Shoebill Filming in Entebbe can be done in two (02) places; Mabamba swamp – the best place to track, see and film the shoebill in Uganda, and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC). Shoebill Filming in Entebbe
Mabamba Swamp is located approximately 45minutes (one way) by boat on Lake Victoria from Entebbe. The swamp is considered the best place to track and see or Film the shoebill in Uganda. Besides, the shoebill stork, there are quite a number of other birds that inhabit this swamp, these include the blue swallow, pallid harrier, papyrus gonolek, swamp flycatcher, pigmy goose, lesser jacana, white-winged warbler, Viellot’s weaver, grosbeak weaver, black-headed weaver, northern brown-throated weaver, Clarke’s weaver, palm-nut vulture and Carruther’s cisticola among others.
Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre(UWEC) is located in the central part of Entebbe City along the shoreline of Africa’s second-largest freshwater lake Victoria. Unlike Mabamba Swamp, UWEC is a rescue and rehabilitation centre that promotes Conservation education, especially amongst locals. The uniqueness about visiting and filming the shoebill at UWEC is that the exhibit is a true simulation of the true habitat of the shoebill. It only takes you about 15 minutes from all corners around Entebbe to get to UWEC. At UWEC you will meet and interact with Shushi the resident shoebill that likes to greet her visitors. (check this link to know what to expect of Shushi)
Doesn’t matter which of the two (02) destinations you choose for the shoebill Filming In Entebbe. One thing that cuts across is that you will need to apply and securing filming permits and permission to film in both locations.
Permits & permission to film the shoebill stork in Entebbe
All Crew members intending to indulge in shoebill Filming In Entebbe have got to individually apply for a media Card or Press Accreditation as commonly referred to In Uganda. Press Accreditation in Uganda is issued by the Uganda Media Council
after each individual or crew member fills out FORM G. This form must be accompanied with copies of scanned passport (bios Page) and a recent passport-sized photo to be used in processing your Media card (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 through, our Uganda film Crew Fixer Services team leader 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.
Location Filming Permission
After successfully securing press accreditation for each crew member on your team, the next step is to seek permission from the local authorities overseeing the protection of the location (Mabamba Swamp or UWEC) you intend to film in.
Realm Africa Safaris™ has worked and continues to support the efforts of the local leadership of the established Mabamba Wetland Ecotourism Association – MWETA. This association ensures the continued protection of the Mabamba Swamp, and we are obliged to seek permission (written) authorising a shoot in the swamp. Like we mentioned before, we have worked with them before and it is “peanuts” for us to secure a filming permit.
Our previous clients wanted to shoot with a drone in the swamp – was kinda challenging because of the proximity of the swamp with the Entebbe International airport, but trust me we pulled it off. (See: Drone Filming in Entebbe).
As for UWEC, the director and founder of Realm Africa Safaris™ worked at this facility as a volunteer and has maintained the connection with the management here. This makes it equally and easy process for us to secure all relevant Permissions to Film onsite.
FYI (for you information): The entire process of securing both your Press Accreditation(s) and the necessary local Permission(s) to film the shoebill in Entebbe might take us roundabout 7 Days to have everything. Contact Us now to start the process.
Additional Services we offer (on request) besides securing Shoebill Filming permits In Entebbe.
Locations can make or break a project and Uganda has several amazing film worthy locations. Realm Africa safaris™ can help you find and secure the perfect location(s) for your next film, commercial or still shoot. Get a glimpse into some of the amazing Uganda Filming locations from our previous projects.
Learn more about Our Location scouting services.
Dealing with the right persons (company) to assist you clear all your filming equipment will help make your shoot a success. Realm Africa Safaris™ can assist in clearing you Filming Kit at any entry point in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda. Among the things we do is assist in temporary importation of filming drones. However, drones being a sensitive subject, we often recommend starting this process a lot earlier. Ample time is the secret to successfully importing a drone in most destinations we fix.
Learn More from our article: Hassle-Free film Kit clearance Services by Realm Africa Safaris™
- Accommodation :
Realm Africa Safaris has a long-standing good working relationship with most hotels, lodges and inns in each of the destinations we fix. We are therefore in a better position to not only recommend but to also find the best rates and also book the accommodation for your film crew if need be.
- Transportation:
Realm Africa Safaris™ operates a fleet of very reliable and purpose suited vehicles for filming. From open-sided jeeps to very basic closed cars including well-suited equipment carriers. We can arrange both your crew and equipment transportation.
Our Filming security services are designed to secure your filming location, and protect your cast, crew, and equipment. Location shooting offers its own unique threats and risks, so we design patrol tours, standing guard placement, and post-order duties to maximize our surveillance and minimize opportunities for theft, trespassing, vandalism, disturbances, and other unwanted activity.
