Filming gorillas in Uganda
Filming Gorillas in Uganda can be done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park with permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and media accreditation from the Uganda Media Council. Uganda is known to have at least half of the mountain gorilla population of the whole world and these endangered species are an attraction to people all over the world. Africa fixers assist film crews to get permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority and the necessary media accreditation to film Gorillas in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetable National Park is one of the few remaining tropical rainforests that has been preserved in Uganda and Africa as a whole. This forest is located in south-western Uganda. The national park is very popular for being a home to half of the mountain gorilla population in the whole world. The park was established to protect the forest’s mountain gorilla population from poachers and habitat loss. The gorillas in the park are divided in different families that can be trekked every day. Gorilla Trekking happens in the different sectors of the park, namely Rushaga, Ruhija, nkuringo and Buhoma. While filming Gorillas in this Bwindi, you can also get a chance to film the native Batwa people and other communities that surround the national park. Contact our local Ugandan fixers to assist you with filming gorillas in Bwindi
Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda and is located in south-western Uganda in the Virunga Mountains. In addition to having mountain gorilla, the park is made up of three inactive volcanoes namely mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. The park also has a variety of mammal species that include black and white colobus, leopards, elephants, and giant forest hog, among others. In addition to mountain gorillas, you can also film golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, nature walks and experiences with the Batwa community.
Necessary requirements to film Gorillas in Uganda
Filming Gorillas in Uganda requires you to have a permit from Uganda wildlife authority as national parks are under the management of UWA In order to get a Filming Permit for both Bwindi and Mgahinga, one must write a letter requesting to be allowed to film. In addition to this, you are supposed to fill out an application form which is accompanied by a copy of the screenplay, a story synopsis, and a shooting schedule. These are then taken to the respective authorities by a local fixer who also follows up and ensures that everything is in order and your request to film in Bwindi International park is approved. Contact us at Africa Fixers For assistance with getting permission to film gorillas in Uganda.
Cost of Filming Gorillas in Uganda
Uganda wildlife Authority charges a 40 percent filming fee for all the activities done by the crew in the park. If you are using a drone, then a 50 percent is charged. You are also required to pay the fees of the activity being filmed. Bwindi is popular for gorillas and a gorilla permit for foreign non residents is currently 800Usd per person.
Media Accreditation to film Gorillas in Uganda
Media accreditation is a must for all applications to make feature films or documentaries in Uganda. Each crew member is required to fill Form G with all details, in addition to that, a copy of his/her passport as well as one photograph to be put on his/her media card. An introduction letter from the filming company detailing who they are, why they are filming, where they will be filming and details of crew members on this shoot is also needed. Lastly, Crew members are to provide letters of Good conduct from Interpol and proof of application for a special pass Once these documents are shared with us, application is handled by our Local fixer. Media Accreditation costs 175 USD per person for a period of 30 days and 225USD for upto 6 months. The application process takes about 3-5 working days.
Special Pass
Special passes are a mandatory requirement for media accreditation in Uganda. Special passes are issued out by the immigration of Uganda. The special passes cost 400USD per person and can be gotten in a period of 3-5 working days. For assistance with getting a special pass to film in Uganda, contact us.
Things to consider when Filming Gorillas in Uganda
Follow rules and regulations. When filming Gorillas in Uganda, it is important to follow the rules set by Uganda wildlife authority and the ranger guides that will be with you especially when filming Gorillas. Your conduct should be respectful and ensure not to alarm the gorillas for your filming to go smoothly. These rules include Keeping a safe distance from the gorillas, flash light photography is not allowed, keeping quiet as noise disrupts the gorillas and staying in the time set, which is 1 hour for a normal gorilla permit and 4 hours for gorilla habituation permits once they are found.
Time allowed to film the Gorillas. Different gorilla permits allow you different time periods with the gorillas. If you pay for the normal trekking permit, you are given one hour to film the gorillas once they are found. If you pay for the gorilla habituation permit, then you are given four hours with the gorillas.
Exclusive filming with one Gorilla family. For film crews that want to film the gorillas without any distractions that may come from other tourists, we recommend buying all 8 permits for one gorilla family to give you the exclusivity. In addition to this you can also request for a specific family in case you are following a particular gorilla family for your shoot. This is something we have arranged for several film crews and we recommend this for filming gorillas.
Drone regulations. Drone filming in Bwindi has to be done cautiously so as not to disrupt the eco system. Follow the standard drone rules and also stay in line with any regulations that will be given to you by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Proper Planning. It is important to plan your shoot in advance to ensure that permits are gotten on time as all the necessary permits can take up to 3 weeks. It is also important to know that Gorilla permits are on high demand and we recommend getting yours at least 5 months prior to your shoot. Our local fixer is available to work with you as you plan for the shoot to make sure that you have everything you need for a successful gorilla shoot in Uganda
Best time to film the Gorillas. The recommended time to film gorillas in Uganda is the dry season of May to August and December to February. During this time, gorillas can be easily seen because the vegetation is not dense and the roads are also easy to drive through. The wet season is also okay for filming as it is characterised with more lush vegetation.
Accommodation options. When filming gorillas in Uganda, it is important that you pick an accommodation that matches the sector which your gorilla permit. There are different accommodation options in the different sectors and your choice will depend on your budget and preference. For assistance with getting accommodation during your shoot, feel free to contact Africa Fixers.
Customs Clearance for Filming Gorillas in Uganda
Uganda is not a member of the Carnet Free Systems Unions, so Carnet’s are not valid. The only process to get your equipment in and out of Uganda is through a bonded Agent. For this to be done successfully, you need to share A comprehensive list of equipment and value for the issuance of a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). A fee equivalent to 10% percentage of the value of the equipment is payable to Uganda Revenue Authority. This fee is non-refundable but it guarantees you safe entry and exit with your equipment. As local fixers, we work with trusted bonded agents to ensure that film crews can clear their equipment and film in Uganda smoothly.
Visa Advice for filming in Uganda
In case of visas, we advise film crews to either get a tourist or business visa as both work well. Most film crews prefer getting their visas before coming to Uganda and this can be done online. If you would like help with applying the visas, we are able to do that to make it simple for you.
Transportation when filming Gorillas in Uganda
Africa Fixers organizes transportation for crews filming in Uganda. The transportation services all depend on your interest, the nature of the roads and destination. We also arrange charter flights for crews that would like to fly to certain destinations instead of drive because of the long distances. Our driver guides are very professional and conversant with the local areas of Uganda. For transport services when filming in Uganda, dont hesitate to contact us.
Work with Africa Fixers to Film Gorillas in Uganda
Africa fixers is a film Fixing Company based in Uganda. We assist filming companies and Production agencies that are interested in filming in several African countries. We are very capable in handling all fixer services required. Our team of local fixers and driver guides is very professional. Over the years, we have been able to get all relevant connections with other service providers and authority agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are easily processed. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Uganda.