists and minimizes the risk of being singled out by the gorillas, which could lead to potential confrontations.
Hygiene Practices
In areas where toilet facilities are not available, tourists must dig a hole 30cm deep in the bush to relieve themselves. It’s crucial to properly cover the waste to prevent the spread of infections to the gorillas.
Restrictions on Eating and Drinking
Eating and drinking are not permitted in the presence of the gorillas to avoid any potential disturbances or health risks.
No Smoking
Smoking is prohibited during gorilla trekking as it may have adverse effects on the health of the primates.
Maintaining Distance
Tourists must keep a distance of 7 meters from the gorillas once they have been located. Getting too close to the gorillas may be perceived as a threat by the male silverbacks.
Considerations for Illness
If a tourist feels unwell before the trek, it’s advisable to volunteer not to participate. Alternative arrangements can be made for another trek once the individual has recovered.
Maintaining Quietness
Tourists are encouraged to keep their voices low or communicate through whispers to avoid disturbing the gorillas’ peace and daily routines.
Avoiding Eye Contact
Direct eye contact with the gorillas should be avoided, as it may be interpreted as a challenge. If approached by a gorilla, tourists should back away slowly and assume a submissive posture.
Awareness of Other Wildlife
Tourists should remain vigilant for other wildlife while trekking, underscoring the importance of staying with the group and following the guidance of the tour guide.
Body Language Awareness
Body language is crucial when interacting with the gorillas. Tourists should avoid making sudden movements, pointing at the gorillas, or raising their hands.
Photography Guidelines
Flash photography is prohibited as gorillas are not accustomed to flashes and may perceive them as threats. Tourists should ensure that flash settings are turned off before embarking on the trek.
Respiratory Etiquette
If a tourist needs to cough or sneeze, they should do so away from the gorillas and cover their mouth to prevent the spread of airborne infections.
Consistency across National Parks
These rules apply to all gorilla trekking destinations, including Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
When to Go for a Photography Safari in Uganda and Rwanda
Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd offers Mountain gorilla photography tours throughout the year, with two distinct seasons: dry and wet.
Dry Season (June to September and December to February)
The dry season is considered the best time for Mountain gorilla photography tours. During this period, trek routes are less slippery and muddy, making it easier to spot gorillas due to the thinning vegetation. However, tourists should be prepared for sudden weather changes and occasional rainfall. As the peak season, it’s advisable to book gorilla permits in advance to ensure an enjoyable safari experience.
Wet Season (March to May and October to November)
The wet season is characterized by heavy rainfall, particularly in April, and offers discounted rates on accommodations in Uganda and Rwanda. While trek routes may be slippery and muddy, this season is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Despite the weather conditions, tourists can still enjoy gorilla photography safaris with proper preparation and expectations.
Getting to the gorilla trekking destinations
To get to Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda, there are two main ways: by road or by air. If you choose to drive, it takes about 9 to 10 hours from Kampala. You’ll need to stop sometimes during the journey. The roads can be bumpy, so we use special 4×4 safari vehicles that can handle rough terrain well. Flying is faster but more expensive. You can arrange a charter flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. Then, a safari vehicle will take you to the national parks.
For Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, it’s about a two and a half hour drive from Kigali International Airport. You can drive yourself or hire a safari vehicle through a safari company. We usually recommend this to our clients for convenience and safety.
