Filming Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo

Filming Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo

Are you planning to film Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo, Congo is one of the three countries where you can film Mountain Gorillas in the world. other countries are Uganda and Rwanda. Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo are found in Virunga National Park one of the three national parks that are found in the great Virunga ranges other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park found in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park found in Rwanda these national parks are all home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Virunga National Park is the oldest National Park in Africa and it is one of the most diverse tropical rain forests in Africa best known for mountain gorilla trekking among other activities. Filming Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo is done in Virunga National Park only. The Park also offers other attractions to shoot which include the famous Nyiragongo Volcano, birds, Montane forests, Golden monkeys, and Chimpanzees among others. Contact us here and we will help you organize your shoot for Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo accordingly.

What are the requirements for filming Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo?

You will need to have processed filming permits, Gorilla trekking permits for all the crew members, and all Permissions with Local authorities in DR Congo for you to be allowed to film Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo. Then your filming equipment will also need to be cleared by customs at the Point of Entry in DR Congo. Contact us at Film crew fixers Uganda we will be able to process both the filming permissions with Local Authorities in DR Congo, Gorilla Trekking permits for Virunga National Park, 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 of Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo 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 Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo

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 Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo?

Yes, it is safe to film Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo. 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 updates on security situation in DR Congo.

How to access Virunga National Park for filming Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo

Virunga National Park is located in the Eastern part of DR Congo and there are options for accessing it. You will fly to Kigali International Airport then connect to Gisenyi town from Gisenyi town you will cross the Rwanda-Congo border to Goma town in DR Congo then drive towards the park headquarters. The drive to the park is approximately 2 hours from Gisenyi town to reach the park headquarters you can as well fly into Kinshasha City and then drive to the Park. You must have cleared your equipment for it to be allowed into the country as they are susceptible to security reasons and safety while on your film production.

Where to stay when filming Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo

Lodge options to stay in during filming mountain gorillas in DR Congo range from budget, mid-range to luxury. Budget options include Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp among others fares range from 90-100 dollars a night per person, mid-range options include Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp among others fares range from 100-200 dollars a night per person and then Luxury options include Mikeno Lodge fares range from 200-400 dollars a night per person. You let us know the best option that works for you and we will book for you accordingly.

What is the best time to film Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo?

Filming Mountain Gorillas 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 Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo

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 Mountain Gorillas in DR Congo.