Uganda is one of Africa’s premier primate filming destinations. Chimpanzee filming at Kalinzu forest atestifies to this. At Encounter Africa safaris and Film Crew fixers, we do explore filming locations and chimpanzee filming at Kalinzu forest is very possible when all filming requirements are fullfilled. Kalinzu forest ecotourism site is located in south western Uganda in Busheyi/Rubilizi district and it is an extension of Maramagambo forest. Kalinzu forest can be visited on your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Apart from chimpanzee filming at Kalinzu forest, other activities that can be done include chimpanzee trekking, nature walks and bird watching. 

Communities available for chimpanzee filming at Kalinzu forest

Kalinzu forest reserve has over 200 chimpanzees and out of these two communities were habituated with funds from the Japanese government and are available for filming and trekking. Those interested in chimpanzee filming at kalinzu forest may choose from the two communities of habituated chimps. One community has 40 members while the other has 70 members. Those interested in chimpanzee filming at Kalinzu forest should however know the behaviors of chimps. While we mention 70 members, it might not be easy to spot all of them at ago. Chimpanzees are known to live in communities and during the day, they breakup into small parties of 10 members or so to reduce competition on food. They will then team up in the evening to make their nests for the night

Filming permits for chimpanzee filming at Kalinzu forest

Kilunzu forest or ecotourism site is under national forest authority and as such all those intending to do chimpanzee filming at kalinzu forest must seek for permission. Film Crew Fixers organizes permits for chimpanzee filming at Kalinzu forest and we will assist you with this when contacted. Please not that National Forest Authority reserves all rights to determine the cost of this. The cost depends on the number of crew and duration. The process of acquiring filming permits for Karinzu can be tiresome due to the beurcrasy here but Film Crew Fixers know how to go about this. Please contact us so that we start the discussion.

Media Accreditation in Uganda

All members of the crew will have to be accredited by Uganda Media council. Upon accreditation, each member will be given a media card/pass to act as a permission or permit to film chimpanzees in Karinzu forest reserve. Depending on the duration of your shoot, you may apply for one month, six months or a year. The process of being accreditated takes 3-6 days and Film Crew Fixers will advise you on the process and paperwork required. Please contact us for more information about this.

Kit customs clearance

To film chimpanzees in Karinzu, all film crews are advised to bring their filming equipment. Currently, Uganda does not have up-to-date filming equipment and the one that is available may be very expensive to hire or unavailable at the time of your shoot. Bringing and clearing in your filming equipment is very easy but attracts a fee that is paid to our clearing agent. Please send us your Kit list showing all items/equipment, serial numbers, and value of each and we will forward it to our clearing agent for evaluation. Kenya and South Africa provide options to hire filming equipment in Africa. If you need such a service, please send us a list of all equipment and we will source them either in Kenya or South Africa for you.

Visa and work permit processing

To film chimpanzees in Karinzu Forest reserve, you need a valid visa for Uganda plus a working permit. Work permits/passes and visas for Uganda must be applied for online. Film Crew Fixers will send you a link for both so that you fill in all required items. Sometimes this process disturbs our clients and we are able to intervene and apply these on your behalf. Feel free to contact us.

Accessing Karinzu Eco-Tourism site

Karinzu forest is located in Rubirizi district of Southwestern Uganda and is about a 6-7 hours drive from Capital Kampala. The road is tarmacked and well maintained. Film Crew Fixers operates a fleet of 4×4 Vans and Land Cruisers which we use to transport crew and equipment. Our vehicles are designed to handle all roughness that may come with African roads and terrain. Our drivers who act as local fixers on your shoot are knowledgeable and are able to explain and find solutions to anything while in the field.

Accommodation and Lodges near Karinzu

Karinzu Forest Reserve does not have a Lodge inside the forest but plans are underway to construct one. This should not worry anyone intending to film in Karinzu as the Bunyaruguru region has so many lodges available for selection. Film Crew Fixers Uganda will recommend a lodge that is close to the starting point and your budget lines and interests will be considered when doing this. Contact us for details.

Why use Film Crew Fixers and Encounter Africa Safaris

Film Crew Fixers is one of the leading and most trusted Film Fixer agencies in East and Central Africa. The so many years of assisting filming crews to process filming permits, media accreditation, kit customs clearing, accommodation and transport plus all logistics required to shoot a documentary in East Africa. Our PORTFOLIO SPEAKS VOLUMES.