Are you are looking for the gorilla photo safaris & tours, book the tours in Rwanda with one of the reputable tour and travel company that is based in Kigali, Rwanda with the branch office in Uganda, Kampala. You can experience the gorilla photography expedition in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo and Mgahinga & Bwindi Forest National Park.
Below are some of the photography tips that you need to know before you plan your gorilla photography safari in Africa.
a) Hire a Porter
Porters are available at US $10 -15 per day to help carry your gear/backpack such that you can manage to walk in steep and difficult parts of your trek and hence reducing unemployment and promoting gorilla conservation. Not only are you helping the local community, but porters they too help you to have successful hike and you take your photography experience in the mist including flat and step rocks.
b) Make Sure You have Pockets
For your successful gorilla trekking safaris requires you to leave your day pack, backpack or camera bag about 100 meters from the group of gorillas you will be interacting with that day and these have to remain with your personal porter. This means that any gear you intend on using during the one hour you get to spend with the gorillas needs to be on you. Make sure your pants (most likely rain pants) have pockets for any accessories or spare batteries you might need.
c) Bring Your iPhone or Mobile Phone
Some of the photos can be taken with the smart phone so if you have one you can move it and mobile phones are great for wide angle photography, and you will be getting up close with the mountain gorillas. The best at shooting wide angle images and are easy to carry can be done using your smart phone. This makes them an an excellent choice for photographing your gorillas trekking experience in Africa.
Mountain gorilla trekkers in Bwindi & Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, Virunga National Park, Volcanoes National Park & Kahuzi Biega National Park should stay 6-7 meters away (approx…. 24 ft) from the gorillas. The gorillas, however, do not follow this rule. Some will walk ride by you or even touch you. You can only photograph these sorts of interactions if your camera can focus when it’s close to the subject. My smart phone was great at photographing the nice images.
d) Shoot Some Video
Your mobile phone is a great option for videos. Even if you are not an experienced video shooter, this is the time to give it a try. Make sure your micro phone is on so you have some of the sounds of nature. If you don’t like the sounds when you review your video later, you can always add music later definitely African songs .
e) Pack a few lens wipes
You will visit the gorillas in the mist which is not a clear hiking path. The ground will be covered with vines and leaves and possibly mud. Have nice hiking shoes to reduce falling while on your gorilla trekking experience. Carry a lint free lens wipe each day so that you can shot images promptly.
f) Bring a wide angle zoom lens
If you are bringing a DSLR camera, you will want to have a wide angle zoom lens that can focus quickly with you. You can get good results with my Canon 24-70 mm lens.
g) Carry a Shower Cap
A humble shower cap is one hotel room amenity which you should ask and stuff to protect camera bag. Shower caps can be used to protect your camera body in rainy or damp conditions, which are very possible if in Uganda, DRC Congo and Rwanda. The rainy season is from March- May, but a light rain in early December. A plastic bag can also do the trick but in Rwanda, Uganda & DRC Congo has a ban on plastic bags. So if you don’t have a clean plastic bag available, grab a shower cap from your hotel’s bathroom instead.
h) Disable Your Flash
Flash photography is not allowed around the gorillas. Be sure you know how to disable the flash on your camera or mobile phone and do so before you get to your group of gorillas. For more gorilla photography safaris visit our related website that has more information about gorilla photography in Uganda, Rwanda & DRC Congo.
