Chimpanzee Filming Tours in Uganda

For passionate filmmakers, chimpanzee filming tours offer exceptionally immersive wildlife experiences in Uganda. The country shelters an impressive number of chimpanzees with the current population estimated at around 5,000. These can be seen in the lush biodiverse forests of Budongo, Kalinzu, Kibale National Park, and Kyambura Gorge etc. With significant numbers of habituated chimps in these ecosystems, filming tours offer consistently intimate and worthwhile encounters with man’s closest relatives. Meanwhile filmmakers should patiently observe and capture the behaviors of the dynamic primates in the wild.

How to do chimpanzee filming tours in Uganda?

At the visitors center you will meet the warden/ranger for briefing regarding the steps you will adhere to while filming. Highly skilled trackers and knowledgeable rangers will lead you into the forest to track the chimpanzee troop you will film. These guides will edify you how to determine their location following their vocalization, nests, footprints and newly discarded food. Once you find the chimpanzees, you will film them for a time specified. Ensure to get as much footage as possible of the chimpanzees displaying their fascinating social dynamics. Return to the starting point for debriefing and end to your chimpanzee filming tour.

Cost of filming chimpanzees in Uganda?

Cost of filming chimpanzees in Kalinzu and Budongo forests is the same. But, this varies from Kyambura Gorge and Kibale National Park. Kibale and Kyambura are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, while Kalinzu and Budongo are managed by National Forestry Authority. Each person must pay US$ 500 to film in Kalinzu and Budongo Forests. This fee is however separate from tracking, which is set at US$130 per person (foreign non-residents), and US$65 (East Africans).

The cost of filming chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge is 40% of the chimpanzee tracking tour. This is when you intend to film without a drone. Using a drone to film chimpanzees is 50% of the chimpanzee trek. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park costs differently for each visitor category. Foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African Community pay US$250 per person, US$200 per person and UGX180,000 per person respectively. In Kyambura Gorge foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African Community pay US$ 100, US$ 80 and UGX 50,000 respectively.

Requirements for chimpanzee filming tours in Uganda?

A valid filming permit and media card is needed from the Uganda Wildlife Authority/National Forestry and Uganda Media Council respectively. Each cast and crew member will be required to apply for the card by filling and sending a form. This form contains the category of applicant (individual/company), passport, cover letter, nationality, contact details, work permit and project synopsis. Also include details about date of project, list of filming equipment, total budget of the project, list of key cast and crew. After a few days, your card will be processed by the council.

Regarding the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you will need to write to them as well. Details will encompass your name/company, filming date, filming location, project synopsis, passport photos and passport of all crew members and others. You will sign a contract with Uganda Wildlife Authority for permission to film chimpanzees in Kibale, Kalinzu, Kyambura and Budongo. In addition to all these, you will also need visa and customs clearance for your filming equipment. If all these processes seem complicated and time consuming, you will need assistance from a local tour operator like Standard Safaris.

Why apply with us?

Since applying is time consuming, you will need to apply at least 3 months before your chimpanzee filming tours in Uganda. We have a positive working relationship with Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Forestry Authority and the Uganda Media Council. This ensures that the application process is quite efficient. Besides we offer tour packages that encompass accommodation, meals, transportation and other tour activities. This is key in ensuring that your experience in Uganda exceeds your expectations.

Best time for chimpanzee filming tours in Uganda?

If you are planning a chimpanzee filming tour in Uganda, consider visiting any of the mentioned destinations during the dry season. The weather conditions during this period of the year favor filming of chimpanzee because rains are neither frequent nor heavy. When the forest experiences relatively drier conditions, the vegetation becomes less dense, and the forest floor is not muddy or slippery. This makes it quite easier to trek chimpanzees and film them. The clear skies and low vegetation density present clear views of the chimpanzees. Ensure to visit between June to September and between December to February to experience the dry season.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.