Filming Primates in Uganda
Best practices of filming primates in Uganda. Primates are said to be our closest relatives in the animal world. These rage from gorillas, to chimpanzees, to monakeys and many more. Their behavior is one that is very interesting . primates can be found in the following places in Uganda..
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.
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Kibale National Park is located in the western region of Uganda. It is shared by different districts namely kamwenje, kyegegwa and kabarole. The park is very popular for its chimpanzee populations. The kanyanchus primate walk is the most popular activity where several chimp species are tracked and spotted. The park also has several monkey species. The chimpanzees are visited for one hour. However through chimpanzee habituation, there is an option for spending more time with the chimps. the park also habours the bigodi wetland sanctuary that is a home to several bird species like the hornbill, kingfishers, weavers , cuckoos and many more.
BUDONGO FOREST RESERVE
This forest is located in masindi district and is in proximity to Murchison falls national park. This forest is known for having a number of east African mahogany trees and several other tree species. The forest is also home to a population of chimpazees , black and white Columbus, red tailed monkey, blue monkeys, olive baboons . The forest is also known to have over 300 butterfly species. These species belong to the butterfly families of Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae and Nymphalidae. The forest also has birds which include afrcian dwarf kingfisher, ituri batis, olive reasted greenbul, plain green bul, brown twinspot, black kite, African pied wagtail and many more.
KYAMBURA GORGE IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Queen Elizabeth inhabits a number of primate species one of popular being chimpanzees in Chambura Gorge .activities that can be filmed include chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, boat cruises at Kazinga channel that connects Lake George to Lake Edward, guided game drives including viewing the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, night game drives, nature walks and bird watching
Necessary requirements to film Primates 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 primates. The permits have the normal ones that allow you one hour with primates after being tracked and seen. The best offer for filming is the habituation experience that gives more time with the primates. 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 primates
When filming primates, 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 and the location in which you have chosen to film. Contact us here for booking details.
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.
