In Rwanda, gorilla filming permits cost $5000 per person per hour. In addition to this, each person must also pay $1500 for the regular gorilla trekking permit.
The filming crew must also pay a $2000 deposit to the Rwanda Development Board. This deposit is refunded after you give them a copy of the video or CD. The film must clearly show that it 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.
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, the trails are less slippery, and the vegetation is not too thick, making it easier to film.
If gorilla filming is too expensive, you can choose the regular gorilla trekking experience. A maximum of eight people are allowed to visit a gorilla family each day. Children under 15 years and sick adults are not allowed to trek.
Once the gorilla group is found, you are given one hour to observe and take pictures. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person per trek.
Mountain gorilla filming was introduced to support gorilla conservation and help people around the world learn more about these animals. This activity can only be done in the wild, as mountain gorillas cannot survive for long in zoos.
Only eight people are allowed to film a single gorilla family at a time. Everyone involved in gorilla filming must fill in the required forms and submit them before the trek. It is also important to send your filming request to the proper authorities or your tour operator 3 to 6 months before your arrival.
