Kidepo Valley National Park is undoubtedly the best place to see, photograph and film Leopards in Uganda. The parks leopard population is on the rise an attribute associated with the remote location of the park – remember Leopards are very solitary and often thrive well is remote locations with less traffic. leopard filming In Kidepo Valley National Park
Best time to go Leopard filming in Kidepo Valley National Park
The best time to film in Kidepo valley National Park depends on what exactly you intend to film (See: what to film in Kidepo Valley National Park) For instance, individuals or film crew intending to leopards in Kidepo valley national Park, ought to plan to film in the dry season months of June-August, and January to February.
While filming in the drier months allows film crew or individual to film without the interference of the weather, Uganda’s extreme temperatures may cause malfunctioning of some equipment. Particularly for filming projects in 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 these 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 in Kidepo valley National Park
Primarily, all film crew including freelance filmmaker ought to secure a filming permit ( Press Accreditation) from the Uganda Media Council. (see: How to apply for Press Accreditation to film in Uganda)
After successfully applying and securing Press accreditation, you will need to also secure a commercial filming licence to film in Kidepo National Park. This permit is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. (see: Filming In Uganda)
*Realm Africa Safaris™ is a Local film crew fixer in Uganda and we assist film crew and individual filmmakers to successfully secure all relevant filming permits and permissions. We also assist with Location Scouting, transport, accommodation, and film security services tailored to your needs. Contact Us now to start discussing your next shoot In Uganda.
How to get to Kidepo Valley National Park
Getting to Kidepo valley National Park is either by road or flight – both means offer great amazing scenery. However, our best recommendation is by road – as it is a lot more rewarding than just flying into the park
As much of Karamoja or Kidepo itself, offers vast and unspoiled wilderness, the road conditions to this park are often affected by weather especially in the rainy season when the roads turn muddy and can be slippery and difficult to navigate. It’s the reason we use prefer sending you there in a 4WD vehicle and in the company of an experienced local driver guide – just can’t take chances with this.
Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park – By Road
There are four (04)possible routes that can be used to get to Kidepo Valley National park by road. These routes are listed below.
Routes passing West of Lake Kyoga through Acholi land
- Kampala – Karuma – Gulu – Kitgum – Kidepo = 571km (10 hours) – Our favourite!
- Kampala – Karuma – Lira – Kotido – Kaabong – Kidepo = 705km (12 hours)
Routes passing East of Lake Kyoga through Karamoja
- Kampala – Mbale – Sironko – Moroto – Kotido – Kaabong – Kidepo = 740km (12 hours)
- Kampala – Mbale – Soroti – Moroto – Kotido – Kabong – Kidepo = 792km (13 hours)
Our favourite route is through Gulu and Kitgum and we like to recommend an overnight stay at Zziwa Rhino sanctuary. Your stay at this Rhino Sanctuary does contribute and support Rhino conservation in Uganda.
Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park – By flight Leopard filming In Kidepo Valley National Park
If your budget permits, Kidepo Valley National Park can be accessed by a flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield.
The following carriers run relatively expensive, but scheduled, domestic flights, which take about two hours from Entebbe to Kidepo Valley:
The alternative way of getting to Kidepo valley National Park is by flying out of Entebbe International airport aboard an aero link Uganda flight or out of Kajjansi airfield aboard the newly introduced Fly Uganda. either flight last 1.5 – 2 hours depending on the aircraft routing.
The alternative tried and tested way of getting to Kidepo valley National Park without having to get subjected to the long and tiring drive is to break the journey into two by staying overnight at the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary which is another awesome place to track, see & film leopards in Uganda. There are two (02) accommodation options to cater to your budget. The serene & rustic themed Amuka Safari lodge is our favourite, however, for travellers working on a limited budget, the Zziwa Guesthouse located within walking distance from the Zziwa Rhino headquarters is an ideal place to stay.
