Filming In Ruhija Region: What is there to film in Ruhija? When is the Best time to film in Ruhija Sector? Where to stay while filming In Ruhija.
Ruhija Region is one of the four (04) designated gorilla trekking regions of the greater Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park. The sector is home to four habituated mountain gorilla groups Oruzogo, bitukura, mukiza and kyaguliro. Mountain gorilla trekking permits in the Ruhija region cost $700 per permit (currently discounted to $400 – valid till 31st/March/2021).
Filming in the Ruhija region is on the rise, particularly filming mountain gorillas. All Film crew and Media companies that would like to film Gorillas in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi forest have to apply for Gorilla filming permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and a Media permit from the Uganda Media Council.
Related: What is the current price of a media Permit in Uganda?
Permits & permissions to film in Ruhija Region
Applying for a Media Permit in Uganda: Media Permits In Uganda are issued by the Uganda Media council after each individual or crew member fills out FORM G. This form must be accompanied by copies of scanned passport (bios Page) and a recent passport-sized photo to be used in processing your Media Permits (Press accreditation).
It does take us approximately 02 – 03 working days from the time we receive all the above-mentioned documents to process your media card.
To accompany all the individually filled out FORM G’S for each crew member, the team leader has got to send us a detailed write-up or synopsis of the film you intend to shoot in Uganda.
After all the above is sent to us, will then proceed to submit these to the Uganda Media Council for approval. Upon approval, we will then contact and inform you of this achievement.
After securing your Media cards, we will then need to advise and also further assist you in securing all the other necessary permits and permissions all guided by your film Scriptwriter or the Synopsis
Press Accreditation fees in Uganda (Payable to Uganda Media Council)
- a fee of US$175 per person is paid for a period not exceeding 30 days of the journalist’s stay.
- a fee of US$225 per person is paid for a period beyond 30 days up to six months of stay.
- a fee of US$325 per person is paid for a period of two years.
** The fees mentioned above are set and can be amended by the Uganda Media Council without any prior consultation. we, therefore, remind you to treat these as a guide.
Other permissions needed for Filming In Uganda.
Once we have obtained your media permit (Press Accreditation) from the Uganda Media Council, we then need to acquire location filming permits/ permission from relevant authorities. For instance, if you intend to film gorillas in the Ruhija region of the greater Bwindi Forest, then you will need to fill out a UWA Commercial film & Photography Permit request form, and thereafter send it through to Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) for approval
Related: Filming inside Uganda’s National Parks.
Various Film/Video Fees apply for filming within National Parks, Wildlife Areas, and Conservation Areas. National Parks and Conservation areas have fees specific to film crews that are subject to change regularly. See Uganda Wildlife Authority Website for up-to-date Filming fees/charges.
Depending on where you want to film In Uganda, there will probably be filming fees for the area. Filming fees are a huge factor in any filming project budget, therefore, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Otherwise, if you are filming in another location other than in the National parks, we need to seek permission from the local area leaders and the Uganda police. Realm Africa Safaris™ will assist you in negotiating the best deals on location permits and permissions.
***It is important to bear in mind that Uganda is a developing country, one with many rules and regulations and therefore it is important to be properly guided through bureaucratic processes.
When is the Best time to go Filming In Ruhija Region?
This depends on what you intend to film in Ruhija Region. For instance, if you are going to Film mountain gorillas in Ruhija region, then the best time to film would be in the dry season months; June, July, August or December to February. While filming In the wet season months of April, May and November is possible, crew and cast ought to adequately prepare for rains and wet/slippery filming grounds.
Related: What else can one film in Ruhija Region.
Where to stay while Filming in Ruhija Region (Hotels in Ruhija Region)
Guided by your budget, be sure to find a range of budget, midrange and just a handful of upmarket places to stay during your filming project in the Ruhija region. Our favourite include; Broadbill forest camp & Ruhija Gorilla Lodge
