What our local film fixers has to say about filming on location in Uganda.
Uganda, located in the heart of East Africa, offers an extraordinary range of filming locations. Bordered by Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania, Uganda is a land of breathtaking scenery, lush landscapes, and abundant wildlife. With its tropical climate, vast lakes, dense forests, and rugged mountains, Uganda is one of the most sought-after filming destinations in Africa.
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STUNNING NATURAL FILM LOCATIONS
Uganda is part of the Great Lakes region and is home to some of Africa’s most iconic bodies of water. The country is bordered by Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the source of the River Nile, the longest river in the world. Additional filming locations include Lake Edward, Lake Albert, Lake George, and Lake Kyoga, all of which offer stunning aquatic backdrops for various film genres.
The southwestern region of Uganda is characterized by rugged terrain, featuring the Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon.” This region provides dramatic landscapes for adventure films and documentaries, showcasing glaciers, alpine meadows, and deep valleys.
Uganda is also home to the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, a powerful waterfall on the Nile River, where water surges through a narrow gorge before plummeting into the river below. The falls provide a spectacular setting for dramatic action sequences and nature documentaries.
DIVERSE WILDLIFE AND GAME RESERVES
Uganda’s landscapes teem with wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature and wildlife filming. The country is home to some of Africa’s most sought-after species, including elephants, lions, leopards, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, and hyenas.
For filmmakers interested in primates, Uganda is one of the best places in the world to capture footage of gorillas and chimpanzees. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to endangered mountain gorillas, offering unique opportunities for intimate wildlife cinematography. The Kibale National Park is known for its dense population of chimpanzees, while Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park are ideal for capturing classic African savanna wildlife.
FILMING CLIMATE AND SEASONS
Uganda’s tropical climate is influenced by Lake Victoria, creating generally warm and humid conditions throughout the year. However, the country experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, which can impact filming conditions:
- First Dry Season: December to February (ideal for filming in most locations, especially for tracking gorillas and chimpanzees).
- First Wet Season: March to May (lush landscapes but heavier rainfall may impact logistics).
- Second Dry Season: June to August (best for wildlife filming, as animals gather around water sources).
- Second Wet Season: September to November (green landscapes and dramatic skies for scenic shots).
The dry seasons are generally the best times for filming, especially for tracking great apes and capturing big game wildlife congregating at water sources. The wet seasons bring dramatic, lush scenery, making them ideal for landscape and rainforest filming.
FILMS SHOT IN UGANDA
Uganda has been featured in several international productions, taking advantage of its diverse landscapes and unique filming opportunities. Some notable films and series shot in Uganda include:
- The Last King of Scotland (2006) – A historical drama filmed in locations such as Kampala and Entebbe.
- Queen of Katwe (2016) – A biographical film capturing the vibrant streets of Kampala.
- Mississippi Masala (1991) – A romantic drama showcasing Uganda’s urban and rural landscapes.
- Entebbe (2018) – A thriller based on the 1976 hostage rescue mission at Entebbe Airport.
WHY FILM IN UGANDA?
Uganda provides a mix of untouched wilderness, historical sites, and modern urban settings, making it an ideal destination for a variety of film genres. From dense rainforests and open savannahs to majestic waterfalls and mountain ranges, the country’s diverse geography offers filmmakers endless creative possibilities.
With its experienced film crews, government support for productions, and easy access to stunning locations, Uganda is an attractive choice for both independent and large-scale international productions.
Ready to film in Uganda? Our expert film fixers can assist with location scouting, permits, logistics, and production support to ensure a seamless filming experience. Contact us today to bring your vision to life in one of Africa’s most visually stunning destinations!
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