A Photographers Guide to the Big Five | Rwanda

By Humberto Tan | Photographer

β€œGorilla tracking was the most exhilarating experience. The animals are simultaneously so gentle and impressive that you can’t help but feel very small. These mighty mountain gorillas simply allow you into their world. What particularly struck me? Their soft energy. The dominant male, the Silverback, keeps a close eye on everything and intervenes where needed. We walked more than 2.5 hours to find them but it was more than worth it.”
— Humberto Tan - Photographer - Bearleader in Photography

Hit the Big Five | Rwanda


A photographer’s guide to wildlife spotting in Rwanda

The assignment for photographer Humberto Tan was to capture the Big Five and the Gorillas.
Because wild gorillas only live in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is quite a challenge to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In this guide, Humberto shows you where to go and where to stay on your search for these illustrious creatures.

Where to stay

  • MAGASHI CAMP

    This is a beautiful stay in the Akagera National Park, where all of the Big Five can be spotted

    instagram | maps, in Akagera | safari booking

  • GORILLAS NEST

    Staying at this place, you’ll be able to spot gorillas in the Volcanoes National park

    instagram | maps, in Volcanoes National Park | resort booking

What to do

  • AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

    The park was founded in 1934 and includes savannahs, mountains and swamp habitats. It is named after the Kagera river which flows along its eastern boundary feeding into Lake Llema and several smaller lakes. 
    We encountered the Big Five here.

    instagram | maps, in Akagera | safari booking

  • VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

    The park covers 160 km2 (62 sq mi) of rainforest and encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. When you are going for gorilla trekking this is the place to be.

    instagram | maps, in Volcanoes National Park


Guide by

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