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Birding in Mubwindi Swamp trail Ruhija Bwindi
How to photograph Gorillas in Uganda? Photographing gorillas in Uganda is an extraordinary experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Here’s a detailed guide to help you capture the best images of gorillas in Uganda while adhering to ethical practices:
Preparation
- Choose the Right Camera and Gear:
- Camera: Use a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a high-quality point-and-shoot.
- Lens: A zoom lens in the range of 70-200mm or 100-400mm is ideal to capture both close-ups and environmental shots.
- Extras: Carry spare batteries, memory cards, and a lens cleaning kit.
- Protection: Bring a rain cover for your camera and lens due to the rainforest environment.
- Settings:
- ISO: Set a high ISO (800-1600 or higher) as light in the forest can be low.
- Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 to f/5.6) for better light and a shallow depth of field.
- Shutter Speed: Keep it above 1/250 sec to freeze movement.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing:
- Neutral, muted colors to blend with the environment.
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against insects and vegetation.
- Comfortable hiking boots and gloves for navigating tough terrain.
During the Trek
- Follow Rules and Guidelines:
- Maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters (or as advised).
- Avoid using flash as it can disturb the gorillas.
- Respect the gorillas’ natural behaviors; do not attempt to provoke or interact.
- Prepare for the Environment:
- The forest can be dense and muddy, so be prepared to adapt your angles and positions.
- Use a monopod or rest your camera on a steady surface if necessary.
- Observe Behavior:
- Focus on facial expressions, interactions, and unique behaviors.
- Capture the silverback’s dominance or playful juveniles for varied shots.
Composition Tips
- Framing:
- Use surrounding foliage to frame the gorilla for a natural look.
- Experiment with tight portraits and wide shots showing their habitat.
- Angles:
- Shoot at eye level or lower for an intimate perspective.
- Avoid pointing your camera directly into the gorillas’ eyes for extended periods, as it can be perceived as a threat.
- Lighting:
- Take advantage of soft, diffused light in the forest.
- Be aware of strong contrasts between light and shadow and adjust exposure accordingly.
- Storytelling:
- Aim for shots that tell a story, such as a mother nurturing her baby or a group foraging.
Post-Trek Tips
- Edit Thoughtfully:
- Adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance to highlight the details.
- Crop if necessary to improve composition but preserve the authenticity of the scene.
- Share Responsibly:
- Emphasize conservation by sharing images that highlight the beauty and vulnerability of gorillas.
Additional Tips about How to photograph Gorillas in Uganda
- Consider booking a gorilla habituation experience, which allows more time (up to 4 hours) to photograph the gorillas in Bwindi.
- Hire a porter for carrying gear, so you’re free to focus on photography.
- Practice patience; gorillas are unpredictable, and the best shots often come from waiting.
Uganda is renowned for its incredible gorilla trekking experiences in the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Here are the key gorilla tour options available in Uganda:
1. Standard Gorilla Trekking
• Where: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (4 regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo) or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
• Duration: 1 day or more (depending on your itinerary).
• Description: Spend one hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat. This is the most popular option for visitors.
• Permit Cost: $800 per person (non-residents), $700 (residents), UGX 300,000 (East African citizens).
2. Gorilla Habituation Experience
• Where: Rushaga Sector, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Duration: 4 hours with the gorillas.
• Description: This allows you to join researchers and trackers to observe semi-habituated gorilla families. You’ll learn about their behavior and contribute to the habituation process.
• Permit Cost: $1,500 per person.
Difference between Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park are the only 2 national parks where gorilla trekking is done in Uganda. These are home to over 50% that is half of the remaining Mountain Gorilla population in the world. Other national parks where you can do gorilla trekking are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
Are you are finding it hard to choose where to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, here below is the comparison based on our expertise to help you choose and decide where to go for gorilla trekking experience between the two parks in Uganda.
The whole truth is that both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park have mountain gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your trek. However, There are many things you can base on to compare gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Mgahinga National Park for you to choose where to book and go for your gorilla trekking and these include the following;
In terms of Vegetation and trekking experience, Mgahinga National Park mountain gorillas are in the Virunga/hills with mainly bamboo as the main vegetation while in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, these mountain gorillas are in a thick impenetrable tropical rain forest with varieties of trees and plants. It is believed that Mgahinga National Park gorillas are easy to see because of the kind of vegetation, making it easy to take clear photographs compared to Bwindi given gorillas in here are found in the thick forest.
In terms of accessibility, both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park can be accessed by road or Air. By road you will drive from Kampala/Entebbe which is 8-9 hours drive via Kabale town and proceed to Bwindi or Kisoro to get to Mgahinga National Park. It is also possible to get to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park via Kigali which then becomes 4-5 hours drive only. With this, you land in Kigali, use the East African Tourist Visa (which allows you to visit both countries at ago) and then trek gorillas in Uganda at an affordable price.
In terms of Lodges, Both National Parks have Budget, Mid Range and Upmarket Lodges where you could choose to stay during your trek. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best place for gorilla trekking for those interested in staying in super luxury lodges on international standards compared to Bwindi. These lodges offer great and luxury services some are ranked among the best in Africa and the country at large for example Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Buhoma Lodge among others.
In terms of Gorilla families, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has more gorilla families open for trekking than Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi has 19 habituated gorilla family groups this means 152 Gorilla permits are available every day for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Mgahinga National Park has only one Gorilla family hence only 8 Gorilla permits are available each day for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park. This makes it more flexible to get gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi compared to Mgahinga National Park especially during the peak season months.
In terms of distance to see Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with that in Mgahinga National Park, The issue of walking longer or short distance depends on the given gorilla family allocated to you on the day of trekking at of the national parks. In both Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park gorilla families are allocated depending on the interest and physical fitness of given individual. If for example, you want a shorter trek, you will have to inform the park authorities on the very day of trekking so that you are allocated such family. If you want a medium or longer trek, then you do the same. It should be noted that while they will try to give you a family that requires shorter walks, the behavior of gorillas might affect the experience if for example gorillas decide to move further as you look for them you will need to move a longer distance still.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is also closer to other National Parks compared to Mgahinga National Park. With just 2 hours drive you can visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for Big game wildlife viewing and 4 hours to Kibale Forest National Park for Chimpanzee trekking hence making it easy to combine your memorable gorilla trek with an extra adventure in other parks.
Best time for Photographing gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park
Both parks are open for gorilla trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rainforest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.
How to photograph Gorillas in Uganda Through Eco Adventure Safaris?
Eco Adventure Safaris offers low-budget gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us about How to photograph Gorillas in Uganda.