When it comes to African safaris, it is a dream of every visitor to have that lasting memory in life and when you look around, there are very few adventures that leave you mesmerized at the end of day while on your safari holiday. Perhaps this is a kind of adventure you need to be part of this coming season but you do not know which one exactly. Well, there is no need to have a stressful day because mountain gorilla filming in Uganda and Rwanda that one rare experience you need to consider a must to include in your bucket list. Unlike the usual treks where you only have magical encounters and perhaps take photos for an hour and in a group of 8 (eight) visitors which may also translate to overcrowding, with gorilla filming adventure you get a great opportunity to take the best documentary ever with these rare creatures while in their natural habitat. Ideally, it is an extra-ordinary primate experience you need not to miss out while on safari in Uganda and Rwanda. Imagine spending a day with a group of these most dramatic creatures with perhaps your crew only! Generally, gorilla filming is one way to promote gorilla tourism and conservation. Today, there are fewer than 1004 mountain gorillas that are left in the entire world and they only thrive within the tropical rainforests of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In Uganda, this experience is ideal in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park-southwestern part of the country just at the extreme edge of the Albertine rift valley and in Rwanda, it is only possible in Volcanoes National Park which is located in the northwest. This experience is perfect for TV’s filming crews/companies, documentary companies as well as individuals film crews who want to help create awareness about these critically endangered species to the world. To be part of this, you need to book your safari with us and we shall be of great help to make you realize your dream. With this rare adventure, paper work matters a lot and interestingly, we are readily available to help you make the process easier on your side. We can help you process filming permits and also get in touch with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
The requirements for gorilla filming in Uganda and Rwanda
In order for you to participate in gorilla filming in Uganda or Rwanda, gorilla filming permit is a must. In Uganda, you can obtain one at $4200 and this offers you a chance to have incredible moment with these unique creatures for one sold hour. In Rwanda, you need $5000 and this has to be paid to RDB. Usually, this experience requires visitors to book for the entire gorilla family and this means that you have to cover the cost of permits for that gorilla group. Depending on the number of people in your crew, if your crew comprises of 5 (five) members then you need cover a cost of 5 permits in addition to usual $4200 and $5000. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $600 per person and in Rwanda, they cost $1500 per visitor.
For those of you who may need to have more time with gorillas while on filming tour, the best option is for you to book Gorilla Habituation Experience permits and this is only possible in Uganda and only in Bwindi National Park. Gorilla habituation experience permits cost $1500 per person and this applies for foreign non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents and shs.750000 for East African Community residents. You can book them through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or contact a local and recognized tour operator in Uganda and this means that unlike the usual one hour, this time round you will have 4 (four) hours with these amazing creatures. Note that for any company to obtain gorilla filming permits in Uganda or Rwanda, a memorandum of understanding has to be signed with Uganda Wildlife Authority for Uganda and Rwanda Development Board if you are to film mountain gorillas in Rwanda. This means that an official form will be sent to you that you will fill, scan and then send it back to a respective tour company you intend to book your permit with. This will however help UWA to make an estimate the costs involved in filming.
In addition, you will also need a cover letter that allows that company to work on your behalf to process for you the filming permits and this may take four days and your permit will be ready. Permits for this experience should be booked early enough at least one to 3 months’ time or more prior the actual date of gorilla filming. After the total cost for this adventure is compiled, additional five (5) percent is included to cover environmental effects on the forest which is a major habitat for these critically endangered apes. Please note that before you embark on actual filming adventure in Rwanda, you will be required to make additional cost of $2000 to RDB but this is refundable upon giving a copy of material you filmed. This is just to confirm whether what you filmed is really for filming or not.
Besides, you will also need to get media cards and clearing agent and we can still help you find them. Media cards are always issued by Uganda Media Center whose headquarters is based in Kampala. The clearing agent on the other hand will help clear all the crews’ filming and photography equipment up on your arrival for instance at Entebbe International Airport.
In conclusion, Uganda and Rwanda are not only popular for gorilla trekking adventures but also for gorilla filming. To be part of filming experience in any of the two destinations, simply contact our reservationist and we shall be of great help to you.