The Rwanda gorilla filming experience is a special activity that only a few people have done in the wild. It can only be done in the forest and mountains, since gorillas do not survive long in zoos. Tourists who want to film gorillas in Rwanda must send a request to the Rwanda Development Board in advance and also sign the required forms before the activity.
When planning gorilla filming in Rwanda, the filming team must pay the normal gorilla trekking fee separately from the filming fee. This can total $12,000 for a group of up to 8 people, since only eight visitors are allowed to see one gorilla family in a day.
Gorilla Filming Permits in Rwanda
In Rwanda, gorilla filming permits cost $5,000 per person per hour. In addition, each person must also pay $1,500 for the regular gorilla trekking permit.
The filming crew must also pay a $2,000 deposit to the Rwanda Development Board. This deposit is refunded once you provide a copy of the video to the board, showing that the film was made to support mountain gorilla conservation in Volcanoes National Park.
You can get the filming permit through the Rwanda Development Board or with help from a trusted tour company. If filming isn’t for you, our Rwanda safari packages cover the regular trekking experience too.
Preparing for Gorilla Filming
Gorilla filming is similar to gorilla trekking. You will need to carry waterproof hiking boots, a raincoat, warm long-sleeved clothes, plenty of drinking water, garden gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent, and energy snacks.
Volcanoes National Park is open all year round, but the best time for filming is during the dry season, from June to September and from December to February. During this time, the weather is better, trails are less slippery, and the vegetation is thinner, making filming easier.
An Alternative: Regular Gorilla Trekking
If gorilla filming is too expensive, you can choose the regular gorilla trekking experience instead. A maximum of eight people are allowed to visit a gorilla family each day, and children under 15 and sick adults are not permitted to trek.
Once the gorilla group is found, you’re given an hour to observe and take photos. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person per trek.
Why Gorilla Filming Was Introduced
Mountain gorilla filming was introduced to support conservation efforts and help people around the world learn more about these animals. This activity can only take place in the wild, since mountain gorillas cannot survive for long in zoos.
Only eight people are allowed to film a single gorilla family at a time, and everyone involved must complete the required forms and submit them before the trek. It’s also important to send your filming request to the proper authorities, or through your tour operator, 3 to 6 months before arrival.
What to Bring for Rwanda Gorilla Filming
Just like trekking, gorilla filming requires long-sleeved clothes, a rain jacket, warm clothing, waterproof hiking boots, energy snacks, plenty of drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and other small useful items.
Since gorillas are always on the move, it’s worth hiring a porter at the park headquarters to help carry your bags, which can make filming considerably easier.
Combining Filming With Gorilla Trekking
Besides filming, tourists can also go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The cost of gorilla trekking is $1,500 per person and should be booked early, especially during the busy season, to avoid missing out.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers some of the more comfortable gorilla trekking experiences available. The park covers 125 square kilometers and is about a 2 to 3 hour drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Rwanda has over ten habituated gorilla groups that tourists can visit.
