Updated
For a Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari, bring several fast, reliable memory cards rather than one huge card: at least two or three cards of 64–128 GB from a reputable brand, fast enough for burst shooting and 4K video, plus a way to back up photos each evening. Buy cards before you travel, as genuine high-speed cards are hard to find in Uganda and counterfeits are common.
How much storage you need
During the gorilla hour, many photographers shoot several hundred frames, and raw files from modern cameras can be 25–60 MB each. Add game drives, birds and video, and a week-long safari can easily fill 200–500 GB. Several medium cards spread the risk: if one fails or is lost, you do not lose everything. Swap to a fresh card before the gorilla trek so you do not run out at the critical moment.
Speed matters
Gorillas move suddenly, and you will often shoot bursts. A slow card fills the camera’s buffer and stops you shooting for several seconds. Choose cards rated for your camera’s top speed, such as UHS-II SD or CFexpress for recent mirrorless bodies, and at least V30 for 4K video. Check your camera manual for the recommended card type. See our guide to choosing a camera for gorilla trekking.
Reliability and backup
Buy from trusted retailers, format each card in the camera before the trip, and test it. Humidity in Bwindi is high, so keep cards in a sealed case. Each evening, back up to a laptop, a portable drive or a phone or tablet with a card reader; internet at lodges is often too slow for cloud uploads. Keep backups separate from the cards. See our guides to protecting your gear and batteries and charging.
Smartphones and action cameras
Phone users should clear space before the trek, as 4K video fills storage quickly. Action cameras need fast microSD cards. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November, so do not let storage be the reason you miss the moment. See our guide to smartphone gorilla photography.
Frequently asked questions
At least two or three cards of 64–128 GB.
Yes, but fast genuine cards are scarce and fakes are common; bring your own.
Copy to a laptop, portable drive or tablet each evening.
At least V30; check your camera’s recommendation.
