When planning to visit Uganda for gorilla photographing, the number one rule to keep in mind is that flash cameras are not allowed for photographing gorillas or you can just turn off your flash while taking photos, this is because gorillas get irritated by flash light and can easily charge at the person taking photos on flash light.
To avoid disappointment, tourists coming for gorilla photography must carry two batteries or charge their cameras fully when going for photography, it’s also a good idea to bring a water proof camera bag as weather in the rainforests is unpredictable therefore it can rain any time even sometimes in the dry season.
When planning gorilla in Uganda, it’s advisable to carry two cameras as mountain gorillas are always moving it might make it hard to change lenses. You should also take a fixed focal lens, wide angel lens and zoom lens in order to get good photos.
There is no price for gorilla photography permits set up in Uganda but for unforgettable gorilla photographing experience tourists can book permits for gorilla habituation that allows tourists to stay in the presence of mountain gorillas for four hours hence greater opportunities of taking photos unlike gorilla trekking where you will be restricted to one hour.
Gorilla permits
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600 per person per trekking, $1500 per person per habituation experience and the gorilla filming permits cost $4200 per person per hour and a permit for trekking must be bought on top of the gorilla filming permit. Permits must always be bought in advance of three months before travelling to the country in order to avoid disappointment.
A maximum of only eight people will be allowed to visit a mountain gorilla family. Sick adults with infections such as cough, flu and children under the age of 15years will not be allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
Best time for gorilla photography
Mountain gorilla photography can be done all year round but for better and clear pictures, you have to visit in the dry season of June to September and December to February when the vegetation is not very thick given that Bwindi forest is a real thick jungle during the rain season.
