Where to film the Eastern Lowland gorillas in DR Congo

Where to film the Eastern Lowland gorillas in DR Congo

Filming Eastern Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo is done in Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Maiko National Park. Eastern Lowland Gorillas are the largest subspecies of gorillas they are bigger than then Mountain Gorillas making them unique from other gorilla species. You will need to have filming permits and all the required permissions to film the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo, here below are the best places where to film the Eastern Lowland gorillas in DR Congo;

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Beiga National Park is located in the Eastern part of DR Congo 30km from Bukavu town, the park can be accessed by road and air. The Park is home to 12 gorilla families of the Eastern Lowland gorillas and out of these only 2 gorilla families are habituated and are open for trekking and filming. The families are called Chimanuka and Mugaruka both named after a dominant silverback, Chimanuka is famous for many visitors given it consists of one of the largest gorilla families in the world with over 36 gorilla individuals.

Maiko National Park

Maiko National Park in DR Congo is another national park where to film the Eastern Lowland Gorillas it is situated in one of the most remote rain forest areas of Congo, Covering an area of 10,885 km2 (4,203 sq mi). Other primates for filming in this park include the Eastern Chimpanzees and the Congo Peafowl which is among the rare species in Africa. Filming in this park will need you to plan well in advance given the fact the filming in this park and tourism generally is not well developed yet.

What is the cost of Eastern Low land gorilla filming permits in DR Congo?

Eastern Lowland Gorilla filming in DR Congo is guaranteed when you acquire a gorilla permit, filming permit, and permissions but kindly note given the park has 2 families open for trekking this makes the gorilla permits very competitive and scarce most especially during peak seasons of June, July, August, September, December, and February so we advise you book the permits for all crew member in advance. Sometimes gorilla permits get sold out four months in advance we recommend booking their gorilla permits 3-4 months in advance. The gorilla permits in DR Congo costs USD400 for Non Residents, East African Residents-USD200, and National Citizens of Congo-USD20. You will have to pay for gorilla permits on top of Filming fees.

Where to stay during filming the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo

There is lots of accommodation available in the vicinity of Kahuzi Beiga National Park with luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodation facilities all available, and the decision on where to stay is entirely left to the film company to decide based on their budget and preference.  Luxury lodge options include Orchids safari lodge, Coco Lodge, the Midrange lodges/hotels include Lake Side Hotel Bukavu, Mont Kahuzi Hotel, and many others.

What are the requirements for filming the Eastern Lowland 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 the Eastern Lowland gorillas in DR Congo. 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 Uganda we will be able to process both the filming permissions with Local Authorities in DR Congo, Gorilla Trekking permits for Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Maiko 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 Uganda and we will guide you accordingly. Other important things you need to consider for successful filming of the Eastern Lowland 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 the 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 Uganda 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 the Eastern Lowland 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 the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo?

Yes, it is safe to film the Eastern Lowland 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 and 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 to update you on the security situation in DR Congo.

What is the best time to film the Eastern Lowland gorillas in DR Congo?

Filming the Eastern Lowland 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 the Eastern Lowland 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 the Eastern Lowland gorillas in DR Congo.