Lake Mburo National Park is arguably among the list of best leopard filming locations in Uganda. Located approximately 4 hours by road from Kampala/Entebbe, this park offers quite varied filming opportunities that include; shoebill Filming, Zebra Filming, Mongoose Filming, and Leopard Filming as well. (See: Filming In Lake Mburo National Park)
Lake Mburo national park is an extraordinary safari park among all Ten (10) official Uganda Safari parks.
Though not so popular with travellers seeking to spot the Big Five, the park maintains its clientele as persons looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city – its only 4 hours By road, those wanting to break the longer 9-hour drive to Bwindi Forest – it’s halfway the journey from Kampala to Bwindi, and families (with kids) looking to enjoy a weekend away from the usual – the drivetime (04 hours) makes it a perfect place to bring the children along.
While there is a rumour as old as tourism in Uganda – about a solitary Lion that could have made its way into Lake Mburo National Park from neighbouring Tanzania. There have been less than 10 sightings of it ( I personally haven’t seen or heard it despite having quite a couple of years tracking and shooting – with a camera). One thing for sure I must say I have seen and photographed so many times while on a safari in Lake Mburo National Park is the sneaky and rare to see – big 5 member – the Leopard. The leopard population in Lake Mburo National Park is on the rise and more sightings are reported on the daily with most happening on the popular Night game drive where you take a hand-held LED flashlight, and venture out into the park. While most Leopard sighting across other East African safari Parks is on trees, in Lake Mburo, the Leopards are often seen on the ground or on top of termite mounds – the explanation for this is that there is little or sometimes nothing for them to worry about – compared to other parks where they live in tight competition and are at times under threat. The only threat to them and their kills is the spotted Hyenas.
Requirements for Leopard Filming in Lake Mburo National Park
Prior to filming In Uganda, all crew members must obtain all relevant permits & permissions that match their film shoot. However, the most common permits you will need to film leopards in Uganda, include;
- Press Accreditation – required for each crew member (See: How to apply for Press Accreditation in Uganda).
- Location Filming Permit – required for the group. All Leopard filming In Uganda is done inside national parks (See: Filming in Uganda National Parks.)
*For Leopard Filming at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and UWEC – we will recommend contacting the responsible management for location permits. Realm Africa Safaris™ is your reliable local film fixer in Uganda – we can assist you to secure all relevant permits.
Best time to go Filming Leopards in Lake Mburo National Park
Although the park can be visited all-year-round, The best time to visit in our opinion is in the mid-year dry period/months of June to August to September also considered the brings the best weather. However, it also brings more visitors keen on exploring Uganda. You might also consider a visit during one of the two Wet seasons (March to May and September to November) when the park’s valleys turn green and the air loses its dry-weather haziness. Just be prepared for slippery grounds and unending drizzles.
Where to stay during your shoot
While there is quite a number of options available, we have scaled down to staying at exclusive Mihingo Safari Lodge, midrange Rwakobo Rock Lodge and at the pocket-friendly picturesque Eagles Nest Lodge.
Other accommodations include;
- Kimbla Mantana Tented camp.
- Lake Mburo Arcadia Cottages.
- Lake Mburo Safari lodge.
- Leopard Rest camp.
