Gorilla Filming in Uganda is undeniably one reason why travelers come to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild. Of the 4 gorilla sub-species, Mountain Gorillas are the most visited by tourists, the Eastern Gorilla sub-species that exists only in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The beauty about Mountain Gorilla films or documentaries is that they are more detailed and of good standard/higher quality. Gorilla Filming in Uganda is conducted mainly by professional content creators and wildlife documentary agencies or the foreign press etc. Documenting or Filming Mountain Gorillas is carried out in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo.
Gorilla Filming in Uganda is aimed at developing the tourism sector and also raise resources to aid gorilla conservation. Films or documentaries also play a significant role in creating awareness to the world about the status of Mountain Gorillas, which are listed among the world’s endangered species. A successful Gorilla filming expedition is achievable but requires adequate time and money unlike the normal Gorilla Trekking experience.
Gorilla Filming is quite different from the normal Gorilla Tracking expedition in the sense that when filming Mountain Gorillas in the wild, filming crew never mixes with other visitors apart from the park guide. For anyone interested in Gorilla Filming in Uganda, he or she should have valid documents and Uganda has her own policies and requirements which must be observed.
Where to go for Gorilla Filming in Uganda?
Mountain Gorilla Filming in Uganda is carried out in the 2 National Parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP). These 2 Uganda National Parks harbor half of the existing world’s 1063 Mountain Gorillas with 21 Gorilla groups already habituated. Considering the huge concentration of Mountain Gorilla population, Uganda is undeniably Africa’s best destination to visit for Gorilla Filming.
The Film Crew have more options of Gorilla families to film Mountain Gorillas in the wild; you either travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with 20 habituated groups or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with only 1 group.
In Uganda, Gorilla Filming in Bwindi or Mgahinga is conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Before the actual date of your Gorilla Filming expedition, it is important to make booking early, at least 4 months. UWA manages all the 10 Uganda National Parks including Bwindi and Mgahinga – the country’s premier Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Filming destinations.
If you plan to visit Uganda for Gorilla Filming or to make documentaries, videos; you must apply for Media Accreditation card from the Uganda Media Centre, a different organ from UWA. A form will be presented to you and every filming crew must fill it. Personal details will be required that is your names, copy of valid passport, nationality, address, passport photos, purpose of traveling and how long you plan to be in Uganda. It takes 3-5 days for Media Card to be approved and interestingly, your Tour Operator will guide you to complete the whole process.
Once you have filled the filming form, you must write a letter to UWA containing details of the filming company/agency, the purpose/intention of the filming project, the date to travel for filming and the Gorilla Safari Park you wish to visit for Gorilla Filming. As well, state how the country will be a beneficiary of Gorilla Documentary/Filming. The Filming Crew will be required to sign an agreement with UWA prior to being provided a Gorilla Filming Permit.
A ground Tour Operator can assist to obtain an official form on your behalf from UWA. A letter indicating the Tour Operator/Company to assist you process filming permit should be presented to Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The Gorilla Filming Crew must also clear their equipment upon arrival at Entebbe Airport (EBB). The clearing team at the airport will cross-check your filming gear and for those who plan to use drones/any aerial shooting/filming, you must obtain a different approval from Uganda Peoples Defense Forces & Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. Note, drones are no longer allowed for Gorilla photography / filming.
Gorilla Filming Permits in Uganda – Bwindi & Mgahinga National Parks.
Gorilla Filming Permits in Uganda for commercial purposes are available for booking at US$ 4200 and the cost excludes the standard US$ 700 for Gorilla Permit. The Gorilla Filming Crew must book the 8 Gorilla Permits and it doesn’t matter how many members are in the filming team. Additional fee on environmental effects, research & monitoring should be paid.
A deposit of US$ 1000 will be required for you to pay but this is refundable on condition that a copy of the film is shared with UWA in DVD format. The DVD may be used by UWA for educational and conservation purposes.
This Gorilla Filming cost of course excludes meals, transportation, accommodation and clearance costs at the airport, Uganda Media Centre or any other relevant government organs.
When to travel for Gorilla Filming in Uganda?
Gorilla Filming in Uganda is open to travelers all year-round but dry season is the best time. The film crew can consider traveling to Bwindi or Mgahinga during the drier months of June to August or December, January to February.
Due to heavy rains, trails usually become muddy during the rainy season that is from March to May and late September to November.
