Gorilla Filming and Photography

Gorilla filming and photography is an adventurous venture for gorilla lovers who want to have an intimate and  memorable encounter with the endangered primates. Unlike in normal mountain gorilla  trekking photography, gorilla filming is more extensive, requiring more specialized planning and equipment.  Gorilla filming requires a professional personnel allowed to do so. Gorilla filming is best for travelers who want to do documentaries and those who want a more extended time with the endangered mountain gorillas.

The adventure requires a separate booking and permission from responsible tourism bodies. In addition to mountain gorilla permits, gorilla filming requires one to book for filming permit, where they are given media cards allowing them to do the filming in the respective mountain gorilla park. The filming crew is advised to book with the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and the Rwanda Development Board in Uganda as early as six months in advance. They are then required to submit their passport and other documents that prove they are experienced filmmakers.

Filming Permits and Logistics

Mountain gorilla filming in Uganda costs $4200, of which $100 is refunded after you share a copy of your filming video with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In Rwanda, each permit for gorilla filming costs $5000. Uganda gorilla filming permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority, while in Rwanda, permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board. Booking is advised as early as 6 months before the filming date

Are drones allowed for gorilla filming?

Drones are generally not allowed for filming in Uganda and Rwanda. However, if the filming crew insists on using a drone, they are required to apply for approval from the Uganda People’s Defense and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority for approval.

Press Accreditation

All filing crew members MUST obtain press cards from the Uganda or Rwanda Media Councils in order to be allowed to do the filming. They are first asked to submit their applications for the press card, submit their passport copies, photos, and other details for their project. The application and approval process can take some  days or weeks

Best places for gorilla filming in Uganda and Rwanda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are best places for mountain gorilla filming in Uganda. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the ideal place for gorilla filming. After submitting your application and it’s approved, you will sign a contract with the respective park

Do I need fixers?

Yes, local fixers are highly recommended for a mountain gorilla filming experience in Uganda and Rwanda. Superfine Safaris Limited is your reliable fixer to deal with for your filming experience. We help you secure trekking and filming permits, book the respective accommodation, and arrange transport to and from the gorilla parks. We also help you clear filming equipment and all related logistics

What to pack for gorilla filming in Uganda and Rwanda

Camera

For excellent filming and videography, you require a camera with excellent video capabilities.  The recommended cameras include the Sony a 7S 111, Canon EOS R5C or Panasonic Lumix GH6. These cameras offer low-light performance with high-resolution video. Also, the black magic design or Canon C7 is a great option for high-end documentary work.

 Filming Lenses

A 70-200mm f/2.8 is the best all-around lens. It provides the necessary reach, while its fast aperture is crucial for a shallow depth of field and for capturing clean footage in a low-light environment.

 For Mid-Range Zoom, a 24-70mm f/2.8 is perfect for capturing establishing shots, showing the gorilla family within their habitat, and for moments when a curious gorilla moves close.

A monopod is your most practical form of stabilization. It’s lightweight and provides a steady base for a heavy camera and lens setup.

You also need a lightweight tripod with fluid head if you want smooth, professional-looking and

Handheld gimbals help to capture smooth and cinematic shots. However, the gimbals are challenging to use in dense forests

For audio, the shotgun microphone mounted on the camera will get you clear audio of gorillas and the forests

Also, a separate audio recorder is good for high-quality audio capturing

 Videography Settings and Techniques

For a cinematic look, shoot at a standard frame rate of 24fps or 25fps. Endeavor to set your camera to a higher frame of 60ft or 120ft

Set your shutter speed to double the frame rate

Get a high ISO to get proper exposure. Set it to 1SO 320 0r 6400

Shoot in “Log color profile”, this gives you a flat image in a camera with the maximum amount of color information

However, set your camera to a higher frame rate (e.g., 60fps or 120fps) to capture slow-motion footage of playful juveniles or a silverback’s powerful movements.

Use continuous Auto focus

Do not use flash light or any other external lights

Other tips

Keep a distance away from the gorillas

Keep quiet, speak on a low tone

Do not ouch the gorillas

Do not litter in the park

Do not look directly into the eyes of the gorillas

Conclusively, gorilla filming is a lifetime gorilla adventure you should not miss. Contact Superfine Safaris Limited for customized gorilla filming package