The experience of gorilla filming / Gorilla Video shooting in a natural habitat is surely a life changing experience. Gorilla filming is much more than mountain gorilla trekking as it entails the capturing of gorilla videos in their natural habitats as well well as providing travelers with a close face to face encounter with the endangered gentle giants. Just like trekking, mountain gorilla filming can be done in any of the four national parks with the surviving gorillas in the whole world. These national parks are Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park in southwestern Uganda, volcanoes national park in northwestern Rwanda and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorilla filming was introduced as a strategy to promote gorilla conservation and increase awareness to all people in all parts of the world concerning the endangered species.
The cost of gorilla filming
The cost of a gorilla filming permit varies from country to country but the experience is the same. In Uganda a permit for gorilla filming costs approximately 4200 USD, whereas in Rwanda it costs roughly 6000 USD for an hour monitored by responsible government bodies. Secondly you will be required to buy the Gorilla permits for the entire Gorilla group that you that you intend to film. The maximum number of people / filming crew is 8 members. This implies the government is foregoing the bigger groups that would be visiting the particular group which always left for 8 trackers per day.
Lastly you are also required to deposit a refundable fee of USD 2000 with Rwanda Development Board. This amount is refunded once you hand over a CD Film copy to the Development Board to prove that the filming was for Tourism use and promotion of the Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
It should be noted that gorilla Filming for the Price of 19,000 USD is valid for one Day and it can be altered by the Rwanda Development Board.
Where to get the filming permits
Government bodies responsible for wildlife conservation and tourism in each of the three countries issue out trekking and filming permits. These bodies include the Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) in Uganda, Rwanda development board in Rwanda and the responsible body in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The permit can be purchased directly from these bodies or through any trusted tour operator offering gorilla filming and trekking packages.
Pre-filming Discussion
An earlier discussion with the responsible government bodies is always recommended. This discussion concerns logistics and other activities to easily determine the actual costs. Filmmakers are reminded to send their filming requests as early as three weeks in advance before the actual filming date. Participants are also reminded to fill and submit their application forms to the responsible government bodies as early as possible.
Dressing code for Gorilla Filming
Just like in trekking, filming and video shooting involve hiking in the slippery dense tropical forests. The recommended dressing include hiking boots, and gloves, sunglasses, long sleeved shirts and pants, rain gears, hats to protect from direct sun. Additionally, walking sticks and porters are very helpful though not compulsory. Porters carry baggage, which make filming easier and also provide support in case of any sliding and falling.
Conclusively therefore, mountain gorilla filming is the best wildlife encounter that all travelers should take part. The venture is very helpful in the promotion of conservation and tourism.
