Filming in Black rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Filming in Black rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy: we all know that the black rhinos are one of the species that are endangered and as such, different measures have been put in place to ensure that these species of animals are fully protected. For the black rhinos in Kenya, you will need to move to Ol Pejeta conservancy in order to film these black rhinos. These black rhinos come in three subspecies: the eastern, southern, and southwestern. The eastern rhino subspecies is found in Ol Pejeta. According to IUCN, poaching played a major role in the staggering 97.6% decline in the black rhino population between 1960 and the 1990s. According to estimates, there were only 2,300 black rhinos left in the wild in 1993. However, thanks to conservation efforts in Kenya and southern Africa, populations have increased to over 6,000 as of 2022, showing an upward trend of 17% over the previous ten years. All three black rhino subspecies have seen increases in their populations, with the eastern black rhino experiencing the largest increases in recent years. Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East and Central Africa, with a population of over 165 eastern black rhinos. With population increases of 30–40% on average, we hope to keep this number rising.
It is ideal therefore for one to come and enjoy the best filming safari in Kenya of the black rhinos in the Ol pejeta conservancy having seen that The 133 Black rhinos found at Ol Pejeta Conservancy make it an excellent location for filming and photographing rhinos in East Africa; in our opinion, it is the best location in the region. The story behind their success is intriguing, and your trip to Ol Pejeta Conservancy will help to preserve rhinos in Kenya and around the world. The largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa is the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which now has 133 black rhinos, up from just 20 when it first opened its doors in 1993. Najin and Fatu, the two (02) remaining northern white rhinos in the world, can be seen at any time while visiting the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
What to film in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy otherthan Black Rhinos?
Filming chimpanzee in Ol Pejeta Conservancy: The sweet waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which is located on the larger Ol Pejeta Conservancy, was established in 1993 as a result of an agreement between the management of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the Jane Goodall Institute. More than 40 chimpanzees now reside at the Sweeter Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The Sweet Waters Chimpanzee Island is accessible to Ol Pejeta visitors because admission to Ol Pejeta includes a fee for viewing the chimpanzees. However, Realm Africa Safaris can help you obtain all necessary permits if a film crew wishes to film the chimpanzees at Ol Pejeta’s Sweet Waters Sanctuary out to apply for Filming permits and permission.
How to access Ol Pejeta for filming the Black rhinos
270 kilometers separate Ol Pejeta Conservancy from Nairobi. Just before Nanyuki town, 14 kilometers from the equator turnoff, is the main gate of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy (also known as the Sweetwaters Game Reserve). Serat Gate on the Rumuruti road is another entrance available to guests.
Accessing Ol Pejeta conservancy by road Transport: It takes about three to four hours to drive from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta. The 13 miles leading up to Ol Pejeta are on a dirt road, and the rest of the road from Nairobi to Nanyuki is paved. It is best to travel through Nyahururu and Nyeri to enter Ol Pejeta through Nanyuki from Nakuru or Naivasha. There is a sign to Ol Pejeta on the left, and it is signposted all the way to Rongai Gate about 6.5 kilometers after Nanyuki Airstrip. Having a 4×4 vehicle is crucial during the rainy season. Keep in mind that the road around the Conservancy’s north and west is only passable with a large 4WD and is extremely challenging in wet conditions.
Accessing Ol Pejeta conservancy by Air Transport: A 45-minute drive separates Ol Pejeta from Nanyuki airstrip, which is serviced by daily scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport. Both Air Kenya and Safarilink provide transportation from Nairobi to Nanyuki. All lodging establishments on Ol Pejeta can arrange transportation to and from the airport. Another option is to charter a flight into Ol Pejeta’s airstrip from any other wildlife preserve or airport (currently only open to charter flights).
Requirements for filming Black Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Filming permits
To film Black Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy will need to secure a filming permit from the Kenya Film Commission and the authorities by writing a letter requesting and filling out an application letter and providing a copy of your screenplay, a summary of your program, and a filming schedule with your application. These will be forwarded to the Kenya Film Commission’s Film Licensing Officer. Permits are issued in minutes for feature films, documentaries, short films, music videos, corporate videos, and commercials. Television series and feature film applications are processed within 48 hours of submission. Contact us at Africa Adventure Vacations and we will assist you in obtaining filming permission from Kenyan officials to ensure successful filming of Black Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Black Rhino Filming fees and costs for Ol Pejeta Conservancy
For any person interested in filming Black Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, they will have to pay some costs and fees to be granted permission to do any filming activity. As such, the filming challenges in Ol Pejeta Conservancy include:
- Ksh 8,000 ($80) per person, per week or part-week;
- For six (6) to ten (10) people, the weekly or part-week rate is Ksh 12,000 ($115).
- 20,000 (2.00) for more than ten (10) people for one week or part of the week.
Kenya filming expenses
- a) Filming rates in Kenya Shillings (Kshs/USD)
- Adverts, documentaries, dramas, short features, still photographs, Khs. 5, 000(50 dollars)
- TV series and feature films in their entirety cost Ksh.15, 000 ($150).
- Daily filming fees of Ksh. 1,000($10)
- (b) Liaison officer’s service charges
- The Ministry charges Ksh. 400 ($5) per day to cover the Liaison Officer’s services provided by a government Liaison Officer to be attached to the crew.
- C) Other charges
- Before participating in any filming, each guest must pay Ksh. 2,000($20) to the Department of Immigration Services for a special pass. While the filming special permission is being processed, artists may enter Kenya on a visitor’s pass.
- On presentation of a film license, a small non-refundable fee of 1% of the equipment’s worth or Ksh 30, 000 ($300) (whichever is less) is payable to the Customs Department.
In addition to the above, you will need to pay for press accreditation, lodging, and transportation to successfully shoot the video in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Press Accreditation
To film Black Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, all film crew members must be accredited by the Kenya Film Commission. Local filming agencies and private production companies or individuals must apply through a local agent registered with the Ministry. This is a prerequisite for all applications to make feature films and documentaries. Each crew member must fill out the Kenya Film License Form (which we normally send), scan it, and return it to us along with a copy of their passport and one photo for the filming license. We will then require a letter from the filming company specifying the name of the filming company, the reason for filming, the location of filming, and the film crew’s contact information. This letter is subsequently forwarded to the Kenya Film Commission for the film license to be processed. A film license is usually awarded within 2-3 business days.
Vehicle hiring services
You need a 4×4 vehicle when going to do filming Black Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
When you trust Africa Adventure Vacations as your film fixer, then you will get the opportunity to book for yourself a strong vehicle that will transport the crew members to and from Ol Pejeta Conservancy the vehicle based on the preferences of our clients and their budget, but also the location where you are going to film, because it may also determine the kind of vehicle that you might need. Because of the nature of the terrain, which might make you travel long distances, we kindly urge you to book our customized tour.
Daily, these cost about $200 to $250 per vehicle, and this price includes the fuel and the driver. You can also opt for our 4×4 safari van, which is available for $200 daily. By contacting us, we shall make sure that we calculate everything, and thus we shall inform you and give you the inclusive price. Each of our vehicles is accompanied by drivers who work as area fixers, and many of them have traveled to nearly every part of Kenya, so they are familiar with the local conditions and can provide critical information and resolve any situation on the ground. While in Kenya, these serve as intermediaries between you and our office. And please contact us for any film fixers in Kenya. We are available 24 hours a day to be able to help you with all the information relating to film Black Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
All of our vehicles include a driver who serves as the location fixer. Most of them have visited practically every section of Kenya and are thus familiar with local conditions and can provide relevant information and resolve any local issues. While on location at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, they work as liaisons between our clients and our office.
Visa recommendation
You’ll need to get a tourist visa. Many film crews choose to get a visa before visiting Kenya. Visas, on the other hand, are easily obtained upon admission into the country. In this situation, you can obtain a tourist visa at the Nairobi International Airport for USD51.00.
Where to stay during filming Black Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
While filming Black Rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, there are a variety of lodging options available, ranging from affordable to luxurious. Depending on your interests and financial situation, you will decide where to stay. Contact us here for more information. Kicheche Laikipia Camp, Mutara Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Ol Pejeta House, Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages, Pelican House, Porini Rhino Camp, Sweetwaters Serena Camp, and The Stables are among the lodging options in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Among the campgrounds are Ewaso, Hippo Hide, Murera Donga, Ol Lerai, and Mbogo Campsite.
When is the best time to film Black Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Filming Black Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an adventure that is done all year round, but the best time for filming is during December and then from June to October. This time, weather conditions are dry and this makes filming activities so much more fantastic. However, the best time to do filing at Ol Pejeta Conservancy -Kenya is during the rainy season, when the green vegetation blooms and provides an amazing scenic view (November to May), while the dry season offers the best photo opportunities, both on short and long hikes (May to October)
Why should you book your Kenya filming safari with Africa Adventure Vacations?
Africa Adventure Vacations is a popular tourist company based in Uganda that operates in East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and South Africa. We have more than ten years of experience assisting filming and production companies and individual travelers who are interested in filming nature-related wildlife and African culture. We offer services such as obtaining filming permission, clearing filming equipment, reserving lodging, and arranging transportation to filming businesses, all in the shortest amount of time possible. Other wildlife tours are available in all of the countries mentioned above, including gorilla tours in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a result, you should not hesitate to choose us as your East African film fixers, especially in Kenya for your Kenyan filming experience.