Filming in Murchison Falls National Park

Filming in Murchison Falls National Park – Navigating Permits and Cinematic Opportunities

Murchison Falls National Park, nestled within the expansive Murchison Conservation Area, stands as a premier filming destination in Uganda. Encompassing Bugugu and Karuma wildlife reserves, this park reigns supreme as the largest national park in Uganda. Boasting an impressive array of wildlife, including over 76 mammal species and four of the Big Five animals (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalos), Murchison Falls National Park presents an unparalleled canvas for filmmakers. The journey to the park, enriched by the presence of Rhinos at the Zziwa Rhino Conservation, sets the stage for an extraordinary filming experience. Other denizens of the park include Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda Kobs, Warthogs, Giraffes, hyenas, dikers, Nile crocodiles, and hippos, creating a captivating tapestry of biodiversity.

Primate Haven in the Budongo Forest

Beyond the terrestrial wonders, Murchison Falls National Park hosts an array of primates, with baboons, monkeys, and Chimpanzees inhabiting the Budongo Forest. With over 450 recorded bird species, including the iconic shoebill stork and 23 Albertine Rift endemics, the park transforms into a haven for bird enthusiasts. Trek Africa Expeditions stands ready to facilitate all aspects of your production fixer services.

Cinematic Highlights and Activities

The park’s allure extends beyond its terrestrial residents, with the mighty Murchison Falls taking center stage. The falls, a spectacle to behold, cascade off the rocks, offering breathtaking views from both the top and bottom. A launch cruise to the base of the falls unfolds an unforgettable experience, with the River Nile winding its way through an 8-meter-wide gorge. This journey provides a unique vantage point for observing diverse wildlife congregating along the riverbanks.

Wildlife Filming Opportunities

Engage in game drives, capturing the essence of Murchison Falls National Park’s wildlife. Morning or afternoon game drives traverse savannah grasslands, woodlands, and riverine vegetation, offering glimpses of lions, elephants, buffalos, jackals, kobs, hyenas, and more. Multiple game drives enhance the probability of encountering a diverse range of wildlife.

Boat Safaris: A Cinematic Odyssey

Partake in boat safaris, including the Nile Delta cruise, navigating through hippo pods, crocodile zones, and bathing buffaloes. This journey also presents an opportunity to search for the elusive shoebill. Another captivating boat trip ventures to the bottom of the falls, providing a mesmerizing view of the cascading waters and an option to hike to the falls’ summit.

Nature Walks and Hikes: Immersive Perspectives

Embark on nature walks and hikes, exploring trails leading to the falls’ summit and the Budongo Conservation Area for Chimpanzee tracking. These walks, available at a cost of USD20 per person, offer a holistic experience of the park’s natural wonders.

Chimpanzee Encounters in Budongo Forest

Budongo Forest, located near the southern part of Murchison Falls, houses various primates, including baboons, monkeys, and Chimpanzees. Filming Chimpanzees in their natural habitat adds depth to the cinematic narrative of this pristine ecosystem.

Bird Watching Extravaganza

Murchison Falls National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, featuring diverse avian species. Engage in both game drives and launch trips to encounter savannah forest birds, water birds, and Albertine Rift endemics. The boat cruises along the Nile provide an opportunity to spot the rare shoebill, while forest walks offer rewarding birdwatching experiences.

The Iconic Murchison Falls

A journey to Murchison Falls National Park remains incomplete without witnessing the grandeur of the falls. Whether viewed from below as the Nile River embraces the cascading waters or during a boat cruise to the base, the falls stand as the park’s signature spectacle.

Rhino Tracking Along the Way

While not within the park, the journey to Murchison Falls offers a unique opportunity to track Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Located along the route from Kampala, this side trip enables visitors to witness all the Big Five animals on a single tour.

Cost Considerations for Filming in Murchison Falls National Park

The cost of filming in Murchison Falls National Park hinges on the duration of your filming venture. After securing the requisite permits, the commercial and monitoring filming fees charged by Uganda Wildlife Authority come into play. These fees amount to 40% per person of the USD45 park entry fees, covering general filming during game drives and boat cruises. Additionally, a 10% monitoring fee applies to the total filming costs.

Essential Additional Expenses

Beyond the filming fees, essential expenses include press accreditation (USD175.00 per card, valid for 30 days), kit customs clearing (10% of the total equipment value), transportation, accommodation, and fixer fees. Trek Africa Expeditions, with its experienced team, facilitates these logistical aspects, ensuring a seamless filming experience.

Best Time for Filming in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park welcomes filmmakers throughout the year, with no specific restrictions. However, the dry seasons from December to February and June to September offer optimal conditions for game activities and filming. During these periods, clear sightings are facilitated by dried-out grass, and animals congregate around water bodies.

Accommodation Options in Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation choices cater to various preferences, spanning budget, mid-range, and luxury options. Notable establishments include Bakers Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge (luxury), Murchison River Lodge, Kabalega, Pakuba Safari Lodge (mid-range), and Red Chilli Rest Camp, Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas (budget). Trek Africa Film Fixers assists in organizing accommodation tailored to your needs.

Transportation to Murchison Falls National Park

Accessible by both road and air, the park is approximately a 4-hour drive from Kampala. Roads to the park are well-tarmacked, ensuring ease of travel while preserving the park’s natural environment. Domestic flights, provided by Aerolink Uganda and Kampala Executive Aviation, offer an alternative, with a one-hour journey to Bugungu, Pakuba, and Chobe Airstrips.

Seize the Cinematic Splendor

In conclusion, Murchison Falls National Park unfolds as a cinematic haven, offering a tapestry of wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and iconic waterfalls. With Trek Africa Expeditions as your reliable partner, immerse yourself in the beauty of this park, capturing moments that transcend the screen and etch themselves into the memories of all who witness its grandeur.