If you looking to film in Tanzania then the first thing you need to do is obtain a filming permit is mandatory. This process requires you to work with a local film fixer in Tanzania to submit and put in your application with the Tanzania Filming Board. You have to fill in the filming form, have it endorsed by the Tanzanian consulate office in your country or at the embassy and send it back to us. Additionally, all crews have to comply with Tanzania’s rules and regulations as they go about the filming. Below is everything you need to know while you are planning to film in tanzania.

Filming Permit:

To have a successful filming expernice in Tanzania, you need to obtain a filming permit from the Tanzania Film Board (TFB). The application process requires you to work with a local fixer to facilitate the process. Its requirment to complete the application form and provide the necessary supporting documents. The filming permit can only be valid for 3 months and if you want to add more time, you need to put in a request.

Required Documents to get the Tanzania filming permit

  • A formal letter of application
  • A filled in application form
  • A detailed copy of the synopsis and shooting schedule (film itinerary)
  • Passport copies and passport photos of all traveling crew members (passports valid at least 6 months)
  • Ensure that the application document is endorsed by the Tanzania embassy in your home country.
  • Names of all crew members
  • Names of any Tanzanian nationals you intend to use or interview in the film
  • Locations where you plan to shoot
  • Estimated dates of filming

Processing Time

Application for the Tanzania filming permit takes anywhere between 2 weeks and a month to get the approval, but with the possibility of fast tracking the application, which of course comes at a fee.

Fees

The fees for filming in Tanzania vary depending on when you put in your application, if you put it in a month or so before the date of the trip the fee is cheaper but shorter duration to the shoot the fee is hire.
Rate for filming permit.

  • One month or more to the shoot $1000.00
  • Less than a month to the shoot $3000.00

We encourage that you start your application in time to enjoy the benefits of early processing in terms of fees saved. The permit application must be submitted 30 days before the start date of the shoot and the processing may take up to 1 month or so. So make sure that you file your application in advance for the shoot. If you need to expedite the permitting process, it is possible the application will be processed in as little as 7 days.

Visas

All foreign filming crew members are required to obtain a visa before arrival in Tanzania. The visa can be applied for through the electronic visa (eVisa) system where you have to submit the requirements which include passport copies, passport photos, and a yellow fever vaccination card.

Filming Equipment Customs Clearance

All filming equipment entering Tanzania must go through temporary customs clearance. Crews who are interested in bringing in their own equipment into the country have to go through customs clearing. Africa Fixers makes sure that the equipment is successfully cleared in for the time period needed.  Clearance is done through a bonded agent. We have reputable agents whom we work with and who will enable us to clear everything. You have to send a list of the kit. The list should have the type, serial numbers and the value in dollars.  10% percent charge is paid for the equipment to be cleared.

  • A detailed equipment list with serial numbers and item prices
  • A copy of the filming permit issued by the Tanzania Film Board

Popular Filming Locations in Tanzania

Tanzania offers a diverse range of filming locations from savannas to mountains, beaches and urban landscapes. These for film makers make a wide range of options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular filming locations that you can consider when trying to select a filming location in Tanzania.

Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam as a destination has a wide range of locations to choose from for film crews, be it culture, business or tourism and souks.

The Kariakoo Market, a bustling marketplace full of vibrant colors and life offers an authentic backdrop for filming.

Coco Beach offer scenic coastal location with white sand which is ideal for travel and lifestyle shoots capturing shoreline and coastal lifestyle and the Azania Front Church is also another, its a historical German colonial-era landmark with a unique architectural and cultural touch.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park offers unending filming opportunities for film productions interested in wildlife. Most notably, the Great Migration that starts in July to October, the start here to Kenya and then end the migration by returning back around January, one of the world’s most famous wildlife spectacles. The park is home to the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, which if you are doing a wildlife filming you get everything in one place. The perfect backdrop for documentaries and nature films capturing the raw beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness. However, on top of the filming permit you need to get a locations permit to be able to film in the park.

Ngorongoro Crater.

The Ngorongoro Crater has a unique caldera ecosystem that screams with a diverse range of wildlife. The bird life here is there for the camera. This is a good spot for nature and wildlife filming. The vast landscapes and rich biodiversity provide perfect opportunities for aerial and cinematography filming, getting the best of the wilderness.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africas tallest mountains, which offers breathtaking backdrops which are unmatched for adventure and nature films. Mount Kilimanjaro has a diverse landscapes from glaciers and dense forests to alpine meadows this unique flora and fauna is a good storyline for natural history shoots.

Zanzibar Archipelago:

The Zanzibar Archipelago offers opportunities for you to look at the historical background of the country from the rich Swahili culture of Stone Town, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Zanzibar also famous for its pristine beaches that make for nice travel documentaries and tourism-related stories. The history of the island looks at its architecture, Arabian culture and European styles making it an ideal destination for historical and cultural productions.

Best Time to Film in Tanzania

The best time to film in Tanzania depends on what and when you want to come and the nature of your project you are working on but the dry season from June to October and December to February is generally the best time. The dry season period offers clear skies, predictable weather and optimal conditions for wildlife filming including the iconic Great Migration. Contact us for more information.

June to October & December to February (Dry Season):

  • Ideal for wildlife filming, especially the Great Migration
  • Clear skies and predictable weather make it easier for outdoor shoots

March to May (Rainy Season):

  • The landscape is lush and green, making it perfect for nature and birdlife filming
  • Challenges include muddy roads and reduced visibility for wildlife shooting
  • For those interested in landscapes and birdlife, the rainy season from March to May provides a vibrant green backdrop though challenges like muddy roads and reduced visibility are very common.

Transport and Accommodation

We offer reliable transportation and secure accommodation as this is essential for film crews working in Tanzania. A reliable vehicle will ensure that you get to your destination safe and sound. The accommodations options we offer are safe and clean for you to stay at.

Transportation

  • 4×4 Safari Vehicles: Ideal for national parks and off-road filming.
  • Urban Transport: Reliable options for city shoots like vans and cruisers.
  • Chartered Flights: For those who need to access remote filming locations on request.

Accommodation

Tanzania offers a variety of options of accommodation ranging budget guesthouses to luxury lodges. We provide recommendations and handle bookings for you at the best rates. Security is always our top priority since you are traveling with expensive gear. Get in touch with our team.

Local Crew and Equipment Hire

Tanzania has a thriving film industry with experienced professionals available for hire. Tanzania is a hotspot for local talent with loads of experience in the film industry and also with the most up to date filming gear.

Local Crew: We are well connected with the local talent market and we get you the best crew at the most affordable rates to work with including directors, cinematographers, sound technicians, fixers, and makeup artists anything, be it tailored to your project needs.

Film Equipment Hire: We offer a range of professional gear, including ARRI and RED cameras, prime lenses, lighting rigs, sound equipment, drones, rigging and grip. Contact us now with your request and we will put it together for your shoot.

Why Use Tanzania Fixer for Your Filming Needs?

Tanzania Fixer is a locally based fixer company specializing in handling all the essential services required for a smooth filming experience. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are processed in the shortest time possible. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming.