Filming in Upemba National Park

Filming in Upemba National Park

Upemba National Park is the largest national park in Katanga Province of the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo home to a variety of birdlife, crocodiles, and hippos. Upemba National Park is one of the best national parks in DR Congo that offers great sights for filming wildlife and birds including the shoebills.

Among the wildlife species for filming in the natural habitats and savannah plains of Upemba National Park include mammals such as lions, zebras, buffalos, elephants, the endemic Katanga impala, and primates such as baboons and Oribis. The park also offers good bird watching spots and beautiful scenery.

What are the requirements for filming in Upemba National Park?

You will need to have processed filming permits for all the crew members and all Permissions with Local authorities in DR Congo for you to be allowed to film in Upemba National Park. Then for your filming equipment, this will also need to be cleared with customs at the Point of Entry in DR Congo. Contact us at Film crew fixers we will be able to process both the filming permissions with Local Authorities in DR Congo, Accommodation and transportation for all the crew members as well guide and help you with clearance processes at the point of entry into DR Congo.

DR Congo has no specific permitting system available in place so location permits for filming are negotiated on a case by case basis. Like other countries as well in DR Congo unauthorized filming of government buildings, military installations, and along border areas is illegal and may result in arrest and confiscation of your film equipment. Other permissions are also required for shoots that require the use of public space, traffic control in various cities, filming in national parks, filming in markets, and drone filming. Please contact us at Film crew fixers and we will guide you accordingly. Other important things you need to consider for successful filming in Upemba National Park include;

DR Congo Visa and Work permit Advice

Your film crew will need a visa to be allowed to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike Uganda and Kenya where one can obtain a visa upon arrival, the Congo visa must be applied for in advance at the closest Consulate or Embassy. The Congo Visa for Single entry costs $100 Single entry (1-month validity visa), Single entry (2 months validity visa) $135, and Single entry (6 months validity visa) $400 you will need to apply for this visa at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance before your travel date as it cannot be gotten on arrival. You will not be allowed to enter DR Congo without a visa that was not processed in advance. You need an invitation letter as well as a yellow fever card. Please contact us for more details on how to secure the Visa for entry into DR Congo.

DR Congo Vehicle Hire Services

Film Crew Fixers organizes transport for film crews in DR Congo depending on their interest, budget, and the nature of roads in such selected locations they are filming in DR Congo. For rough terrains, like in National Parks, we recommend Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers. For us to estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your filming schedule to establish mileage and distance to be traveled. We also organize both charter and scheduled air transport for those that need to fly in order to reduce the number of drive hours.

Fixers in DR Congo to help you film in Upemba National Park

All our vehicles come with drivers who act as location fixers and most of them have been to almost all parts of DR Congo and are thus conversant with the local situations and are able to provide relevant information and fix any situation on the ground. These act as intermediaries between you and our office while on location in DR Congo.

Is it safe to film in Upemba National Park?

Yes, it is safe to film in Upemba National Park. Generally, the Democratic Republic of Congo has for the past years been hit by various unprecedented disasters that are civil and rebel wars, Ebola disease among others which has stopped many from visiting DR Congo for filming. However, Congo is now getting back to better days and it is safe for filming as a company, we keep on monitoring the security situation from time to time and we will always advise you before any filming starts. Contact us here for the updated security situation in DR Congo.

How to access Upemba National Park for filming

Upemba National Park can be reached by both road and air transport. The park is located in Katanga province, 400km from the border with Angola and Zambia.

Where to stay during filming in Upemba National Park

Lodge options to stay in during filming in Upemba National Park can be found in the Katanga province within the capital of Lubumbashi. Contact us here for booking and reservation details

What is the best time to film in Upemba National Park?

Filming in Upemba National Park in DR Congo is done throughout the year and the best time is during the dry season which occurs in the months of December, January, February, June, July, August, and September. Congo is located in the tropics and with this it experiences tropical climate and weather throughout the year, with the park is prone to receiving uncertain rains any time of the day or week.

Why use Film crew fixers to film in Upemba National Park

Film crew Fixers is a local fixer company based in Uganda and we assist filming companies and Production agencies in DR Congo and East Africa as a whole for the last eight years. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are processed in the shortest time possible. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for filming in Upemba National Park.