When planning to visit Uganda for gorilla photography, the most important rule to remember is that flash cameras are not allowed. You can turn off your flash while taking photos because gorillas can get irritated by flashlights and may charge at the person using it.
To avoid disappointment, tourists coming for gorilla photography should carry two fully charged batteries or ensure their cameras are fully charged. It’s also a good idea to bring a waterproof camera bag since the weather in the rain-forest is unpredictable, and it can rain anytime, even during the dry season.
When planning gorilla photography in Uganda, it is advisable to carry two cameras because mountain gorillas are always moving, and it might be hard to change lenses. You should also bring a fixed focal lens, a wide-angle lens, and a zoom lens to get good photos.
There is no separate price for gorilla photography permits in Uganda. However, for an unforgettable gorilla photography experience, tourists can book permits for gorilla habituation. This allows tourists to stay with mountain gorillas for four hours, giving better opportunities for photography compared to gorilla trekking, where you are limited to one hour.
Gorilla Permits for Filming & Trekking Gorillas
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 per person for trekking and $1,500 per person for the habituation experience. Gorilla filming permits cost $4,200 per person per hour, and a trekking permit must be bought in addition to the filming permit. Permits should always be booked at least three months in advance to avoid disappointment.
A maximum of only eight people is allowed to visit a mountain gorilla family. Sick adults with infections like coughs or flu, and children under 15 years of age, will not be allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
Best Time for Gorilla Photography in Uganda
Mountain gorilla photography can be done all year round. However, for better and clearer pictures, it is best to visit during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when the vegetation is less thick. During the rainy season, Bwindi Forest becomes very dense, making photography more challenging.
