Gorilla Filming and Photography – Gorilla Videography Tips

Gorilla filming and photography is an adventurous venture for gorilla lovers seeking an intimate, memorable encounter with the endangered primates. Unlike in normal mountain gorilla trekking photography, gorilla filming is more extensive and requires more specialised planning and equipment.

Gorilla filming requires professional personnel who are allowed to do so. Gorilla filming is best for travellers who want to make documentaries and those who want more 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 booking a filming permit, which grants media cards that allow filming in the respective mountain gorilla park.

The filming crew has 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 passports and other documents proving they are professional filmmakers.

Filming Permits and Logistics

Gorilla videography tips: 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 Wildlife Authority issues Uganda gorilla filming permits, while in Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board issues the permit for filming. The booking is advised at least 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 must apply for approval from the Uganda People’s Defence Force and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.

Press Accreditation

All filing crew members MUST obtain press cards from the Uganda or Rwanda Media Councils to be allowed to film. Initially, you’re to submit your press card applications, along with copies of your passports, photos, and other project details. 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 the best places in Uganda to film mountain gorillas. 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, we recommend local fixers for a mountain gorilla filming experience in Uganda and Rwanda. Wild Travel Safaris is your reliable fixer 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 a7S III, the Canon EOS R5C, and the Panasonic Lumix GH6. These cameras deliver high-resolution video in low light. Also, the black magic design, or the 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 shallow depth of field and for capturing clean footage in low light.
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 stabilisation. It’s lightweight and provides a steady base for a heavy camera and lens setup.
You also need a lightweight tripod with a fluid head if you want smooth, professional-looking, and
Handheld gimbals help capture smooth, 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. Endeavour to set your camera to a higher frame rate 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 colour profile”, which gives you a flat image in a camera with the maximum amount of colour information
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 a flashlight or any other external lights

Other tips

Keep a distance away from the gorillas
Keep quiet, speak in a low tone
Do not touch 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 us for a customised gorilla filming package.