Free Gorilla Photography Checklist 2026: Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tips
October 28, 2025
Free Gorilla Photography Checklist 2026: Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tips
Capture stunning mountain gorilla photos on your Uganda gorilla trekking safari without breaking rules or missing the moment. Our Gorilla Photography Checklist is optimized for Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in 2026.
Why You Need This Gorilla Photography Checklist
- No flash allowed (harms gorilla eyes)
- 7-meter minimum distance (enforced by rangers)
- 1-hour limit starts at first sighting
- Low light in dense rainforest (ISO 3200+ common)
Gorilla Experiences under Gentle Giants Safaris has guided 500+ trekkers—here’s the exact checklist our pro photographers use.
Gorilla Photography Checklist
| Category | Must-Have | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | DSLR/Mirrorless (silent shutter) | Sony A7 IV or Canon R6 II for low-light AF |
| Lens | 70–200mm f/2.8 or 100–400mm | Fast aperture beats rainforest gloom |
| Settings | No flash, RAW, Silent mode | ISO 1600–6400, 1/250s min shutter |
| Backup | 2x batteries + 128GB cards | Treks 2–8 hrs; no charging in bush |
| Protection | Rain cover + lens cloth | Bwindi humidity = condensation |
| Support | Monopod (tripods banned) | Porters carry—tip $10–15 |
| Extras | Bean bag (rest on ground) | Stabilize 7m shots without tripod |
2026 Uganda Gorilla Photography Rules (UWA Updated)
- Flash prohibited – Instant disqualification
- Distance: Stay 7+ meters (rangers measure)
- Drone ban – $500 fine + confiscation
- Selfie sticks – Not allowed near gorillas
- Time limit: 60 minutes from first gorilla
Violation = group sent back early.
Best Camera Settings for Gorilla Trekking
- Mode: Manual or Aperture Priority
- Aperture: f/2.8–f/4 (blur background)
- Shutter: 1/250s+ (freeze silverback charge)
- ISO: Auto (cap at 12,800)
- Focus: Continuous AF (Animal Eye AF if available)
- White Balance: Auto (rainforest shade)
✅ Test settings at lodge morning of trek.
Sector-by-Sector Photo Opportunities
| Sector | Best Light | Top Family | Photo Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buhoma | Morning (8–11 AM) | Mubare (Kanyonyi) | Golden hour side-light |
| Rushaga | Afternoon (2–5 PM) | Nshongi (20+ gorillas) | Wide shots of group dynamics |
| Ruhija | Midday (clearings) | Rushegura | Baby gorillas in bamboo |
| Mgahinga | Volcano backlight | Nyakagezi | Dramatic mist portraits |
Bonus: Gorilla Habituation Experience (HAB) Photography
- 4 hours with Bushaho family (Rushaga)
- $1,500, 4 guests/day
- Closer access (with researcher approval)
Ready to shoot like a Nat Geo pro? Book your 2026 Uganda gorilla trek with GorillaExperiences.com a division of Gentle Giants Safaris—luxury gorilla lodges, expert rangers, with 5-star reviews.
Secure permits + checklist before June peak sells out!
Which camera are you bringing? Comment below!
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[…] 1-hour limit starts when first gorilla is spotted ✅ Read our free gorilla photography checklist. […]