Filming in Kidepo Valley National Park can be amazing. The park is remote and therefore crowd-free (compared to other Uganda Safari parks), and the wildlife here is in abundance. The rolling hills, mountains, running across the vast savannah plains form a visually appealing backdrop for that wilderness filming experience – perhaps nothing you have experienced before.
What is there to film in Kidepo Valley National Park?
Best time to go filming In Kidepo Valley National Park
Generally speaking, the best time to film in Kidepo Valley National Park is in the dry season months of June-August, and January to February as this allows film crew or individual filmmakers to shoot without the much interference of the weather, however, Uganda’s extreme temperatures may cause malfunctioning of some equipment particularly for filming projects in the northern parks of Uganda like Kidepo Valley National Park which experience scorching hot temperatures of 32°C/90°F in the months of January & February. The peak temperatures of 40°C/104°F have been recorded in this parks in the past.
Top tip: For Filmmakers seeking to capture amazing sceneries, the wet season might be the best time to shoot your project. During this time, the vegetation is greener and wildlife is scattered – not confined to particular water points.
Requirements to film inside Kidepo Valley National Park
Prior to filming In Uganda, all crew members must obtain all relevant permits & permissions that match their film shoot (we can guide yoou on this). However, the most common permits you will need to film lions 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 lion filming In Uganda is done inside national parks. (See: Filming in Uganda National Parks.)
***For a hassle-free Filming experience, conntact Realm Africa Safaris™ a reliable local film fixer in Uganda – we can assist you to secure all relevant permits & permissions. (see: Our other film fixer services) Lion Filming In Kidepo Valley National Park
Where to stay in Kidepo during your Film Shoot
Kidepo Valley National Park now (not in the past) offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from the budget to high-end. Realm Africa Safaris™ can also arrange affordable all-serviced private mobile camping for your crew.
Recommend places to stay during your shoot include;
- Adere Safari Lodge.
- Savannah Safari Lodge (Tented camp).
- Apoka Bandas.
How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park
There is two (02) ways of getting to kidepo valley National Park from Entebbe/Kampala. You can either drive or fly to Kidepo Valley National Park
The drive is a 10-hours affair that takes you through a distance of approximately 571km/354miles – thats if you want to drive all the way. The good news is that a greater section of this drive is on a well-paved road until you get to the park itself where the roads are dirt roads that can be greatly affected by weather. its why we prefer using a 4×4. |However, this journey can be broken up with an overnight stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary staying at either the budget zziwa Guesthouse or the upmarket Amuka safari Lodge. Alternatively, you may consider driving alittle longer to get to the well-placed Chobe Safari Lodge overlooking the River Nile.
Our recommendation: Because we care for the wildlife and particularly have a soft spot for the endanger species, we like to recommend staying at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Why? Staying Zziwa gives you a chance to learn about the plight of the endangered Rhino and also, the money spent onsite directly goes to conservation.
***If you are curious, please know that we are not paid to promote any of the above properties but are rather giving our honest recommendation.
The second way of getting to Kidepo Valley National Park is by flight. There is two(02) domestiic flight companies that operate daily flights to Kidepo Valley National Park from Entebbe International airport and kajjansi airfield.
