Filming in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Filming in Kakamega Forest National Reserve: Kakamega Forest Reserve spans 44 square kilometers and it is found in the Lake Victoria basin stretching north of Kisumu. And it is regarded as the home to only unique guineo-Congolian forest ecosystem. The forest provides the visitors and all those who are interested in filming with the unique species and offers a great picture fare as well as the scenic views for any traveler. The Kakamega forest National Reserve also features more than 350 species of birds and this is the destination with the highest concentration of butterflies in Kenya, in addition to having 300 bird species and the 27 species of snakes all of which can be filmed within the forest. Seven primate species, including the endangered DeBrazza monkey (found in the remote Kisere Forest Reserve, a part of the larger Kakamega Forest National Reserve), the black-and-white colobus monkey, and the vervet monkey, are also supported by the park, which also contains more than 350 species of trees.
In the Kakamega Forest National Reserve, you can also find duikers, dik diks, and the potto, which is the slowest mammal on the planet. Because it contains many species not found elsewhere in Kenya, the forest is a special location for filming in that country. On the edge of the central highlands, the reserve is located in the Lake Victoria catchment area 50 kilometers north of Kisumu and just west of the Nandi Escarpment. The Isiukhu and Yala rivers pass through the reserve, making it a water catchment area as well. It is one of the best locations in Kenya for filming primates and birds.
What to film in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Once you have decide to enjoy the filming in Kakamega forest National Reserve, you will be able to film a lot of the interesting features which will give you the best filming safari experience. The following are some of the things or attractions that you can film in this great forest.
Filming wildlife in Kakamega Forest National Reserve: there different wildlife especially mammals that the film crewmembers can film while in Kakamega forest National Reserve. Some of the mammals that you can film in this great forest include the colobus monkeys, the bush pigs, the giant Forest Hedge Hog, Debrazzar Monkey, potto, Clawless offer among other animals that can be filmed by different film crew members once they have explored this great forest.
Filming snakes in Kakamega forest National Reserve: Other than mammals, the Kakamega Forest National Reserve offers the best filming experience for different species of snakes and some of the bird species among others include the Gabon Viper, the black lipped Cobra, and Forest Cobra among others.
Filming different species of birds in Kakamega Forest National Reserve: The different species of birds that can be filmed here include the Black billed turaco, Grey parrot, Turners Eremomela and Blue Headed Bee Eater.
How to get to Kakamega Forest National Reserve for filming
By car: Nakuru and Kapsabet make up the shortest (418 km) route from Nairobi. Following Timboroa, continue on the A104 road for another 4 km until you come to a left turn that leads to the C36 road to Kapsabet. From there, take the C39 road until it connects with the Kisumu-Kakamega road. The C39 road leads to Kapsabet and is the quickest route from Eldoret.
By air transport: Kakamega now has regularly scheduled flights. Visitors can also fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and drive from there to Kakamega.
Where to stay during filming in Kakamega Forest Natural Reserve?
Budget, mid-range, and luxury lodging options are available in Kakamega National Reserve hotels and lodges for the duration of the shooting. Depending on your interests and financial situation, you will decide where to stay. To make a reservation, please contact Africa adventure Vacations for the best safari experience and also the Udo Bandas is one choice among others.
Requirements for filming in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Filming permits
To film in filming in Kakamega Forest Reserve you 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 in filming in Kakamega Forest Reserve.
Filming fees and costs in Filming in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
For any person interested in filming in Kakamega Forest Reserve , they will have to pay some costs and fees to be granted permission to do any filming activity. As such, the filming challenges in filming in Kakamega Forest Reserve include:
- 8,000 shillings ($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 costs
- a) Kenya Shillings (Kshs/USD) filming rates
- 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 filming in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Press Accreditation
To film in Filming in Kakamega Forest Reserve, 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 in Kakamega Forest Reserve. 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 filming in Kakamega Forest Reserve in Kenya. We offer 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 filming Kakamega Forest Reserve 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 Filming in Kakamega Forest Reserve, 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
When is the best time to do filming in Kakamega Forest Reserve?
Filming in filming in Kakamega Forest Reserve 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 filming in Filming in Kakamega Forest Reserve in 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 Kerio Valley National Reserve, 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.
