Filming in Rwanda

For one to film in Rwanda, you will need a to be prepared in terms of documentation which are; filming permit or press accreditation from the Rwanda Media High Council (MHC) before your arrival. This whole process of application and approval takes between 4 days to two weeks depending on your application and what you are applying for. The filming permit usually takes longer than the press accreditation.  You will need services of a local fixer who is experienced with the process and as Africa Fixers we have local contacts in the various offices that we have created good working relations with and assist in expediting the entire process to ensure that we meet our clients deadlines.

Rwanda’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage provide film crews with a multitude of compelling locations with each offering distinct visual and thematic elements to enhance any production. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Required Permits and Accreditation:

  • Filming Permit/Press Accreditation: 
All production companies, individuals, including freelance filmmakers, journalists and all trades coming in Rwanda to do film are required to have either obtained a filming permit or press accreditation from the Rwanda Media High Council (MHC) before arriving in Rwanda. 






Filming permit: The filming permit applies to clients and filming crews that are coming to Rwanda to shoot features and documentaries and for any commercial filming activity.

Application Process:

Fill out the application form.

  • Required Documents: You will have to provide an official request letter on your company headed paper requestion as a production company to come and film in Rwanda. Coloured passport photo for each crew member, passport copies for each crew member, press cards of the crew and a list of equipment that the team will be coming with on the shoot; the list should have items with values and serial numbers as well.
  • Payment: After we have submitted your application, you will need to pay the permit fee of USD 50 valid for 30 days stay in the country. The approval process takes between 3 works days to a week for confirm to be given.  


  • Additional Permits:
 Depending on the location of your shoot and specific needs and requirements, you might need additional permits for filming in those areas like in the National Parks, Provinces, access to government or private buildings or using drones. Our team will advise you on which additional permits you need and how to go about getting them. Contact us now for your shoot.

Press Accreditation: Press accreditation applies for clients who fall in the category of journalists and media personnel to legally work and report in and about Rwanda stories.

Application Process:

Fill out the application form.

  • Required Documents: You will have to provide an official request letter from your agency and news broadcast. Coloured passport photo for each crew member, passport copies for each crew member, press cards of the crew and a list of equipment that the team will be coming with on the shoot; the list should have items with values and serial numbers as well.
  • Payment: Rwanda correspondents and EAC journalists are required to pay a fee of USD30.00 per person which is valid for a period of 30 days and foreign journalists shooting in Rwanda pay USD100.00 per person.

The process for obtaining press accreditation takes some time, so it’s recommended that applications are put in as early as possible to ensure that you meet the timelines of your shoot.

Popular filming locations in Rwanda.

Rwanda offers an array of diversity when it comes to filming locations, each location providing unique landscapes, paspective and cultural experiences that matches your needs and interests for the shoot. Here are some notable sites:​

  1. Volcanoes National Park

The park is home to the majestic mountain gorillas, with over 10 gorilla families to choose from for your shoot, also the park features lush forest and volcanic mountains which offer a dynamic range of backdrops for wildlife documentaries and adventure films. Filming Gorillas in Rwanda is one of the most exciting activities but planning and managing the shoot is paramount.

  1. Nyungwe Forest National Park

The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, also home to chimpanzees.  The park hosts over 310 bird species, including 27 endemics to the Albertine Rift Valley this is good for all birdwatching and nature-focused productions. The park also features a canopy walkway activity for clients shooting here making areal filming spectacular. 

  1. Akagera National Park

This park is made up of savannah landscapes, woodlands and wetlands. This is the home to the Big Five: Lions, Buffaloes, Leopards, Rhinos and Elephants. The park is also home to over 500 bird species. Home to the white rhinos and the park is a true testament to the conservation efforts done in the country to revive the park to its status.

  1. Lake Kivu

One of the lakes found in the great lakes region, it’s very famous for the economic activities carried out on the lake. Lake Kivu offers serene waters bordered by rolling hills which offer a unique backdrop to your picture. Its very easy to build a storyline that focus on economic importance, culture and beauty of the park.

  1. Kigali

Kigali is Rwandas capital city, the city trends a blend of modernity and culture. The city has hotsports for filming including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, vibrant markets like Kimironko, milk bars and contemporary structures such as the Kigali Convention Centre. This diverseness accommodates everything which makes filming here a beauty. Filming permit for the city is required as such get in touch with us to provide you with rates.

  1. Gishwati Forest National Park

This park is home to primates including chimpanzees, monkeys and various bird species, this offers opportunities to capture primate behaviour in a rich biodiversity in a natural environment.

  1. Cultural and Historical Sites

King’s Palace Museum: this is a reconstruction of the traditional thatched royal residence of the earlier kings providing insights into Rwanda’s monarchical history and traditions in the country.

Bisesero Genocide Memorial Centre: A site commemorating the victims of the genocide offering a poignant backdrop for historical narratives. ​During the month of April, the genocide is remembered and for any films done they should be observant of this and respect the culture.

 Best Time to Film

For any shoot the best time to film is during the dry season, however, depending on your shoot requirements, any time of the year can be good to film as long as you get the permissions at hand. The dry season from June to September is generally the most favourable time for filming. During this time the rains are less and the sun is out as weather conditions are more predictable facilitating outdoor shoots. ​

Filming with a drone.

To import and use a drone in Rwanda you need to obtain permits from the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA). Its important to note that all drone operations are conducted by a Rwandan citizen or entity that has the liecense to fly and operate in the country. Foreigners are not allowed to import in drones in the country and anyone with a drone will be required to leave it at the airport and can get it as they leave the country. You are required to follow specific regulations regarding registration, flight zones like airports and safety protocols. 

Permits and Registration:

  • Permits are required: First you either get a filming permit or press accreditation then an Operator Certificate from the RCAA for both recreational and commercial drone use. It should be a registered drone with the RCAA. 
  • Processing Time: The average processing time for an RPAS Activity Permit is 2 to 4 weeks. A fee is required for you to operate the drone. These fees are dependant on number of locations you are going to be filming in.

Local Crew

To hire local crew or production services in Rwanda contact Africa Fixers Ltd. We work with a range of crew for film productions and anyone you want we can provide to support your film crews and they can as well come with gear and filming equipment for the shoot.

Kit customs clearing

For those who are interested in bringing their own filming gear into the country. Working with our close-bonded agents, we can make sure that they are temporarily cleared in without any problem. All you have to do is send us your kit list showing type, serial numbers, and value in dollars, and we will gladly handle it for you as you come into the country and as you exit.

Transport and Accommodation.

For film productions shooting in Kigali and Rwanda in general, having realiable transport network and accommodation that is safe and secure. We get you to the filming locations and assist you with booking the necessary accommodation for you to stay in during your shooting period. According to your shoot plan, we are able to recommend the best for you and make all the necessary reservations.

Transport options ranging from 4×4 vehicles for rough terrain to hotels and guesthouses which are affordable. Africa Fixers will assist you with organizing transport and accommodation. 

Transportation:

  • For rough terrain or national parks. Consider customized 4×4 Land Cruisers or 4×4 Safari Vans. 
  • For general travel. 4×4 Safari Vans can do the work comfortably and are reliable in the city and urban areas.
  • Charter or scheduled air transport. Consider this option to reduce travel time. Like flights.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of options to choose from for accommodation based on location of the shoot, budget and security. All these are to be considered when planning to film and we as professionals will advise you on which are the best options to book and also book for you as we get agent rates.

Visas.

To enter Rwanda for filming, you will need to get visas and for many countries its possible to get the visa on arrival. Many film crews prefer to get their visas before arrival in the country but visas can also be obtained upon arrival at Kigali International Airport.  All crew members should have a passport valid for at least six months and a valid yellow fever card certificate. 

Choose Africa Fixers.

Africa Fixers is a film Fixing Company with its major office in Rwanda; we pride ourselves on assisting filming companies and Production agencies that are interested in filming in several African countries. We are very capable of handling all fixer services required. Our team of local fixers and driver guides is very professional. Over the years, we have been able to get all relevant connections with other service providers and authority agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are easily processed. Contact us now for details and all the relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Rwanda.