Filming in Bukavu Eastern Congo

Filming in Bukavu Eastern Congo, this part of Congo is best known for the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, the world’s largest gorilla species. The park was created in 1970 to conserve the Grauer’s gorilla species. For those interested in filming the Eastern Lowland Gorillas Kahuzi Biega National Park is the best place. The Eastern Lowland gorillas are also known as Grauer’s gorillas which are the largest of the four gorilla subspecies.

Bukavu Town is located in the Eastern part of DR Congo near the Rwanda Border. Bukavu town is also best known as a hub for many travelers visiting Kahuzi Beiga National Park to trek the Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Among the major locations to film near and in Bukavu town include Our Lady of Peace Cathedral, A picturesque peninsula on Lake Kivu. From Bukavu town you can as well visit and film the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National park, Idjwi Island on Lake Kivu and Minova village for filming

Filming in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo is guaranteed when you acquire a permit, 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. Sometimes gorilla tracking permits get sold out four months in advance so any traveler is recommended to book their gorilla permits 3-4 month in advance.

Kahuzi Biega National Park has 12 gorilla families and out of these only 2 gorilla families are habituated and they are open for filming. The families are called Chimanuka and Mugaruka both named after a dominant silver back, Chimanuka is famous for many visitors given it consist of one of the largest gorilla family in the world with over 36 gorilla individuals.

What are the requirements for Filming in Bukavu Eastern Congo?

You will need to have processed filming permits for all the crew members and all Permissions with Local authorities in DR Congo for you to be allowed for Filming in Bukavu Eastern 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 Eco Adventure Safaris we will be able to process both the filming permissions with Local Authorities in DR Congo, 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 use of public space, traffic control in various cities, filming in national parks, filming in markets and drone filming. Please contact us at Eco Adventure Safaris and we will guide you accordingly. Other important things you need to consider for successful filming in DR Congo include;

DR Congo Visa and Work Permits 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 atleast 2 to 3 weeks in advance before your travel date as it cannot be gotten on arrival. You will not be allowed to enter 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

Eco Adventure Safaris 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 travelled. We also organize both charter and schedule air transport for those that need to fly in order to reduce on the number of drive hours.

Fixers to help you film 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 ground. These act as intermediaries between you and our office while on location in DR Congo.

Is it safe to for Filming in Bukavu Eastern Congo?

Yes it is safe to film 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 time to time and we will always advise you before any filming starts. Contact us here for update security situation in DR Congo.

What is the best time to Film in Bukavu Eastern Congo?

Filming in Bukavu Eastern 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 Eco Adventure Safaris for Filming in Bukavu Eastern Congo

Eco Adventure Safaris assists 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 the relevant information you would like to know for Filming in Bukavu Eastern Congo.