Photographing mountain gorillas is every traveler’s dream while at the presence of mountain gorillas, the thrilling lifetime experience must be put in pictures for remembrance of one hour encounter with close relatives or to show your friends and family when you go back home.
Rwanda offers the best option for gorilla photography compared to Uganda and Congo and this is because the gorilla habitat here is mainly comprised of bamboo and short grass unlike other parks where you have to traverse the thick jungle and gorillas are sometimes covered in vegetation.
The terrain at Volcanoes national park is also relatively easier to hike and no steep, this makes it easy to capture gorilla photos even while their moving. Nevertheless the gorilla trekking rule of no flash cameras while trekking mountain gorillas applies in all gorilla national parks, this is because mountain gorillas get irritated by flash lights and can attack the person or group taking cameras on a flash light.
You’re advised to charge your camera fully while going to trek mountain gorillas or carry extra batteries to avoid disappointment. You will also be told to keep a distance of at least 7 meters while with gorillas keep in mind these are wild animals. When photographing gorillas in Rwanda remember you will only be given one hour for observation and taking pictures so make sure you use it wisely.
For those interested in gorilla filming, the price is $5000 per person and these permits can be obtained from Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour company.
Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla permits with each permit costing $1500 per person. Children under the age of 15 years old and adults with infections such as flu will not be allowed to trek mountain gorilla. Gorilla permits must always be booked in advance of three months especially during the peak season.
