WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GORILLA PHOTOGRAPHY
A Simple Guide
Meeting gorillas is exciting because they are one of our closest relatives. Gorilla trekking is something everyone should try at least once in their life. While some worry about the ethics, gorilla tourism helps protect these amazing animals. It gives money to conservation efforts and keeps them safe from poaching, illegal pet trade, and losing their homes.
To see the gorillas you’ll trek deep into Africa’s jungles. A team of trackers goes ahead of you to find the exact spot where the gorillas are. Your guide and rangers stay in touch with the trackers making sure you take the best route to find the gorillas. Once you reach them the rangers will check the gorillas’ mood before letting you start taking pictures.
Every traveler hopes to take great photos of gorillas. Only about 1,000 mountain gorillas are left in the world, living in places like Bwindi, Mgahinga, Virunga, and Volcanoes National Park. Sharing photos of these rare creatures on social media helps raise awareness. If you’re a professional photographer or filmmaker you can even explore more advanced options like using drones.
How to Take Pictures of Gorillas
First you need to find the gorillas. Your tour operator can help you choose a group that matches your preferences like larger families or groups with silverbacks and baby gorillas. However, gorilla groups are usually assigned based on your fitness level and age so it might not always be your first choice.
Photographing gorillas can be easy or tricky. Thick forests, rain and low light can make it challenging especially for beginners. Gorillas are shy and don’t make eye contact for long so you’ll need to be patient and creative. Using a good camera is key to capturing their expressions and movements.
Photography Tips
1. No Flash: Never use flash. It can irritate the gorillas, and they might charge if upset.
2. Positioning: Leaves, branches and vines may block your view. Try to find a clear spot.
3. Prepare Your Gear: Bring a rainproof bag to protect your camera. Pack extra memory cards and batteries.
4. Use a Telephoto Lens: A 200mm to 300mm lens is good for close-ups, but a 400mm lens works best for distant shots.
5. Shoot in Burst Mode: Gorillas’ expressions change quickly. Burst mode lets you take several photos at once, so you don’t miss the perfect moment.
6. Carry a Second Camera: Bring a backup camera just in case your main one doesn’t work.
7. Choose a Lightweight Camera: Gorilla trekking can take 2–6 hours so lighter equipment is easier to carry. If your gear is heavy, hire a porter for around $15 to help.
Other Important Tips
Always follow the instructions from your guide. Keep a 7-meter distance from the gorillas, avoid standing taller than them and don’t make prolonged eye contact. These rules help keep you and the gorillas safe.
If you want more time with the gorillas, consider a gorilla habituation session. This allows you to spend 4 hours with a group instead of the usual 1 hour. Habituation is available only in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. However, these gorillas are not fully used to humans so getting too close can be harder. Gorillas are calmer than other large apes, like chimpanzees. They often stay in one spot while eating, making them great for photography. Even so, you must keep at least 7 meters away from them. If they approach you, remain calm but try to maintain the distance.
What to Bring
A raincoat and sturdy hiking boots for the tough terrain.
A good camera with the right lenses and plenty of memory and batteries.
Comfortable clothing and water to stay hydrated.
When to Go
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons (December–March and June–August). These months are less rainy making trekking easier. Since these are also popular times for safaris, book your tour early.
Seeing gorillas in the wild is a magical experience. With the right preparation and mindset you’ll leave with amazing memories and photos to cherish forever.