Film Fixing & Photography in Uganda

Uganda Film Fixing Locations

Uganda is Africa in miniature. Despite its small size, it is home to one of Africa’s most diverse ranges of African landscapes and wildlife. Film Fixing locations include its magnificent Mountain ranges, Jungle, Waterfalls, Rivers, Lakes, Savannas, and Traditional villages.

Uganda has hosted films including The Last King of Scotland, Congo, The African Queen, and Queen of Katwe.

Kampala is the capital and main production service center where crew and equipment are based. Filming locations here include Kampala Hindu Temple, Lubiri Palace, Uganda National Mosque (Gadhafi Mosque), Uganda museum, and the Nakasero Market.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to the Great Apes the endangered Mountain Gorillas.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari is home to Buffaloes, Lions, Elephants, and Chimpanzees.

Uganda has the source of the Nile River. The spectacular Murchison Falls force the River’s flow through a tight gap known as the Devil’s Cauldron. Murchison Falls National Park is home to Elephant, Crocodile, Giraffe, Leopard, Buffalo, Hippos, and Waterbuck, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s heart beast, and the Oribi.

The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary has an active breeding program for the Rhinos which were extinct many years ago.

Uganda is home to the highest Mountain range in Africa; the Mountains of the Moon in the Rwenzori National Park.

The picturesque Lake Bunyonyi is a great location for bird photography.

Ssese Islands, located in Lake Victoria, are known for their white-sand beaches and relaxed pace of life.

Sipi waterfall is located in Mount Elgon National Park.

Manyattas are interesting traditional villages lived in by the Karamojong people.

Uganda’s agricultural locations include Coffee, Cotton, Tea, Sugar, and Tobacco plantations.

Beautiful Tea plantations can be in Fort portal (5 hours’ drive west of Kampala) and Jinja (2 hours’ drive east of Kampala).

Uganda Film Fixing Location Permits

For location permits, most locations are possible given the time, money, and the right approach. Please contact Great Adventure Safaris for location-specific information. Visiting crew may be required to present their Press Accreditation when filming on location.

When to Shoot

Uganda has a wet, tropical climate, with the exception of the far north savanna region which is dry. Uganda’s first dry season runs from December to February. The first wet season runs from March to May. The second dry season runs from June to August and the second wet season runs from September to November. The dry seasons are the best time to film for weather and tracking the Great Apes the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Big game wildlife filming is best at the end of the dry seasons when animals congregate around water sources.

Costs

Uganda’s local costs such as talent, supporting crew, and locations are inexpensive. Imported goods can be expensive. Since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Kenya is the closest major production center. We always negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.

Film Fixing Crew & Talent

There are very few directors, videographers, or stills photographers in Uganda. The most crew must be brought in from abroad. Local supporting crews can help with basic projects. If you need to look further, more experienced crews Great Adventure Safaris will look for one or any you want as per your shoot.

If you are looking for a photographer, videographer (cameraman/ camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA/ runner, production driver, or any other film crew for your shoot in Uganda contact us at Great Adventure Safaris for all this kind of help.

Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable. The Ugandan talent pool is limited to African looks. The main ethnic groups are the Bantu, Nilotic, and Central-Sudanic people. All other looks need to be brought in from abroad.

Uganda Film Equipment

Equipment

Uganda has all of the standard camera, grip, and lighting equipment available locally. Bringing in gear is a simple process. Customs fees are depending on the value of imported equipment but our fixer can work out a flat fee. Send us your gear list and we can advise accordingly.

Communication

Slow internet, our Great Adventure Safaris local film fixer organizes local cell phones and online communications to help you avoid the high roaming costs of calling to and from Africa. Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing. For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple time zones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set.

Visas and Work Permits

Uganda requires Press Accreditation for each visiting crew member. Once all required visitor documentation is submitted, processing takes 2-3 days. Press accreditation is valid for 30 days. Visitors are required to have this permit at the point of entry, when clearing gear through customs, and when filming anywhere in Uganda. Great Adventure Safaris fixer can arrange this for all visiting crew members. Press accreditation costs USD175 per person.

What we need from each Film Fixing Crew Member:

1. Headed cover letter addressed to the Uganda Media Council stating 
the purpose of your visit to Uganda.
2. Scanned photocopies of the passport
3. Two scanned passport size photos
4. USD175 per crew member press accreditation fee.
5. Completed Form G.

Visas are required by all nationals. These can be applied for at your closest embassy, or applied online using the e-Visa system, or on arrival at Entebbe International airport. Our local team can provide you with an invitation letter for you and your crew. The tourist visa costs USD50 per person.

Uganda has an agreement with Kenya and Tanzania to waiver visa re-entry fees if traveling between the three countries.

Similarly, obtaining an East African Visa allows you to travel between Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

The important thing to remember you must carry your yellow fever vaccination cards at all times.

Transport and Accommodation

The condition of major roads varies considerably. Rural roads are made of hard-packed earth so when heavy rains come, many become dangerous or impassable. Best not to travel in the night time and Great Adventure Safaris film fixer organizes safe and reliable 4×4 customized vehicles for transport.

We always recommend accommodation facilities depending on your filming location and as well look at the accommodation range you want to go by. There are several options ranging from budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation facilities in terms of lodges, hotels, and guest-houses. Kindly contact Great Adventure Safaris film fixers for information about any of the above options.

Uganda Production Support and Shooting Crew

If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in Uganda, please contact us at Great Adventure Safaris. If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in Uganda, such as a director, DOP, photographer, videographer (cameraman/ camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA/ runner, production driver, do not hesitate to contact us we are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.