Filming Leopards in Kidepo Valley National Park

Filming Leopards in Kidepo Valley National Park : A Guide to Filming in Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

Filming leopards in Kidepo Valley National Park presents a unique and unparalleled opportunity to capture the beauty and mystery of these solitary creatures. As one of the best locations for spotting and filming leopards in Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park offers an incredible setting for both photography and cinematography. Given the elusive nature of leopards, strategic planning and collaboration with park authorities are recommended to optimize your chances of successful sightings, particularly for filming purposes, as regular game drives rely on a blend of luck and nature.

Comprehensive Filming Support by Trek Africa Expeditions

To streamline your filming experience in Kidepo Valley National Park, Trek Africa Expeditions is committed to managing various aspects of your expedition. We facilitate Filming Permissions, Press Accreditation, Kit Customs Clearing, Transport, Accommodation, Security, and Visa advice. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Trek Africa Expeditions has implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety and success of all filming projects.

Discovering Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo National Park stands out as one of Uganda’s premier locations for filming leopards. Its remoteness and lower visitation rates contribute to a thriving leopard population, creating an environment where these magnificent creatures can be observed and filmed. The dry season, spanning from June to September and December to February, proves to be an optimal time for leopard sightings. Specifically, morning and afternoon game drives in the Narus Valley offer the best opportunities for capturing these elusive felines on film.

Requirements for Filming Leopards in Uganda

To embark on a successful leopard filming venture in Kidepo Valley National Park, certain prerequisites need attention.

1. Filming Permit and Media Cards:

Acquiring a Filming Permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority is essential. Additionally, securing Media Cards from the Uganda Media Council is a requirement. Trek Africa Expeditions offers assistance in processing both permits and cards, ensuring a smooth entry into Uganda for your filming expedition.

2. Customs Clearance for Filming Equipment:

All filming equipment must be cleared with customs at the point of entry. Trek Africa Expeditions facilitates this process, requiring a detailed list of equipment, including type, value, and serial numbers. The clearing agent, appointed by the company, evaluates the fees, typically amounting to 10% of the total value.

Cost Considerations for Filming Leopards in Uganda

The cost of filming leopards in Uganda is influenced by various factors. Apart from the filming permits and media cards, additional expenses include park entry fees, monitoring fees, accommodation, transportation, and fixer fees.

1. Park Entry Fees and Monitoring Charges:

Uganda Wildlife Authority charges 40% of USD45 per person per day for general commercial wildlife filming during game drives and boat cruises. An additional 10% of the total costs covers monitoring fees. Both fees contribute to the conservation and management of the national park.

2. Media Accreditation:

Media cards issued by the Uganda Media Council cost USD175.00 each, valid for 30 days. Trek Africa Expeditions expedites the application process, ensuring timely issuance.

3. Kit Customs Clearing:

The clearing of filming equipment incurs a fee equivalent to 10% of the total value. Trek Africa Expeditions assists in this process, requiring a comprehensive equipment list for evaluation.

4. Transport and Accommodation:

Transportation options include safari vans at USD100 per day with a driver and Land Cruisers at USD200 per day, inclusive of the driver. Accommodation rates range from Budget (USD100), Mid-range (USD200), to Luxury (USD300-500) per person on a full board basis.

5. Fixer Fee:

Trek Africa Film Fixers assigns a dedicated fixer to assist throughout the filming process, incurring a daily fixer fee to cover their services.

Best time to Film Leopards in Uganda

Given Uganda’s equatorial climate, drier seasons are generally preferred for filming leopards. The best time spans from December to February and June to October, avoiding the heavier rains of March to May and November, which can impede wildlife viewing due to slippery trails.

Embark on a mesmerizing journey to capture the elusive leopards of Kidepo Valley National Park. Armed with comprehensive support from Trek Africa Expeditions, your filming expedition promises a rich and rewarding experience amidst the untamed beauty of Uganda’s wildlife.