Filming in Nkhota Khota game reserve
Filming in Nkhota Khota Game reserve. Nkhota kota is the oldest reserve in Malawi. It is located in the eastern part of central Malawi and is in close proximity to Lake Malawi. It is also the largest reserve in the country covering an area of about 700 sq. miles. This reserve has a vegetation of miombo woodlands, tall grass and some areas of rain forests. These harbor wildlife and bird species. This reserve has a history of poaching and other human activities that had deteriorated it during 2012. However in 2015 the efforts of African parks were string enough to revitalize and rejuvenate it. Several animals were relocated to the reserve from other parks and right now making it a prime destination for wildlife.
Wildlife in the reserve
Due to great restoration efforts, the reserve has a good number of wildlife to be seen and these include elephants, buffaloes, elands, impalas, warthogs, sables, zebras and waterbucks. All these are very common and can easily be spotted. On a rare occasion, visitors may able to see lions, leopards and hyenas.
Birds in the reserve
The reserve has recorded over 280 species of birds. When filming in the reserve, you can look out for these particular species: African harrier hawk, black stork, bohm’s bee eater, kingfisher, martial eagle, wolly necked stork, white starred robin, pale billed hornbill and many others.
Requirements to film in Malawi
In order to film in Malawi You will need to acquire permission. The process of securing a filming permit in Malawi can be time-consuming so it needs enough time before the filming in order to complete the necessary process and secure the filming permit. National park fees and charges are also required of you if you intend to film in national parks
Media accreditation is also vital for filming in Malawi and the application is made to the media council of Malawi. Once applied for, and payment given the media cards are then processed. Contact film crew fixers to help you will filming permits and media accreditation
Drones can also be used while filming and can be imported but you need to have acquired permission from Malawi’s department of civil aviation. Key factors to note if you’re planning to use a drone
- Permission is needed for each flight
- Do not fly near aircrafts airports, and airfields. if operating near these spaces stay 10 kilometers away
- Do not fly near groups of people, social gatherings, private property , schools and road races unless you have been given permission
- You’re not allowed to fly the drone vertically higher than 45 meters
- The drone should be registered with the department of civil aviation
- The operator should obtain an operator certificate from the department of civil aviation
Filming equipment also needs to be cleared and this can be done through a bonded agent or securing a 5% percent of the value of equipment, however this is not advisable and the preferred procedure is that of using a bonded agent. Film crew fixers has all the necessary connections with a number of bonded agents that can clear your equipment on entry and exit. Contact us for any help with kit clearing.
Malawi visa and work permit advice
A tourist visa or business visa can work for your entry into the country. Film crews prefer getting there visa before coming into the countries and this is possible through the evisa system of Malawi. Proof of yellow fever and vaccination and a Covid 19 free negative certificate are necessary for entry. The prices of visas and work permits change regularly. For updated information regarding travel to Zimbabwe, you can contact us or your embassy.
- A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months
- Passports must have at least three empty pages
- Citizens of most countries require a visa, which can be obtained at arrival
- A list of countries who don’t require visa here https://visaindex.com/visa-requirement/malawi-passport-visa-free-countries-list/ .
- A list of countries who need a visa can be found here https://www.onlinevisa.com/visa-policy/malawi/ the application can be made online.
- When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required
Malawi transport services
Film crew fixers organizes transportation for film crews to film. Depending on their interest and Budget and the nature of roads to the destination. We organize both road and air transport for film crews. We recommend customized 4×4 safari land cruisers for vehicles because of the nature of roads in Malawi. These land cruisers cost USD200-250 per vehicle per day. Fuel is estimated on the number of days that are scheduled by the filming schedule. We will need to look at it for establishing the mileage and distance to be traveled.
Film fixers in Malawi to help you film
All our vehicles come with drivers who act as location fixers and most of them have been to most of the parts in Malawi and are very conversant with the local situations .they provide relevant information and fix any situation on ground. They also act as intermediaries between you and our office while on location. Contact us if you need a film fixer in Malawi.
What is the best time to film in Nkhota Kota reserve
The best time to visit this reserve is during the dry months from June to October. During time, animals gather around water sources which makes it easy to spot them, the roads are also much easy to navigate compared to the wet season. However for those interested in birds, the wet season is a better choice because migratory birds are in plenty
How to get there
The best way is to fly into Lilongwe international airport. And drive to central Malawi where the reserve is located. The distance is about 200km away and approximately 3 hours’ drive.
Where to stay when filming in Nkhota Kota reserve in Malawi
Accommodation options vary when are filming in nkhota kota . These range from budget, midrange and luxury. Your choice of accommodation depends on your interest and budget. Lodge options include rafiki safari camp, bua river lodge, nkhotakota safari lodge and many others .contact us for help with reservation and more information on accommodation.
Why use film crew fixers to film in Malawi
Film crew fixers is a company based in Uganda that assists production agencies and filming companies in South, central and East African countries as a whole. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all the relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are processed in a short time. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Malawi.
