Can I use a drone to film gorillas in Uganda?

Can I use a drone to film gorillas in Uganda? Are you planning a trip to Uganda to film gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park wondering whether drones are allowed? Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga volcanic mountain range shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, is one of the most famous destinations for viewing and filming the endangered mountain gorillas.

So, can you use a drone to film gorillas in Mgahinga and Bwindi? Yes, it is possible. You can either hire a drone within Uganda or import your own. Hiring a drone locally is generally the easiest option. However, if you prefer to bring one into the country, you will need to follow the official Procedure for the Importation and Operation of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (Drone).

Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park, bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. The park is home to three stunning volcanoes—Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura—which form part of the Virunga range. Both Mgahinga and Bwindi are sanctuaries for the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Their ecosystem consists of tropical rainforests, equatorial evergreen forests, montane rainforests, and mountain bamboo.

With Safari Vacations and Travel Services, you can plan your gorilla filming experience in Mgahinga and Bwindi with ease. This is because you’ll know that we’ll handle all the necessary permits, logistics, and drone procedures will be handled professionally.

Is Filming Gorillas in Uganda Possible?

Can I use a drone to film gorillas in Uganda? Yes, filming gorillas in Uganda is possible. However, you will have to pay 40% on top of the gorilla permit fee to film gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Mgahinga is home to a single gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, which is available for gorilla tracking. Since only 8 permits are issued per day for trekking in Mgahinga, it is important to secure your booking well in advance through a reliable tour operator.

On the other hand, Bwindi is home to over 20 habituated families. This means that more than 160 permits are available daily. However, booking early is also highly recommended due to the high demand for permits.

Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga takes place once a day in the morning. It begins with a briefing from park rangers before you head into the forest to search for the endangered mountain gorillas. In Bwindi, the experience is similar, although the park is larger and divided into four trekking sectors. These include Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—each offering unique encounters with different gorilla families.

With both parks, whether you are trekking or filming, preparation and planning are key to securing an unforgettable gorilla experience in Uganda.

What is the cost of Permits to trek gorillas in Uganda?

For a successful one-day gorilla trek in Uganda, it is essential to secure a valid gorilla permit. You can only obtain it from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a tour operator. Gorilla trekking permits cost USD800 for foreign non-residents and USD700 for foreign residents. It also costs UGX 300,000 for East African citizens and USD500 rest of African citizens. On the day of your trek in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will begin with a morning briefing at the Park Headquarters. Here, rangers explain the rules and guidelines to follow while in the forest and around the gorillas.

With the company of expert guides and armed rangers, you will set off into the lush rainforest. You hike through dense vegetation and climb steep terrain in search of the mountain gorillas. The trek can be challenging, but the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat. You will be allowed to observe the gorillas for one full hour, standing just 7 to 5 meters away, as they feed, play, and interact with each other. After the trek, you return to the starting point, where you receive a certificate to commemorate your successful gorilla trekking experience in Uganda.

What is the cost of transportation to Gorilla trekking Parks in Uganda?

Can I use a drone to film gorillas in Uganda? Transportation costs for visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park generally include vehicle hire, a professional driver-guide, and fuel for the entire journey. Depending on the type of vehicle selected, hire rates range between USD 100 and USD 250 per day. For a typical three-day gorilla trekking trip, you should budget approximately USD600 for transport, including car hire and fuel. Travelers should also secure a Uganda visa, which costs USD50. If you’re landing in Uganda, you should have applied for it online in advance. You then get the hard copy upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or at designated border entry points.

Both Bwindi and Mgahinga are accessible by road. Bwindi’s different sectors can be reached in about an 8–9-hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe, while Mgahinga is only a 45-minute drive from Kisoro town. Safari Vacations and Travel Services provides comfortable 4×4 vehicles equipped with air conditioning and drinking water as part of our all-inclusive packages, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable safari experience. To enter either park, you must have secured your gorilla trekking permit in advance.

What is the cost of accommodation in Mgahinga National Park?

Can I use a drone to film gorillas in Uganda? Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a variety of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly lodges to luxury retreats. Most lodges are situated on the outskirts of the forest. This provides guests with scenic views of the park and the surrounding mountain ranges. Luxury travelers can enjoy Gahinga Lodge, where rates start at approximately USD 1200 per person per night.

Midrange and budget options such as Lake Chahafi Lodge and Lake Muhele Lodge. These lodges provide comfortable stays for around USD 100 per person per night. For those seeking more affordable options, hotels in Kisoro town, which is just a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters, offer rooms from as low as USD 50 per night. Some travelers also prefer to stay in lodges or camps in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s about an hour’s drive from Mgahinga, which allows easy access to both parks.

In Bwindi, accommodations are available across four main sectors. In the northern sector, Buhoma offers several cozy lodges. These include Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, and Buhoma Lodge. Ruhija, another northern sector, features options like Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Mburo Gorge Lodge. In the southern sectors, Rushaga includes lodges such as Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, and Gorilla Safari Lodge. Meanwhile, Nkuringo offers Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Lodge. Across all sectors, visitors can choose lodges ranging from basic to luxury, ensuring a tailored experience for their gorilla trekking adventure.

Other Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks

Beyond gorilla trekking, visitors to Mgahinga and Bwindi can enjoy a variety of experiences that highlight both the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.

Batwa Cultural Trail Experience

In Mgahinga, the Batwa Cultural Trail allows guests to explore the forest with Batwa guides, learning about traditional forest life. Along the trail, visitors witness cultural dances, Stone Age practices, and fire-making skills, gaining a deep understanding of Batwa heritage. This activity costs approximately $80 per person.

Nature Walks

Nature walks in Mgahinga and Bwindi provide an immersive experience in the rich biodiversity of the forests. Visitors can explore unique tree species, spot various wildlife, and savor the peaceful ambiance of the tropical rainforest.

Village Walks

Village walks around Kisoro and nearby communities provide insight into the daily lives of local people, including the Bafumbira and Bakiga tribes. Visitors can enjoy traditional dances, taste local foods, and observe artisanal crafts.

Golden Monkey Tracking and Habituation

Golden monkey trekking and habituation in Uganda offer wildlife enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience one of the country’s most colorful and playful primates in their natural habitat. The golden monkey, a striking species with vibrant golden-orange fur and lively social behavior, is endemic to the Virunga volcanic region, which spans Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, Mgahinga is the primary destination for observing these endangered primates, making it a must-visit for both wildlife photographers and nature lovers.

Golden monkey trekking typically begins in the early morning with a briefing by experienced guides who provide an overview of the forest environment, the behavior of the monkeys, and safety regulations. Visitors then embark on a forest hike that ranges from gentle paths to moderately challenging terrain, depending on the area and season. The trek offers not only the thrill of observing these agile primates leaping through the bamboo forests but also the chance to enjoy Uganda’s rich biodiversity, including various bird species, other primates, and forest flora.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, golden monkey habituation provides the opportunity to spend extended time with semi-habituated monkeys as they gradually become accustomed to human presence. This activity allows participants to observe intricate social behaviors, such as grooming, playing, and feeding, over several hours under the guidance of skilled trackers and researchers. Habituation is particularly valuable for conservation education, offering insights into primate behavior and the importance of protecting these endangered species.

Birding in Mgahinga and Bwindi

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are premier birding destinations in Uganda, offering an extraordinary opportunity to explore the rich avian diversity of the Albertine Rift. Together, these parks are home to over 350 bird species, including numerous endemics, rare Albertine Rift species, and a variety of forest and montane birds. Birding enthusiasts can encounter vibrant species such as the Grauer’s broadbill, African green broadbill, African pitta, black-billed turaco, and the elusive white-starred forest robin, among others.

Birding in these parks is a truly immersive experience, as visitors traverse lush montane forests, bamboo groves, and riverine habitats while listening to the melodious calls of the forest. Guided walks with experienced bird guides help identify species, track their habitats, and provide insights into their ecological roles. Birders can also enjoy the sights of forest mammals, butterflies, and unique flora during their exploration, making each outing an enriching wildlife adventure.

Both Mgahinga and Bwindi are accessible throughout the year, though the drier months from June to September and January to February provide the best conditions for spotting and photographing birds. Whether you are a casual birdwatcher or an avid ornithologist, these forests offer a remarkable opportunity to connect with nature and witness some of East Africa’s most spectacular and rare bird species in their pristine habitats.

Cultural and Wildlife Experiences in Bwindi

In Bwindi, visitors can also enjoy guided forest walks, spot wildlife footprints, and engage with local communities through village visits, craft demonstrations, and traditional performances.

These activities in Mgahinga and Bwindi combine wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure, visiting Uganda’s gorilla parks, a truly unforgettable experience.

Why Book Filming Gorillas in Uganda with Safari Vacations and Travel Services?

Safari Vacations and Travel Services provides exceptional gorilla filming experiences in Mgahinga National Park, across Uganda, and throughout the East African region. We offer both discounted packages and fully tailor-made trips to meet your specific filming needs. Our strength in organizing authentic and seamless experiences comes from a dedicated team that combines young, energetic staff with seasoned managers and directors who are Ugandans passionate about wildlife and tourism. Safari Vacations and Travel Services is highly rated and reviewed on TripAdvisor, giving you insight into the experiences of other travelers who have worked with us.

Contact us today for expert guidance on filming gorillas in Uganda, including using drones in Mgahinga National Park.