Gorilla Photography Tips in Uganda and Rwanda
Guide to Gorilla Photography Tips in Uganda and Rwanda with Maranatha Tours and Travel. Gorilla photography is a must-do when it comes to gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Photography provides a unique opportunity for gorilla trekkers to capture the best images of the endangered mountain gorillas. Capturing the magical images of mountain gorillas as they are immersed in the jungles can be sensational.
To have the best of your gorilla photography in Uganda and Rwanda, take note of some of the amazing travel tips to guide you. The gorilla photography tips provided in this article give insight into how you should go about taking pictures of gorillas. Explore the various ethical guidelines to be observed during gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.
Gorilla Photography Tips in Uganda and Rwanda
Disable a flashlight on your camera
Before you begin capturing pictures of gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, ensure that your camera’s flash is disabled. Alternatively, you can secure a camera with no flash to be on the safe side. Get a fast camera for a photography session, and this can save you from motion blur. Ensure that your ISO is set high about 800-1600, for low light, especially as you go deeper in the jungles. Position yourself to capture gorillas’ eyes and other unique body parts. The flashlight should be avoided at all costs such that gorillas don’t get scared or charge at you.
Respect the park authority’s 1 hour to be spent with gorillas
Photography sessions in Uganda and Rwanda are restricted to a maximum of 1 hour. This is the overall standard applicable to all gorilla trekking destinations, whether you are in Uganda or Rwanda.
Camera lens
When choosing the camera to be used for gorilla photography, consider the best lenses. Here is a quick guide to good camera lenses. First, you can consider a 70-200mm/2.8 zoom lens, known for its versatility, especially during photography with gorillas. This is best for visitors with plans to capture large/wide shots and tighter close-ups.
24-70mm zoom lens ideal in case gorillas come close to you. If you are interested in capturing mountain gorillas at a close range, then consider this lens option. A 100-400mm zoom lens is ideal for distant photography. But it may not be favorable when in destinations with dense forests. It is perfect for birding tours.
Tripods are not usually needed, except when you are planning a birding tour. This recommendation fits in with the previous lens and camera advice, ensuring you pack and plan only what is necessary for your gorilla trek.
Great moments to capture during Gorilla photography in Uganda and Rwanda
Get low to the ground to let yourself capture the eye level of gorillas. Positioning is key when it comes to capturing the distinct images of mountain gorillas. Even if it is your first time visiting gorillas, this is a free gorilla photography tip.
Use a single-point autofocus to capture the eyes. Remember, gorillas often display immerse expressive eyes that communicate unique things. Such moments shouldn’t be missed during photography session with mountain gorillas.
Target the interaction of gorillas –the best and memorable photography experience is when you position well and manage to capture all interactive moments of gorillas. Mountain gorillas are interactive, considering their social life. They can be found in families, and don’t miss the bonding moments to capture adults as they socialize with the infants.
Keep a safe distance –You should consider maintaining the 7-meter distance from gorillas when taking photos. At times, gorillas come to approach and don’t get scared; this often happens. What is essential is to maintain safety with them to enable you to experience the best of gorilla trekking.
Restrict your movement –avoid unnecessary movements that can disturb the gorilla’s behavior and also disorganize your photography session.
Choose a destination to visit for a gorilla photography tour
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Park are the main places to visit to experience the best of gorilla photography tour in Uganda and Rwanda, respectively. Bwindi and Mgahinga offer protection to a section of mountain gorillas, accounting about 50% of the today’s remaining population of these endangered species. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a biologically diverse UNESCO World Heritage Site and is situated in the Southwestern Uganda. Bwindi is an excellent destination to visit to witness a family of mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi involves exploring the 4 regions or sectors, including Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
Among the gorilla families to explore in Bwindi are Habinyanja gorilla group, Mubare group, Binyindo, Muyambi, Rushegura, Bitukura gorilla group, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, Christmas, Nkuringo gorilla group, Bikingi gorilla group, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, and many more.
Mgahinga National Park is situated in Kisoro and is comprised of only Nyakagezi gorilla family. At Mgahinga, you embark on a trek to explore Nyakagezi in a group of 8 (eight) visitors. It is the favorite destination to explore, especially if you are interested in the more intimate gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda –the Pearl of Africa.
Volcanoes National Park is the only place to locate mountain gorillas in Rwanda. About 30% of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas reside peacefully in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The Park currently supports a total of about 13 habituated gorilla groups including Umubano gorilla group, Susa A, Amahoro gorilla group, Agashya gorilla family, Karisimbi (Susa B), Sabyinyo, Muhoza, Bwenge, and Ugenda gorilla group, and many more.
When to travel for a gorilla photography tour in Uganda and Rwanda
Timing is essential for any successful gorilla photography tour in Rwanda and Uganda. The best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda for a gorilla photography tour is during the dry season, which extends from June to September or from December to February. Visiting Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla photo tours in the dry season allows you to enjoy an uninterrupted trekking session.
The rainy season comes with some challenges, especially heavy rain that make gorilla photo tours. But is the ideal period if you want to capture gorillas immersed in the lush vegetation? The wet season or rainy months of the year extend from March to May (first phase) and short wet months start from October to November.
Packing for a gorilla photography tour in Uganda and Rwanda
Essential items to carry for gorilla photography safari in Uganda and Rwanda include waterproof hiking/trekking boots, a rainy jacket, gaiters, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellents, a camera plus additional batteries, bottled drinking water, a daypack, a wide-brimmed safari hat, and many others.
Conclusively, the gorilla photography tips above provide insights for you to achieve a successful gorilla photo tour in Uganda and Rwanda. Visiting Uganda and Rwanda for a gorilla photo tour allows you to capture images of mainly mountain gorillas –the rare and endangered species worth catching a glimpse of in their natural setting.
