Mountain Gorilla Photo Safaris: Close Encounters of the Primate Kind

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas live, could not be more appropriately named. Bwindi comes from the local Runyakitara word Mubwindi which means ‘a place full of darkness’. The word ‘impenetrable’ needs no translation. Beneath the canopy of old-growth hardwood trees, natural sunlight is harder to find, and navigating the stands of bamboo and thick ground cover of ferns and vines on foot is tough going, but when you finally focus your lens on the last of these gentle primate giants, the hard slog is worth every blister.

Bwindi is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, officially recognized by the United Nations as a World Heritage Site. At present the forest is believed to contain 120 mammal species, 348 different types of bird, 220 butterfly species and 27 variants of frog.

At the last census count in 2019, there were only 459 mountain gorillas alive in Bwindi, as rarified as the mountain air you’ll breathe. Join us on our Mountain Gorilla photography workshop as we set out to explore close encounters of the primate kind.

So, What’s Involved With a Mountain Gorilla Photo Safari?

Tracking down these magnificent primates in their natural habitat can mean trekking through dense forest in unpredictable conditions for up to 6 hours. The terrain can get a little tricky and it requires a decent level of general fitness but thankfully, you don’t have to be Bear Grylls to survive a mountain gorilla photo safari. It certainly isn’t a gentle walk in the park, but it isn’t beyond most people with a thirst for a little adventure.

And when Lady Luck smiles, you are likely to come across a small troop of about 10 gorillas led by a dominant male, with several females and their young in tow. From a safe distance, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. So bring your bag of camera tricks, revel in the silence, and wait patiently for the magic to unfold. Do a deeper dive on what to expect from gorilla photo safaris.

What Are You Likely to Capture Through Your Lens?

Up close and personal amongst the troop, you’ll soon notice that the males and females share the caring duties: taking turns to hug, carry and play with the infants. This childlike playfulness and unprompted spontaneity translates beautifully on film for those prepared to wait. Mountain gorillas spend about a quarter of their day eating so there is every chance you will capture them chewing on leaves, shoots and stems. They also eat larvae, snails, ants, and even roots, bark and rotting wood, which is said to be a good source of salt.

You might hear one of the 16 types of gorilla call, signature sounds that range from a short bark of curiosity, to the intimidating roar of the silverback, designed to ward off male rivals. The kind of chest-beating just as easily associated with any global political campaign in recent memory!

An average silverback gorilla can weigh up to 180kg (that’s almost 30 stone), and measure 170cm tall on all fours, or 5 foot 5 inches. In contrast, female mountain gorillas weigh 90kg, and measure up to 150cm (4’9”). Gorillas become adults around 8 years old and can live to 40 or more, but most of the males and 60% of the females will leave their troop as they mature, to avoid in-breeding.

Before you join us, get up to speed with more detailed tips on photographing mountain gorillas including what to bring and how to set up your camera.

What Makes a Mountain Gorilla Photography Workshop so Unique?

A fun fact you might not know is that gorillas share 98% of their genetic code with humans, making them our closest relatives after chimpanzees. If you are lucky enough to share some time with them on their home turf, it’s almost like visiting long lost cousins you didn’t know you had. These gentle giants of the jungle are likely to show very human-like emotions and characteristics. They might smile, play and even shed a tear. And that’s what makes this particular wildlife experience so unique.

For a first hand account of the gorilla trekking experience, check out A Day On A Mountain Gorilla Photography Workshop with two of our past participants.

What Are the Main Threats to the Mountain Gorillas?

As is the case with most endangered species, the main threat to these primates is humans. As the region’s population grows, the land inhabited by the mountain gorillas is converted for agricultural use, leading to deforestation. When we cut down trees to grow crops, we leave in our devastating wake, less places for the gorillas to live.

The mountain gorilla’s genetic similarity to humans does not come with the same natural immunity to human illnesses. As a result, the gorillas are more susceptible to common conditions that often affect us. Things as simple as the common cold for instance, can pose a serious threat. Gorilla tourism that isn’t well managed is another potential issue, impacting the behavior and health of mountain gorillas. But luckily we’ve got all bases covered on that front. with our ethical approach based on small groups and experienced guides leading the way.

Find Out More About Our Upcoming Uganda Photo Safari

Is Gorilla Trekking an Important Part of Conservation?

Yes, absolutely. The fees generated from gorilla trekking permits fund conservation initiatives and support anti-poaching efforts, enabling you and I the opportunity to see the last of these creatures in their natural world. Without public support they would be left exposed to an unscrupulous element that only sees dollar signs. Simply put, if it wasn’t for gorilla trekking and the associated protection policies, there may have been no gorillas left.

What Else Does Uganda Offer?

Whilst the gorilla trek is the obvious highlight of our Uganda photo safari, it is not the only reason to make this a bucket list destination. The lush tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park is home to a huge number of other primates – and a great wealth of birds. Here we’ll have the opportunity to photograph chimpanzees and a healthy number of monkey species, including the red colobus and rare L’Hoest monkey.

In contrast with the deep forests of Bwindi and Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers wide panoramas of savannah and wetlands. The park provides a stunning backdrop for its abundance of wildlife, and with over 610 bird species, this is a birder’s paradise. Four of the Big Five can be spotted; leopards, buffalos, elephants and the famous tree lions of Queen Lizzie. This is one of the few places where some of the lion prides spend most of their time lazing in the trees. So don’t forget to look up!

If our Uganda Wildlife Photography Workshop sounds up your photographic alley then get in touch!