Gorilla Photography Safaris in Rwanda.
Gorilla photography safaris in Rwanda are a lifetime experience that combines thrilling adventure with exceptional wildlife photography for primatologists and nature lovers. Gorilla photography in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northeastern part of the country. It’s a tropical rainforest national park with stunning views of the five volcanic ranges. It’s one of the smallest national parks in the country, covering an area of about 160 square kilometres. Volcanoes National Park is one of the four destinations in the world hosting the endangered mountain gorillas, home to 30% of the world’s total population of the endangered mountain gorillas, which provides a 98% chance of encountering these awesome creatures in their natural habitats.
The park has over 12 habituated gorilla families, which are fully accustomed to human presence. Photography safaris offer photographers the rare opportunity to capture intimate moments of gorilla families in their natural habitats, such as mothers taking care of the young ones, playing, feeding and silverbacks protecting their family members. Whether you are a professional wildlife photographer or simply passionate about capturing nature’s finest moments, Rwanda provides exceptional trekking experiences with the help of knowledgeable guides who provide more insights about the wildlife species encountered in the forest.
Gorilla Photography Safaris Experience in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a guided activity led by an experienced park guide who ensures participants’ safety and gives more information about the park’s inhabitants encountered. Trekking begins early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations of the activity, and participants are divided into groups of 8, and each group is assigned to a gorilla family. Trekkers must have a gorilla trekking permit, which is an official document issued by the Rwanda Development Board which allows participants to have a close encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.
Trekking involves hiking through the dense forest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas, and it takes about 2 to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once located, participants are strictly given one hour to be with them and observe their behaviours. Photographers utilise this one hour to capture images of different angles of the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Gorilla filming in Rwanda costs $5000 per group, and each crew member must obtain a gorilla trekking permit, which costs $1500. Gorilla photography safaris in Rwanda are among the most rewarding experiences that allow photographers and nature lovers to tell stories of these endangered creatures to the world through the lens.
Things to pack for Gorilla Photography in Rwanda.
Photographers should pack essential items that will enable them to have a memorable mountain gorilla photography safari in Rwanda. They should consider packing cameras and extra batteries to take as many pictures and short videos as they wish, with no flashlights, garden gloves, long trousers, a brimmed hat, insect repellent, comfortable waterproof hiking shoes, energy snacks, a waterproof backpack, sunscreen, a light rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses.
What is the best time to visit the park for gorilla photography?
Gorilla photography safaris in Rwanda can be done at any time of the year, and the best time is determined by traveller’s travel interests. The park experiences two seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season is the most loved period of the year by photographers, which runs from June to September and from December to February. During this period, the park receives little to no rainfall, and it’s less muddy and slippery, making it easy to penetrate and capture good shots. The wet season runs from March to May and from October to November. This season receives enough rainfall, and the park is always muddy and slippery, making it challenging to search for these awesome creatures, though it favours budget travellers since the gorilla permits are discounted during this period.
