MyDogKyle

We're going to be visiting the gorillas at PNV in Rwanda in October, and I just read in my (slightly old) Lonely Planet that we're not allowed to use a video camera unless we pay a (very large) permit fee. I've done some searching on this board and have seen lots of discussion about photography and gorilla trekking, but not so much about video. For those who have done this recently, is it true that we can't bring a video camera? Do people usually just shoot some video on their pocket cameras?

The experience itself is far more important to us than any pictures or videos we end up with, but on our last trip to Africa we got such wonderful videos that I think it would be a shame not to have a least a little video for the gorillas. Just wanting to be prepared, either way!

Denbasking

Habari njema, total rumor, NO video fee MDK!

Just be kind and rotate the video view so everyone can get a shot and ask a buddy to get you in your video with a gorilla behind you and you can do the same for them! It is quite a treasure to have for all to see when back home and even for yourself -- I still cannot believe I was there with them breathing the same air.

Enjoy, Den

MyDogKyle

Terrific news! Thanks, Den!

One of the things I loved about shooting video, as opposed to taking still photos, is that I found I could switch the camera on and let it roll while actually watching the animals, too -- didn't have to have the camera up in my face the whole time.

I'll be more than happy to get shots of anyone in my group (and any gorilla) who wants to be in the video.

MyDogKyle

... and also, of course, I won't plan on filming the whole hour and hogging the view!

Denbasking

I shot video, took stills, and enjoyed with me very own eyes as well! I agree that the video gives one more freedom.

Our gorilla group was spread out over three tiers so we were able to move around a bit and take in the different scenes. I paired with a young couple and they took PICS n’ video of me on <b>my</b> cameras and I did the same for them with <b>their</b> equipment. This was after my heart returned to its proper place and I was brave enough to let go of the tracker who saved me from a charging female when we first reached the group; I was glued to him like we were in a three-legged race!

The funny thing about the couple was that although they now live in NYC, they are from my area in Southeastern PA. AND her cousin was a next-door neighbor of mine for four years when we lived in town and our sons were best buddies.

The camera exchange ditty was helpful as I was traveling solo. However, I offer to do this all the time for strangers everywhere when I see them taking snaps and one family member is left out. I ask folks to do the same for me as well -- its not that I want my PIC but I am thinking that perhaps my future grandchildren might think grandma was pretty cool back in the day!

Dana_M

Hi MDK, Thanks for posting this question. I hadn't thought about it, but now Den's response tells me I definitely need to take a video camera next spring. Have you decided to do two treks instead of just one?

Nomadic_Adventures

If you have the budget and the time, trek on two days. Each family is very different and one inevitably wishes they had had two days with them. That one hour visit rushes by very quickly. Just remember - avoid flash, respect the gorillas and most of all, head home with treasures memories.

MyDogKyle

We're waiting to hear back about whether 2 treks would be possible... but yes, we're going to try to save up the money for a second one if it's something we can do. (For anyone reading this who hasn't seen my other post, we'll be on a group volunteer trip to both Uganda and Rwanda, and so we don't have the kind of flexibility and control over the itinerary that we'd have on a private trip.)