Mountain Gorilla Filming Tours in Africa

Mountain gorilla filming tours in Africa are for filmmakers and nature enthusiasts who are interested in filming the Mountain gorillas. These tours typically take place in the Virunga Mountains, which span the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), or in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Mountain gorilla filming tours in Africa take place in in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo which host the four national parks that are home the only remaining mountain gorillas. These include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. In Congo you as well have an opportunity to see the Lowland gorillas which are found in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. In order to trek at any of the mentioned national park a gorilla permit is required for you to be allowed to go for gorilla trekking. With this once you have you planned dates of gorilla trekking we recommend you start booking your gorilla trip immediately given the fact services and permits sell out very quickly especially if you plan to do the trek in the peak season of June to September, it is always better to book at least 5 months in advance prior travelling. Gorilla Trekking at the mentioned parks can be booked directly or through a trusted Tour Operator. Here’s what you might expect from Mountain gorilla filming tours in Africa:

1. Guided Tours: Filming tours are usually led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the gorillas’ habits, behaviors, and the local terrain. They ensure safety and adherence to park regulations.
2. Permit Requirements: Filming mountain gorillas usually requires special permits, which can be obtained through the respective national parks or through authorized tour operators. These permits often come with a hefty price tag due to the limited number of visitors allowed each day to minimize disturbance to the gorillas.
3. Equipment: Filmmakers typically bring their own filming equipment. This may include high-definition cameras, audio recording devices, stabilizers, and other gear necessary for capturing high-quality footage.
4. Habituation Process: Depending on the tour, you may have the opportunity to visit habituated gorilla groups. These are groups of gorillas that have become accustomed to the presence of humans, allowing for closer observation and filming. Habituation can take years, and not all gorilla groups are habituated.
5. Scheduling and Timing: It’s essential to plan your filming tour well in advance, as permits can be limited and in high demand. The timing of your visit may also affect your filming opportunities, as gorilla behavior can vary depending on the season and time of day.
6. Conservation and Ethical Considerations: Responsible tourism is crucial when filming mountain gorillas. It’s essential to choose tour operators and accommodations that prioritize conservation and respect for the gorillas and their habitats.
7. Logistics and Accommodations: Filming tours often include transportation to and from the gorilla trekking National Parks, as well as accommodations near the national parks. These accommodations can range from luxury lodges to more budget-friendly options.
8. Local Communities: Many tour operators work closely with local communities to ensure that they benefit from gorilla tourism. Some tours may include visits to nearby villages or community projects supported by tourism revenue.
9. Health and Safety: Given the remote locations of many gorilla habitats, it’s essential to be prepared for challenging trekking conditions, including steep terrain and dense vegetation. It’s also essential to follow health guidelines to minimize the risk of transmitting diseases to the gorillas.

Overall, mountain gorilla filming tours offer a unique opportunity to capture footage of these incredible animals in their natural habitat while supporting conservation efforts and local communities in Africa.

What is gorilla trekking in Africa?

Gorilla Trekking involves hiking/walking through the forest and at some point difficult terrain, thick vegetation, crossing rivers and swamps in search for gorillas, this activity is challenging and it requires one to be fit at the time of the trek. Gorilla trekking gives you an opportunity to encounter and watch the gorillas in their natural habitat for one hour in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. For travelers who would like to spend more time with the gorillas in their natural habitat can opt to visit Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Habituation experience which gives you 4 hours encounter with the gorillas.

Cost and Getting Gorilla permits in Uganda

The Gorilla permit in Uganda Costs $800 Per person per trek for the Foreign nonresidents, $700 Per person for residents, $500 for Africans and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla trekking in Uganda also gives you an option to spend more time with the mountain gorillas through Gorilla habituation experience which is only done in Bwindi forest, a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person giving you an opportunity to spend 4 hours encounter with the semi habituated mountain gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers as opposed to one hour for the normal trekking. Getting gorilla permits in Uganda can be done directly by booking them through Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator in Uganda like Eco Adventure Safaris.

Cost and Getting Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

The Gorilla permit in Rwanda Costs $1500 Per person per trek for the Foreign nonresidents, $500 Per person for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda has 12 Gorilla families hence 96 Gorilla permits are available each day for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Getting gorilla permits in Rwanda can be done directly by booking them through Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator in Rwanda like Eco Adventure Safaris.

Cost and Getting Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

Gorilla tracking in Congo is done in Virunga National Park for Mountain Gorillas and Kahuzi Beiga National Park for Lowland gorillas. A gorilla permit in Virunga National Park costs $400 per person per trek for the high season months of Mid-December to mid-march then June to October and then $200 for the low season months of mid-march to mid-May and then mid-October to mid-December every year. A gorilla permit in Kahuzi Beiga National Park costs $400 for foreign non residents, $200 for East Africa Residents and $20 national resident. Getting gorilla permits in Congo can be done directly by booking them through Virunga National Park or through a trusted tour operator like Eco Adventure Safaris.

P.S When booking your gorilla permit it is important to note that the gorilla permit price excludes accommodation, air tickets, ground transport, meals and other expenses, you will need to get more details of the package you are booking with your tour operator.

Uganda is one of the Best places to visit gorillas in Africa, compared to Congo Uganda is safe for travelers and compared to Rwanda Uganda is much affordable for gorilla trekking.

What is the best time for Mountain gorilla filming tours in Africa?

Gorilla filming in Africa is done throughout the year and the best time to shoot gorillas in Africa is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown.

What to pack for Mountain gorilla filming tours in Africa?

Trekking Gorillas in Uganda exclusively alone. During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots.  Conditions are generally very muddy in the forest when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous.  It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants.  Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking;

•          Insect Repellent                      

•          Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries

•          Wet Wipes                             

•          Water Bottle                             

•          Camera, lenses etc

•          Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks  

•          Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking

•          Sandals/strops/walking shoes    

•          Hat and Sunscreen

•          Rain Jacket

•          Sweater/fleece

•          Swimwear

•          Binoculars (game/bird watching)

Why book Mountain gorilla filming tours in Africa Through Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Rwanda Africa and DR Congo contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with us.