Photography in Rwanda -- The Complete Guide
Rwanda rewards photographers who plan their shots around light and movement rather than showing up at famous spots mid-afternoon with a phone. Here is the complete photography guide -- location by location, time by time.
Gorilla Photography -- The Most Challenging Shot in Africa
- Camera settings: Forest light is low and variable. Use ISO 1600-6400, widest aperture available, fastest shutter speed you can manage. A 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is ideal.
- Flash: Absolutely prohibited on gorilla treks. Do not even bring a flash unit.
- The moment: Eye contact with a silverback. Be patient -- it happens. Do not chase it. Be still and let the gorilla come to you.
- Getting there: Rental car to Musanze gives you full control of your arrival time and equipment loading.
Best Landscape Photography Locations
Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo at Sunrise
30 minutes from Musanze. Arrive at 5:30 AM for the light. Volcanoes rising behind the lakes, mist on the water, nothing else moving. One of Africa's great landscape shots.
Tea Plantations -- Gakenke District
On the Kigali-Musanze highway, 90 km from Kigali. The geometric rows of tea catch morning and late afternoon light beautifully. Pull over on the shoulder -- the terracing creates natural leading lines into the volcano skyline.
Lake Kivu Descent -- Rubavu Approach
The road from Musanze down to Rubavu descends to the lake with a view that opens dramatically. Stop at the first viewpoint after the descent begins -- late afternoon light hits the Congo hills and lake surface perfectly.
Kigali from Rebero Hill
The highest accessible viewpoint over the city. Go at golden hour -- 30-45 minutes before sunset. The hills of Kigali lit in warm light, rolling in every direction. Drive there -- the hill is 5 km from the city centre.
Akagera at Dawn
Be at the South Gate at 6:00 AM. Giraffes in the morning mist. Hippos with the lake behind them. Lions in low-angle light. Dawn in Akagera is extraordinary for wildlife photography. Kigali to Akagera driving guide here.
Drone Photography in Rwanda
Permitted in most locations outside national parks with an RCAA permit. See our Rwanda drone guide for full rules. Tea plantations, Lake Kivu, and Kigali city are extraordinary from the air.
The Photography Rental Car
All the best shooting locations in Rwanda require arriving at specific times for the right light. A rental car means a 5 AM departure for sunrise at Twin Lakes is possible without depending on a taxi that may not show up. Load your equipment safely in the boot, drive to your location, shoot, and move to the next. This is the only way to photograph Rwanda properly.
Our photographer car rental includes vehicles with boot space sufficient for camera equipment cases. WhatsApp us with your specific gear requirements.
