Bwindi Forest Gorilla Tours

Gorilla Trekking Photography Tips and Tricks

Gorilla Trekking Photography Tips and Tricks

A Guide to Gorilla Photo Safaris

Few experiences in the world can compete with standing mere feet away from a family of wild mountain gorillas in the forests of Rwanda and Uganda. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers a like seek out this kind of experience to observe these magnificent creatures as they go about their peaceful lives. It offers the chance to experience and immortalize in photos the gorillas and their similarity to humans.

If you are looking for tips and tricks to make the most of your gorilla trekking safari, this article is right for you.

Gorilla Trekking Photography Tips and Tricks
Mountain Gorilla in Bwindi Forest

Where are the best places to go on a gorilla photo safari

The dense forests of East Africa, especially those in Uganda and Rwanda, offer the best locations for gorilla trekking. These parks are some of the remaining refuges for gorilla populations in world.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers dense forest and mist cloaked hillsides – perfect for moody gorilla photography on your Uganda Safari.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Take epic shots of the gorillas with the Virunga Volcanoes in the distance in this park, it is smaller than Bwindi but no less dramatic in its scenery.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

This Rwanda Safari Park was made famous by legendary primatologist Dian Fossey, it is often considered an easier trekking experience due to less dense vegetation.

While each of these region offers unique photographic opportunities, Bwindi Forest in Uganda is often considered the top choice for serious photographers due to its diverse habitats and somewhat larger populations of gorillas.

Find out more about where to see gorillas in Africa

The best time of the year to go on a gorilla trekking photo safari

It is possible to go gorilla trekking year-round, but some seasons offer better conditions for mountain gorilla photography. The dry seasons between June and August from December to February are the top choices for a gorilla photo safari. The drier weather offers easier hiking conditions (great when you are lugging equipment), an easier time finding gorillas, and, of course clear skies that offer better lighting.

Conversely, the rainy seasons between March and May and from September to November can make things lightly more challenging, but certainly not impossible. The vegetation is lush and vibrant, creating a beautiful background against which to shoot. Throw in some mist for added ambience and a few glistening raindrops, and you are set. You will need to be prepared to protect your equipment from the rain and generally steamy conditions.

The said, mountain conditions are variable, so you should always be prepared for varying conditions no matter when you visit

Gorilla Photo Safari Equipment

What Camera Lens is best for Gorilla Trekking?

Before we look into some lens recommendations, it is essential to mention that you don’t want to carry too much weight when you are trekking the forests for hours. Consider carefully what equipment is most versatile and worth packing, and what you could live without.

Some good lenses to pack in your kit:

  1. 70-200mm/2.8 zoom lens – This is an excellent all-round choice which offers versatility for a gorilla photo safari. It is great for capturing both wider shoots and tighter close-ups.
  2. 24-70mm/2.8 zoom lens – occasionally, gorillas get curious and may come quite close to you. This is one of the best lenses for gorilla trekking and is great for capturing these close moments with a wider field of view
  3. 100-400mm zoom lens – recommended for distant subjects but less useful in a very dense forest setting. Birding enthusiasts may need the extra zoom, but for most gorilla treks this will be less than needed.
  4. Tripod – are usually not allowed, but monopod can help with stability

Gorilla Trekking Photography Tips and Tricks

Gorilla Trekking Photography Tips and Tricks

What Camera Settings are best for gorilla trekking

When you are in the thick foliage of the forest, lighting conditions can be challenging. Generally, the following setting can be a good starting point.

  • ISO: Start at ISO 800-1600, but you may likely need to go even higher in darker forest conditions
  • Aperture: Wide apertures are recommended to let in more light and create a shallower depth of field, which helps the gorillas stand out from the background.
  • Shutter speed: Moving targets like gorillas are best captured at 1/250s to allow you to clearly capture their movements. If they are really busy, you can increase this.
  • Shooting mode: Aperture Priority is highly recommended, as you can still control the depth of field while the camera handles the shutter speed.
  • Focus: Continuous autofocus (AF-C) is recommended. Back – button focusing can also allow you more control.
  • Metering: in forest environments, spot metering or center-weighted metering can be helpful
  • File Format: Shooting in RAW allows you much more flexibility in post-production

Handy photography tips for gorilla trekking

When composing your photos while gorilla trekking, some handy tips include

  • Get low to the group so you are at eye level with gorillas. This makes them appear larger in the frame but also helps separate them from the background.
  • Gorillas have immensely expressive eyes that convey a range of emotions. Use a single-point autofocus to get a crisp focus on the eyes.
  • Capture those moments of interaction. What makes gorillas such incredible subjects is their similarity to use in terms of their relationships. Try to snap those moments between mothers and their babies, young gorillas playing, or those peaceful moments where they are simply eating or grooming
  • Dense forest foliage can make your shots more challenging, but it can also be used to frame your subjects. Similarly, while low-light conditions can be tricky, those magical shafts of light can take your photos to a new level.
  • Always listen to your guide and maintain a safe distance from the gorillas
Gorilla Trekking Photography Tips and Tricks
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Who are Gorilla Trekking Photo Safaris for?

Gorilla safaris are for absolutely anyone of a reasonable level of fitness. Trekking can be quite strenuous and can involves hiking for between 2 and 6 hours, so it is advised to prepare before your trip with a few hikes and walks.

Because gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity, children under the age of 15 are not permitted. Trekking groups are limited to 8 people to ensure the gorillas aren’t impacted by large crowds and to allow guests to be in the moment and not have to jostle for a view.

How experienced should you be to go on a Gorilla Trekking Photo Safari?

Gorilla trekking photo safaris are not just for professional photographers. Amateurs can participate and even learn from more experienced trekkers on the trip. If you are new to photography, familiarize yourself with your camera before your trip. You don’t want to miss out on incredible encounters with gorillas while you fiddle with your camera.

In conclusion “Gorilla Trekking Photography Tips and Tricks”

A gorilla trekking safari is a soul-stirring experience that will create lasting memories of your close-encounter with these remarkable creatures.

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