Filming Western Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to all the main gorilla species that is Western and Eastern Lowland Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas, Filming Western Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo is done in Odzala-Kokoua National Park and Lesio Louna Reserve. The western lowland Gorillas are the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies. Populations can only be found in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of Congo. Their exact numbers are not known because they inhabit some of the most dense and remote rainforests in Africa. The western Lowland gorillas are differentiated from other gorilla subspecies by their slightly smaller size, their brown-grey coats and auburn chests. They also have wider skulls with more pronounced brow ridges and smaller ears.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park has approximately 100 mammal species and one of the continent’s most diverse primate populations. Among other species to film in this park include central chimpanzee, as well as eight monkeys: Angolan talapoin, black crested mangabey, crested mona monkey, De Brazza’s monkey, greater spot-nosed monkey, mantled guereza, Moustached guenon, and Tana River mangabey.

What are the requirements for filming Western Lowland Gorillas in DR 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 to film Western Lowland Gorillas in DR 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 equipments. 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 of Western Lowland Gorillas 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 in DR Congo to help you film Western Lowland Gorillas 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 film Western Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo?

Yes it is safe to film Western Lowland Gorillas 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.

How to access Odzala-Kokoua National Park for filming Western Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo

Odzala-Kokoua National Park is at the heart of the Central basin of the Congo River very isolated and only accessed by both road and water transport. You must have cleared your equipment for it to be allowed into the country as they are susceptible to security reasons and safety while on your film production.

Where to stay during filming Western Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo

Lodges to stay in during filming Western Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo range from budget, midrange to Luxury, options to stay in include Lango Camp and Mboko Camp all located in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

What is the best time to film Western Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo?

Filming Western Lowland Gorillas in DR 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 to film Western Lowland Gorillas in DR 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 Western Lowland Gorillas in DR Congo.