Leopard filming in Uganda can be done in various national Parks in Uganda including the Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your way to Murchison falls National Park or at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre – UWEC in Entebbe city your gateway into Uganda.
The Best Places to film Leopards in Uganda
We are going to list the top places to track, see & film leopards in Uganda. The places mentioned are in no specific order but the brief write-up below each destination should be helpful in knowing what to expect of a particular destination.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls National Park is arguably one of the best places to sight & film leopards in Uganda. The buligi game track, Victoria – Albert track, and the popular Queens track are some of the best tracks to follow during your search for the elusive Leopards of Murchison falls national park.
The ruins of the old Pakuba Lodge built by the late Idi Amin Dada are another spot to consider visiting for leopard filming in Murchison falls National Park.
Kidepo Valley National Park. Leopard filming in Uganda
Kidepo Valley National Park is arguably the best remote safari park ideal for Leopard filming in Uganda. The Park is located about 10 hours drive from Kampala/Entebbe. 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.
Learn more about Requirements for Filming Leopards inside Kidepo Valley National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is also among the top places to see and film leopards in Uganda. Leopard filming in Queen Elizabeth National Park usually happens on Kasenyi Plains an area that also doubles up as a game drive area for other visitors to this park. This, in other words, means that while it’s still possible to film there, the team must expect somewhat sizeable crowds. Exclusive filming ground can also be arranged at a fee set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority – we can assist you.
Alternatively, the team might want to consider Filming in the southern sector – a much quieter, and less crowded area of Queen Elizabeth National Park called Ishasha.
Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is located approximately 70 km away from the Northerly sector of Kasenyi & Mweya – most visited on a Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. While there is quite a number of places to stay while on your Filming trip to Ishasha, we like to stay at the Ishasha Wilderness Camp. For our budget clients, we recommend staying at the Ugandan owned Topi Lodge.
Learn More about Filming in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Lake Mburo National park. Leopard filming in Uganda
Lake Mburo National Park is the second closest place (after Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary) from Kampala where to go filming leopards in Uganda. The Park is only 4 hours drive from Kampala on a well-paved road.
Leopards sighting in Lake Mburo National Park are quite common, especially during the popular night game drive.
The Park has many places to stay at however, we like to stay at Mihingo Safari Lodge, Rwakobo Rock Lodge and the Eagle Nest.
Read more about requirements for filming leopards inside Lake Mburo National Park.
Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
The Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the closet place to track, see & Film Leopards in Uganda. Located about 3.5 hours from Kampala, the Rhino Sanctuary is along the route to Murchison Falls National Park and the far-flung Kidepo valley National Park making it easy to combine all-three locations.
The Leopard population at Zziwa is fast-growing thanks to conservation education by the Rhino Fund Uganda.
Leopards at Zziwa are best sighted on a Night Walking Safari in the company of a local ranger guide.
Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre
The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education centre – UWEC located in Entebbe city is the best place to see & film a Leopard in Entebbe. Logistically speaking, UWEC is an ideal location for production or media companies & freelance filmmaker working on a tight budget.
However, it’s important to understand that UWEC is not a safari park but rather a rehabilitation centre, and the animals here live in cages.
When filming at UWEC, we like to stay at Karibu Guesthouse or the pocket-friendly Airport Link Guesthouse
Learn More about filming at UWEC
Requirements to Film Leopards in Uganda Leopard filming in Uganda
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.
