
Gorilla Photography In Uganda
Are you looking for gorilla photography in Uganda? Gorilla trekking is one of the most done tourism activities in Africa though very expensive. Its every traveler’s dream to meet eye to eye with these apes in their natural habitat because they cannot be found in zoos. Everyone planning mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda must carry a good quality flash-less camera to capture the unforgettable lifetime experience.
Uganda is the top destination for gorilla trekking but photography can sometimes become had as Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is too thick making it hard to capture photos well compared to volcanoes national park but if you are lucky, you might as well find gorillas on a clearing in Bwindi national park and have great pictures for memories or take back home for remembrance.
When photographing mountain gorillas, the number one rule is cameras with flashlights are not allowed so it is better to turn off your flash or get a camera without flash his is because mountain gorillas feel threatened and can easily attack when their photos are taken using cameras that have flashlights.
Tourists must keep a distance of 7 meters while around mountain gorillas; you should take a wide-angle lens, fixed focal lens, and zoom lens in order to capture and good pictures. You can carry two cameras if you can as mountain gorillas are always moving and it will be hectic changing lenses. When planning gorilla photography ensure to get your camera fully charged or carry extra batteries, a waterproof bag to keep your camera safe in case it rains, enough drinking water, energy-giving snacks, insect repellents, good waterproof hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, garden gloves, sanitizer, face mask, long-sleeved clothes, and much more
Professional filmmakers, journalists, or tourists interested in making gorilla films, they should acquire permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator.
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents, and shs250,000 East Africa Citizens per person per trekking, habituation permits cost $1500 per person per trek and the gorilla filming permits costs $4200 per person. Gorilla permits in Uganda are always scarce so tourists should book in advance of 3-4 months before arriving in the country. Mountain gorillas can be visited at any time of the year but some months are better than others like June to September and December to February when the vegetation is thin, roads leading to the park are accessible and the trekking trails not muddy and slippery.
When to go for gorilla photography in Uganda
Mountain gorilla photography in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda can be done at any time of the year but most travelers prefer going to these parks for gorilla photography during the drier months when the rain is little. The dry season happens from June to September and December to February and during this time the roads leading to the park are accessible and the terrains are dry.
High season
This normally happens in the months of June, July, August September, December, January, and February. During these months less rainfall is experienced as it’s overtaken by the sunshine.
January-February and June-September is the best period to do gorilla trekking both in Uganda and Rwanda. Although this period is termed as year-round up activities, these two countries during this period are always experiencing dry seasons hence enabling visitors to choose trekking in the dry season also known as the high seasons.
December is also another busy month. It’s the busiest month of the year based on the fact that the whole world is always off for Christmas holidays and year-end. Therefore, we strongly advise you to book your gorilla trekking permits as early as possible to avoid disappointments and for proper planning.
If you need the best gorilla trekking conditions with no worries about prices, the high season is the best for you. these countries Uganda and Rwanda have raised topography meaning the climate is fairly cool throughout the year, despite some serious walking/hiking that may result in feeling hot.
Low season
Tourists who usually come in low season experience real adventure to the fullest. This is because, during the low season, there are always few people in the jungle. There are also price reductions in accommodation facilities since fewer tourists come into the country and lodges are in less demand in this season and there is always availability of gorilla and chimpanzee permits because of fewer tourists coming in.
While in rainy seasons you may incur some challenges in traveling both in Uganda and Rwanda, a day is never lost due to rains, surprisingly days have both rain and sunshine, this means that despite wetness and coldness its usually favorable for you to continue with your activities as stated in your itinerary whether it rains or not gorilla trekking is conducted daily as it has never been canceled due to the bad weather.
How to get to Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park
These two national parks are located in the southwestern part of Uganda. Getting to the parks from Kigali takes you only 4-5 hours through Katuna and Cyanika border while from Kampala via Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro Road it takes you 9-10 hours.
Flying to Bwindi And Mgahinga
When you reach Entebbe airport, our driver and tour guide will take you to Kajjasi airstrip so as to board Aerolink airline to take you to Kihihi in Buhoma town or Kisoro that are located in the southern regions of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The flight takes one hour and are convenient daily.
Travelers always buy a Tourist visa from Rwanda and then apply for an online East Africa visa. About 70% of clients like flying into Kigali Airport so as to later fly out in Entebbe.
Unique gorilla trekking safari begins at Entebbe and later it flies to Kisoro. 10% of our clients like using air travel option.
Planes also chart to savannah Airstrip or Kayonza as it is served by 3 airfields at Kayonza, Nyakabande and Kihihi in Kisoro, this permits easy access to trek in Mishaya, Nshogi and Nkuringo