Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Photography

Three weeks ago, I spent several days in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park photographing mountain gorillas and the region's avian wildlife. These images document encounters with two habituated gorilla families (Umubano and Muhoza) along with bird species found in the park's bamboo forests and surrounding areas.

The Trek to Muhoza

The hike to find the Muhoza family tested every assumption I had about gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Seven hours. One thousand meters of elevation gain. Thick mud that swallowed boots with each step. This wasn't the "easier than Uganda" experience most tourism sites promise. It was grueling, humbling, and worth every step.

When we finally found them, the Muhoza babies became the stars of the encounter. Watching them play, cling to their mothers, and test their boundaries gave me some of the most engaging shots of the trip. Their curiosity and energy showed the playful nature that makes these primates so captivating to photograph.

Charles and the Umubano Family

The Umubano family delivered a completely different experience. During our time with them, silverbacks within the family erupted into a confrontation with our group caught directly in the middle. The guides moved us quickly but calmly. Within seconds, the tension broke. We were safe, and the silverbacks returned to their routines as if nothing happened. That jolt of adrenaline (standing meters from 400-pound silverbacks in conflict) is impossible to replicate.

Beyond the drama, I photographed Charles, Umubano's dominant silverback known throughout Volcanoes National Park for his calm demeanor and striking presence. The resulting images capture the quiet dignity these animals possess, a stark contrast to the earlier intensity.

Rwanda Bird Photography

Between gorilla treks, I turned my lens toward two of Rwanda's smaller residents. The white-starred robin chat, with its distinctive orange breast and bold white eyebrow stripe, proved surprisingly cooperative near the forest edge. These insectivorous birds are common in the region but often overlooked when gorillas dominate the itinerary.

I also photographed the speckled mousebird, a species characterized by its long tail and distinctive crest. Mousebirds often move in small flocks through fruiting trees and shrubs, their social behavior echoing the tight family structures of the gorillas themselves.

While gorillas were the primary focus, these avian encounters added depth to the portfolio and reminded me that Volcanoes National Park supports far more biodiversity than most visitors realize.

Technical Approach

I brought my 100-400mm lens on both gorilla treks and bird photography sessions. The longer focal length proved essential for tight portraits of gorillas without disturbing them, while also providing the reach needed for skittish bird subjects. Low light in the forest, constant movement, and dense vegetation made every shot a technical challenge. Exactly what serious wildlife photography should be.

Conservation

A portion of proceeds from print sales supports Gorilla Doctors, the veterinary organization that provides critical medical care to the mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, including Umubano and Muhoza. Their work ensures these encounters remain possible for future generations.

Where I Stayed

Virunga Lodge served as base camp throughout the expedition. Its location on the edge of the park made early morning departures manageable after the previous day's treks.

More

See more of the images from our trip to Rwanda in the gallary.