Filming gorillas in Uganda
Locations for filming gorillas in Uganda. Uganda is known to have at least half of the mountain gorilla population of the whole world. The endangered species are an attraction to people all over the world. In Uganda, they can be filmed in the following places.
BWINID IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK.
Bwindi forest 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 the mountain gorillas. Bwindi has half of the mountain gorilla population in the whole world. The park was established to protect the forest’s mountain Gorillas population from poachers and habitat loss. The gorillas in the park are divided in different families that can ne trekked every day. The park is also divvied in different sectors, namely Rushaga, Ruhija, nkuringo and Buhoma. While filming in this park, you can also get a chance to film the native batwa people and other communities that surround the national park.
MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK
This is the smallest national park in Uganda and is located in south-western Uganda in the Virunga Mountains. The park is made up of three inactive volcanoes namely mount Muhabura, mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. The park is a home to primates that include mountain Gorillas and Golden monkeys. The park also has a variety of mammal species that include black and white colobus, leopards, elephants, and giant forest hog among others. Activities that can be filmed include mountain gorilla tracking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, nature walks and experiences with the Batwa community.
Necessary requirements to film Gorillas in Uganda
Filming in Uganda will require you to get a filming permit when filming in locations and these permits are issued by the respective authorities and management. For one to film in the national parks, you will need to get permission from Uganda wildlife authority. The contract with UWA is then followed by acquiring permits for each crew member to be able to get access to the gorillas. The permits have the normal ones that allow you one hour with gorillas after being tracked and seen. The best offer for filming is the habituation experience that gives more time with the gorillas. In order to get a Filming Permit, one must write a letter requesting the permit and fill out an application form which is accompanied by a copy of the screenplay, a story synopsis, and a shooting schedule. These are then sent to the respective authorities Contact us at Film crew fixers we will help you process the filming permissions with the Local Authorities for you to successfully film in Uganda.
Media Accreditation
All members of the crew are supposed to be accredited by the Uganda media council to be able to film In the country. Media accreditation is a must for all applications to make feature films or documentaries. . Each crew member is required to fill Form G with all details, scan and send it back to us with a copy of his/her passport as well as one photograph to be put on his/her media card and work IDs. On top of this, we will need a 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. Crew members will also be required to seek for letters of Good conduct from Interpol (it’s a must have). We will attach this to all details provided and send them to Uganda Media Council for Media card processing and follow it up. This takes about 2-3 working days
Custom clearing.
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. A comprehensive list of equipment and value needs to be submitted to URA through a bonded clearing agent for the issuance of a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). A fee equivalent to 10% percentage of the value of the equipment is payable. This fee is non-refundable but will guarantee you safe entry and exist with your equipment. We are able to handle clearing for you as we have a trusted bond agent. On the other hand, you can choose to source gear and equipment from the country to avoid the hustle of clearing.
Visa Advice
In case of visas, we advise you to get a tourist or business visa. Both can work well. Most film crews prefer getting their vsas before coming to Uganda and this can be done online. On the other hand visas can also be easily obtained on arrival.
Vehicle Hire Services
Film Crew Fixers will help you organize transport for film crews to film in Uganda. The transportation services all depend on your interest, the nature of the roads and the schedule. For us to have a final estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your filming schedule to have an established mileage and distance to be traveled. We also organize both charter and scheduled air transport for those that are interested in flying to reduce the number of hours.
Accommodation when filming the gorillas
When filming Gorillas, you have a range of accommodation options to choose from ranging from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. You will choose which lodges to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Contact us here for booking details. Options include lodges in Bwindi or Mgahinga
Best Time to film in Uganda
Uganda’s climate is of both dry and wet seasons .Filming can be done all year round but the best time is during the months of December to February and June to October which are in the dry season
Why you should use Film crew fixers to Film in Uganda
Film crew Fixers is film Fixing Company based in Uganda. We assist filming companies and Production agencies that are interested in filming in East Africa. 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.
