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Top Gorilla Filming Locations in Africa: Bwindi, Volcanoes & More

Gorilla Filming Locations – Gorilla filming involves capturing live videos and photographs of endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

There are only four locations in the world where gorilla filming takes place: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla Filming in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, Uganda

Gorilla Filming in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, Uganda

Bwindi and Mgahinga are the only two national parks in Uganda where mountain gorillas are habituated, with Bwindi hosting over 20 gorilla families and Mgahinga having one family.

In Bwindi, gorillas can be filmed in the four sectors of the park: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija.

Filming is restricted to one gorilla family per day, and only 8 tourists are allowed to book gorilla filming permits per family, even if the filming team consists of more than eight people.

Tourists intending to film gorillas must secure their gorilla filming permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority at least 3 months before the filming date.

Additionally, tourists must ensure they have paid for their gorilla trekking permits and processed media cards through the Uganda Media Council.

The best time to film gorillas is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February, as the steep slopes are dry and easier to navigate.

Cost of Uganda Gorilla Filming Permits

Gorilla filming permits in Uganda cost USD 4,800 per hour. This fee does not include the USD 800 for gorilla trekking permits.

Gorilla Filming in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Gorilla Filming in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is home to endangered mountain gorillas, with about 350 individuals. The Rwanda Development Board manages all tourism activities in the park.

Gorilla filming in Rwanda is the most expensive but also the easiest because gorillas can be more easily filmed in the bamboo forests, as compared to Uganda’s thick forests.

Gorilla filming allows tourists to take longer videos and photographs of mountain gorillas, compared to gorilla trekking, where only short videos and photographs are allowed.

All gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park are open for filming, but tourists must book their gorilla filming permits in advance from the Rwanda Development Board and film one family per day.

Tourists must also meet all filming requirements, including permits, import duties, immigration clearance, appropriate filming equipment, and transport arrangements.

Cost of Gorilla Filming Permits in Rwanda

Gorilla filming permits in Rwanda cost USD 5,000, excluding gorilla trekking permits, transport, meals, and accommodation.

The Rwanda Development Board requires the filming team to pay for 8 gorilla trekking permits for the group that will trek a particular family each day.

The Rwanda Development Board also requires a refundable USD 2,000 security deposit, which is refunded once a copy of the film is shared with them.

This ensures the film was made for tourism purposes or to promote the endangered mountain gorillas.

Gorilla Filming in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Gorilla Filming in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s oldest national parks and is known for its diverse flora and fauna.

The park is home to six gorilla families, including the Kabirizi group, Humba group, Rugendo group, Mapuwa group, Lulengo group, Munyaga group, and Bageni group. Kabirizi is the largest group, making it a favorite among tourists.

Gorilla filming in the Democratic Republic of Congo offers a unique and life-changing experience. Tourists have the chance to film more gorilla families compared to other destinations in Africa, due to the smaller number of tourists visiting Virunga National Park.

Tourists intending to film must process their filming permits and obtain necessary permissions, such as media accreditation, through local authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Filming companies and individuals can be assisted by local companies known as film crew fixers, which handle the filming process.

Gorilla filming is an incredible activity that not only allows tourists to capture the beauty of mountain gorillas but also promotes their conservation and protection.



Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is renowned for housing half the population of the endangered mountain gorillas. The name “Bwindi” is derived from the local Runyakitara word “Mubwindi,” meaning “place full of darkness.” Bwindi Forest is one of the most biologically diverse forests on Earth. Discover Bwindi National Park below.

Explore mountain gorillas in the most incredible way!

Whether you choose Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, each moment promises unforgettable encounters with the mountain gorillas of Africa.

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