Can I Bring a GoPro? Gorilla Trekking Camera Guide 2026

You have packed your gear, secured your gorilla permit, and are counting down the days until you come face-to-face with a mountain gorilla. As you prepare, a practical question emerges: can I bring a GoPro?

Action cameras like GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, and Insta360 have become incredibly popular for adventure travel. They are small, rugged, waterproof, and capable of capturing stunning wide-angle video and photos. For many travelers, the idea of mounting a GoPro to capture the trek through Bwindi’s dense forest—or recording the gorilla encounter from a unique perspective—is irresistible.

The short answer is yes, you can bring a GoPro for gorilla trekking. However, there are important rules about how you can use it, where you can mount it, and ethical considerations to ensure your recording does not disturb the gorillas. At Chosen Expeditions, we have guided countless travelers who have successfully used GoPros to capture their adventures. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about using a GoPro during your gorilla trek.

The Official Rules: What Is and Isn’t Allowed

Before answering can I bring a GoPro in detail, it is essential to understand the official regulations set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

What Is Allowed

What Is Strictly Forbidden

Why Mounting Rules Matter

The question can I bring a GoPro is often followed by “can I mount it to my chest or head?” This is where the rules become more nuanced. Chest and head mounts are discouraged because:

• Gorillas may perceive them as eyes: A camera mounted on your chest or head can appear as a large, unblinking “eye” that may unsettle the gorillas .

• Sudden movements: Turning your head quickly with a mounted camera can be disorienting to the animals .

• Noise and vibrations: Some mounts produce clicks, beeps, or vibrations that can disturb the gorillas .

The UWA and experienced guides recommend using your GoPro handheld for the gorilla encounter. This allows you to control the camera’s position, maintain awareness of your surroundings, and quickly lower the camera if the gorillas show signs of stress .

Why GoPros Are Great for Gorilla Trekking

If you are asking can I bring a GoPro, you likely already appreciate the advantages these small cameras offer.

Key Advantages

What to Consider

Best GoPro Models for Gorilla Trekking

If you are planning to bring a GoPro, here are the models best suited for the conditions.

Essential Accessories

How to Use Your GoPro During the Trek

When you ask can I bring a GoPro, you also need to know how to use it effectively and responsibly.

Before the Trek: Settings to Optimize

During the Trek: On the Trail

• Record the journey: The trek through Bwindi is itself a remarkable experience—muddy trails, dense vegetation, bird calls, and anticipation .

• Use a handheld grip: A small grip like the GoPro Shorty or Handler provides stability and control .

• Chest mount for hiking: If you want hands-free recording on the trail, a chest mount is acceptable before you reach the gorillas .

• Protect your gear: Keep your GoPro in a padded case or pouch when not shooting.

During the Gorilla Encounter: Key Rules

Why Handheld Is Best for the Encounter

The recommendation to use your GoPro handheld during the gorilla encounter is based on both rules and experience:

• Control: You can quickly lower the camera if the gorillas show signs of stress

• Awareness: Handheld shooting keeps you aware of your surroundings

• Respect: Mounted cameras can appear as “eyes” that unsettle the gorillas

• Flexibility: You can change angles, zoom (by moving closer while maintaining distance), and capture different perspectives

Settings for the Gorilla Encounter

When you answer can I bring a GoPro with yes, optimizing your settings for the specific conditions of the gorilla encounter is essential.

Recommended Encounter Settings

Shooting Techniques

• Move slowly: Smooth, deliberate movements keep footage stable and avoid startling the gorillas.

• Shoot in bursts: Record 30-60 second clips rather than continuous recording. This saves battery, storage, and allows you to remain present.

• Capture audio: The sounds of the forest—gorilla vocalizations, rustling leaves, bird calls—are what make video special.

• Vary perspectives: Mix wide shots (showing the gorillas in the forest) with closer shots (focused on a silverback or infant).

GoPro vs. Smartphone vs. DSLR

When asking can I bring a GoPro, you may be deciding between different camera options.

Our Recommendation: Many travelers bring both a smartphone (for still photos) and a GoPro (for video and action shots). The GoPro captures the journey—the trek, the forest, the wider context—while the smartphone captures detailed stills of the gorillas .

Real Guest Experiences

Here is what some Chosen Expeditions guests have shared about using GoPros:

*”I brought my GoPro Hero 12 and used it handheld during the encounter. The wide-angle captured the gorillas in their environment perfectly—the misty forest, the dappled light, the silverback’s massive presence. I also recorded the trek itself, and watching it later, I appreciated how rugged the trail really was.”*

“I made the mistake of using a chest mount during the encounter. The guide politely asked me to remove it because it might disturb the gorillas. I switched to handheld and still got amazing footage—and I’m glad I respected the rules.”

“My GoPro was perfect for the trek itself. It was raining, and I didn’t have to worry about my camera getting wet. For the gorilla encounter, I used my iPhone for photos and the GoPro for video. Best of both worlds.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a GoPro on a selfie stick?

Short handheld poles (under 1 meter) may be permitted, but extended selfie sticks are not allowed as they encourage unsafe proximity to the gorillas .

Can I use a chest mount during the trek?

Yes, chest mounts are generally acceptable for recording the trek to the gorillas. However, for the actual gorilla encounter, we strongly recommend switching to handheld .

Can I use a head mount?

Head mounts are strongly discouraged. They can appear as large “eyes” to the gorillas and turning your head quickly with a mounted camera can be disorienting .

Can I bring a GoPro for the Gorilla Habituation Experience?

Yes, the same rules apply. The GHE involves four hours with a gorilla family, and handheld use is still required .

What if my GoPro makes a beeping sound?

Disable all beeps and LEDs before entering the forest. Sudden electronic sounds can startle the gorillas .

Summary: GoPro Checklist

Conclusion: Capture the Journey, Respect the Gorillas

So, let us return to the question: can I bring a GoPro for gorilla trekking?

Yes, absolutely. GoPro cameras are excellent tools for capturing the full experience of your gorilla trek—the muddy trails, the dense forest, the wider context of the gorillas in their natural habitat. They are rugged, waterproof, and perfectly suited to the conditions of Bwindi.

However, with that permission comes responsibility. Use your GoPro handheld during the gorilla encounter. Disable all beeps and LEDs. Maintain your distance. And perhaps most importantly, find a balance between capturing footage and being present. The videos you take will allow you to relive your adventure, but the truest memories are the ones you carry in your heart.

At Chosen Expeditions, we are here to help you prepare for every aspect of your gorilla trekking adventure—including how to capture it responsibly.

Contact Chosen Expeditions today to start planning your gorilla trekking adventure. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.