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Archive 2015 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda

  
 
VKM2F
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


I just returned from a week of gorilla trekking in Rwanda. In that time I completed four gorilla treks, managing to visit a different group each time. Needless to say the experience was incredible and something I would highly encourage like minded photographers to give a go at some point.

I have to make special mention of the tour company I used, as they were integral to me having such a good time. Umubano Tours is based in Rwanda and specializes in Gorilla tours. The principal there is a man named Herbert while my specific guide was named Bosco. Herbert was incredibly responsive and helpful while I organized the trip, setting me at ease throughout the process. Bosco, a former primary school teacher, counts many of the gorilla trekking guides among his former students! These relationships, coupled with it being low season, enabled two of my four treks to actually be totally private. That is, just me, the guide, the trackers, and the gorillas. Instead of tacking me on with another group of tourists, I was able to have a whole gorilla group to myself. I'm told this would normally require one to buy every single permit for a group, however my new friends at Umubano were able to make this accommodation for me and for that I feel compelled to let everyone interested in visiting Rwanda know who these guys are.

Anyways, on to the gorillas! Gear used for this trip was two Canon 5DMk3s, one equipped with the 24-70 2.8 Mk2 and the other with the 70-200 2.8 Mk2.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8766/16984863827_d5ca671a01_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8755/17007450920_c8119a0589_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5469/16572555724_b5400467b9_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7675/17195012555_f2f7947513_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8776/17007337858_6593433e86_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7634/17195079785_f9d7c1eebe_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7644/17169166686_34bdd6df54_c.jpg

This baby was 12 days old! Was incredible watching the intimate interaction with the mother.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8759/17007627740_ce53aa3638_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7656/16572729894_63bf69a082_c.jpg

A landscape just for good measure. Mt. Sabynyo looming in the background. A very beautiful country. Taken with the new 11-24mm.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/16574996753_8f6e10b6fb_c.jpg


Thanks for looking.



Apr 19, 2015 at 12:00 AM
birdied
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Gorgeous work !!! I really enjoyed each and every one of them.

Birdie



Apr 19, 2015 at 12:16 AM
conebeam
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Very nice images. What an experience to see such beautiful creatures in their own habitat.


Apr 19, 2015 at 12:22 AM
eyelaser
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Beautiful images and what a treat to be able to spend time with a newly born gorilla. These experiences are priceless you really made the most out of a unique one being the only person on the tour. It wouldn't surprise me if you being the only one and not having lots of people traipsing around really allowed the gorillas to be even more at ease and acting normally which, with a newborn, is quite special. The low season in Uganda too did reduce the number of people trekking dramatically....we had the same experience with chimps and some also with gorillas.
Eric



Apr 19, 2015 at 06:16 AM
surfnron
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Each and every one is extra nice. 1, 2, 7, and 8 stand out ~ Ron


Apr 19, 2015 at 06:54 AM
morris
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Wonderful set Shaadi

Morris



Apr 19, 2015 at 07:19 AM
DonGut
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


You had an amazing experience. Memories for life! And photos to match.
Don



Apr 19, 2015 at 08:26 AM
can0nfan2379
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Stunners!!


Apr 19, 2015 at 09:05 AM
aboulenein
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Wonderful pictures. Especially the ones with direct eye contact are really excellent. Thanks!


Apr 19, 2015 at 09:45 AM
hnilsson
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Fantastic work!

Henrik



Apr 19, 2015 at 09:52 AM
Candor
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


An experience you won't soon forget and you have some lovely images here. Very well done.

Mike



Apr 19, 2015 at 11:21 AM
Herb Houghton
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Great set of gorilla images, congrats.


Apr 19, 2015 at 04:29 PM
David Leask
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Fantastic shots! Thanks for the tour info too
David



Apr 19, 2015 at 04:33 PM
mspencer1
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Wonderful set! What an amazing experience you had!


Apr 19, 2015 at 04:57 PM
Ted ellis
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


thanks for sharing your images. A real treat to view.

Ted



Apr 20, 2015 at 09:04 AM
VKM2F
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Thank you all for the kind words. This was a bucket list type trip and I'm really happy that everything worked out.


Apr 20, 2015 at 07:54 PM
OwlsEyes
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


This is an amazing series. I love the eye contact that you have managed to capture.
Needless to say, the newborn and its mother is a priceless moment.. you are very fortunate to have been there to capture it.
bruce



Apr 20, 2015 at 08:44 PM
sibirdie
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Absolutely amazing series. 1, 3 and 7 are my favorites.


Apr 20, 2015 at 09:38 PM
dalite
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


Great shots. Apparently your 70-200mm lens was long enough for those large targets?


Apr 20, 2015 at 10:10 PM
VKM2F
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Trekking for Gorillas in Rwanda


dalite wrote:
Great shots. Apparently your 70-200mm lens was long enough for those large targets?


The 70-200 was often more than enough! A few of the above shots were at 70mm or below, actually. The gorillas are remarkably comfortable with their visitors, many having been visited their whole lives. The youngsters take a special interest and often brush right past you. The 24-70 was great for catching these close encounters.



Apr 20, 2015 at 11:46 PM
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