Chimpanzee filming at Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Sweet waters chimpanzee Sanctuary is located on the larger Ol Pejeta Conservancy and is a joint partnership between Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute.
Following an agreement between the management of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Jane Goodall Institute the sweet waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary situated on the larger Ol Pejeta Conservancy was established in 1993. The Sweeter Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is now home to over 40 chimpanzees. Visitors to Ol Pejeta are allowed access to the Sweet Waters Chimpanzee island as the cost of seeing them is included in the fees charged for visiting Ol Pejeta. However, for film crew interested in filming the chimpanzees at Ol Pejeta’s Sweet Waters Sanctuary out to apply for Filming permits and permission – Realm Africa Safaris can assist you to secure all relevant permits needed.
Best time to Film Chimpanzees at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
While Chimpanzee filming at Ol Pejeta Conservancy can be done at any time of the year depending on what chimpanzee scenes you are aiming to capture. However, generally speaking, most people prefer to visit in the dry season months of June to September – considered by many as the best time to visit.
Our Professional opinion: From our point of view, if filming is the main aim for your visit, we might recommend planning to come in the low season months of April, May and November – when there are no crowds. However, this is the wet season too and therefore that roads can be messy and filming session could get interrupted by the rains.
Requirements for Chimpanzee filming at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
For anyone to film onsite, you will need to apply for a filming permit from the Kenya Film Commission. You will be required to apply in writing, and copies of your synopsis and filming schedules should be sent to the Film Licensing Officer, Kenya Film Classification Board. Filming permit for features, documentaries, short films, music videos, corporate videos and commercials are issued within minutes of application. Applications for TV Series and full-length feature films are processed in less than 48 hours of application. Realm Africa Safaris™ – a trusted local Film fixer can assist you to secure all relevant permits and permission for filming In Kenya
Where to stay during you shoot at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
There is a varied list of accommodation options for crew & cast filming at Ol Pejeta Conservancy;
Tented camps, lodges and homestays
- Kicheche Laikipia Camp
- Mutara Camp
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
- Ol Pejeta House
- Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages
- Pelican House
- Porini Rhino Camp
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- The Stables
Porini Rhino Camp guests gain priority access to the Sanctuary from 9am (before guests of other camps arrive from 10am).