Is it possible to use a Drone to Film Gorillas in Bwindi
Is it possible to use a Drone to Film Gorillas in Bwindi, yes, it is feasible to utilize a drone for filming mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda. You may either procure a drone in Uganda or import one. Engaging a drone in Uganda for gorilla cinematography is significantly simpler than importing a drone for the same purpose.
Undoubtedly, bringing a drone on your African safari is an exceptional strategy for capturing superior movies and images. Operating a drone in Uganda, like in any country, necessitates adherence to specific protocols prior to utilizing the drone to record optimal gorilla moments in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Is it permissible to utilize a drone for filming gorillas in Bwindi? Importing a drone for the purpose of shooting gorillas in Uganda is permissible, provided that one adheres to the Procedure for Importation and Operation of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (Drone) outlined below;
1. Determine the relevant Ministry in Uganda for the activity and formally request a letter of no objection from that Ministry.
2. Compose a letter to the Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda requesting an additional letter of no objection (Include the prior letter of no objection from the Ministry as an attachment).
3. Upon obtaining authorization from the Chief of Defence Forces, you may proceed to bring the drone into Uganda.
4. Upon entry into Uganda, whether by air or land, obtain clearance from the Uganda Revenue Authority (Customs) for the importation of the drone. Following importing, authorization must be obtained from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority to operate the drone in Uganda by submitting a written request to the Director of Safety, Security, and Economic Regulation regarding the pertinent requirements.
6. Kindly ensure that all documentation pertaining to prior clearances at the various levels, along with the specified extra requirements, is attached prior to the granting of further permission.
Manual and requirements for drone operations
Drone pilot training certificate, license, and Class III medical certificate issued by an accredited aviation designated medical examiner.
Details of the Observer
Geographical location and map of the operational area
A duplicate of external insurance
Completely executed authorization form.
You must pay the authorization fee of Uganda Shillings 200,000 plus 18% VAT at the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Cash Office at Entebbe International Airport and provide a copy of the payment receipt.
8. Upon fulfilling the aforementioned application criteria, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority shall issue the following:
UCAA Drone Operations Permit
Summary of the registered operator’s information and specific operating restrictions of the permit.
Additional Prerequisites for Filming Gorillas in Bwindi with a Drone
To shoot gorillas in Uganda, it is necessary to obtain and process media cards from the Uganda Media Council. Your filming equipment must be cleared with customs upon entry into Uganda. Contact Gorilla Trekking in Africa for assistance in obtaining filming permissions from Local Authorities, the National Forestry Authority for forest reserves, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority for national parks. We also facilitate Uganda media cards, accommodation, transportation, and provide guidance with clearance processes upon entry into Uganda.
Media Accreditation
All film crew personnel are legally required to be accredited by the Uganda Media Council. Upon completion of this process, each crew member will receive a media card priced at USD175 for 30 days of filming and USD225 for up to 60 days of filming. Every crew member must complete Form G (which we often provide) with all pertinent facts, scan it, and return it to us along with a copy of their passport and one photograph for their media card. Additionally, we require a letter from the filming business that specifies their identity, the purpose of the filming, the filming location, and the details of the crew members involved in this shoot. This letter will be appended to all provided details and submitted to the Uganda Media Council for media card processing. The preparation of these media cards requires 2-3 business days.
Visa Guidance
It is necessary to acquire the tourist visa. Numerous film crews favor securing their visas prior to their arrival in Uganda; however, visas can be readily acquired upon arrival at any entry point, including Entebbe International Airport, by paying USD 50 for a Tourist Visa, which will be issued instantly.
Vehicle Rental Services
Gorilla Trekking in Africa will arranges transportation for film teams according on their preferences, budget, and the condition of roads in the chosen sites. For rugged terrains, such as those found in National Parks, we propose Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers, priced from USD 200-250 per vehicle per day with a driver/fixer, or 4×4 Safari Vans at USD 200 per van per day with a driver/fixer. To estimate gasoline costs, we must examine your filming schedule to determine the mileage and distance to be covered. We also provide both charter and scheduled air transport for individuals requiring flights to save travel time. Gorilla Trekking in Africa collaborates with reputable service providers to provide boat rentals for those filming on water bodies.
Mediators in Uganda
Is it possible to use a Drone to Film Gorillas in Bwindi , All our vehicles are accompanied by drivers who serve as area experts; most have traversed nearly all regions of Uganda, making them knowledgeable about local conditions and capable of providing pertinent information and resolving any issues that may arise. They serve as intermediates between you and our office while in Uganda.
Housing
Accommodation alternatives during filming include budget, mid-range, and luxury options. Your accommodation selection will rely on your preferences and financial constraints. Reach out to us here for further information.
What is the optimal time to get footage of gorillas with a drone in Bwindi?
Uganda possesses a modified equatorial climate characterized by two rainy seasons, leading individuals to see the dry seasons as the optimal period for filming in the country. This is accurate, as rainfall renders woodland pathways difficult to navigate due to the excessive moisture that causes the paths to become excessively slick. The optimal periods for filming in Uganda are from December to February and from June to October, as these months are comparatively drier than March to May and November. However, filming can occur year-round in Uganda’s forests, as climatic patterns often indicate impending rainfall due to climate change and natural phenomena.
Reasons to utilize Gorilla Trekking in Africa for drone filming of gorillas in Bwindi.
Gorilla Trekking in Africa is a local facilitation company that supports filmmaking companies and production agencies in Uganda and East Africa. We provide comprehensive fixer services through our skilled team of local fixers and driving guides. We collaborate closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the National Forestry Authority, facilitating the processing of all your filming approvals. We possess all pertinent contacts with various service providers and governmental organizations to ensure the expeditious processing of accreditation and filming permits. Contact us for comprehensive facts and pertinent information regarding the usage of drones for filming gorillas in Bwindi.