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Fixer in Zomba District Southern Malawi
Looking for a fixer in Zomba district Malawi? Africa Fixers is available to provide all fixer services from acquiring filming permits, location scouting, hiring local crew, customs clearance and so much more.
Zomba District lies in the Southern part of Malawi. The main town of this district is called Zomba. Zomba town is situated on at the foot of the mountain Zomba. In terms of position, Zomba district is bordered by Phalombe district, Mulanje and Chiradzulu to the south, Balaka district on the North East, Blantyre district on the to the South Western part and Mozambique on the eastern boundary. The area covered by Zomba District is about 2363 square kilometers.
The topography of Zomba District is made up of the shire highlands including Zomba Plateau. The River Shire forms the Northwestern boundary of Zomba District and it is this part that makes up the Shire River Valley. The River Shire Valley is part of the great east African Rift Valley and this runs from the north to the southern part of Zomba District.
In terms of governance, Zomba District has 10 National Assembly Constituencies. These constituencies include Zomba Changalume, central, likangala, Chingale, Thondwe, lisanjala, Chisi, Msongole, Malose, Mtonye and Malose,
Agriculture is the main economic activity of Zomba District with tobacco, maize as some of the best cash crops grown in the district. Other crops grown in the district include Sweet potatoes, Rice, cassava, peas, beans and others. Animal husbandry is also growing in Zomba district with some of the common animals being cattle, goat raring, sheep, fish farming and others. Get in touch for more information.
Filming permit for Zomba district in Malawi.
Filming in Zomba District Malawi requires you to first seek permission and get approvals and permits the permits as a Filmmaker and television broadcaster and pay the applicable fees as required. The filming permit has to be requested in a formal request letter and fees charged depend on the length of the project and also the number of crew coming. Once you write the application, our local Malawi fixer will submit it and follow up on the entire process until it is approved. this they will respond and a fee Some locations are private and might require you to even seek for further authorization to access them and also acquire the necessary location permits. For assistance getting a filming permit for Malawi please feel free to contact Africa fixers.
Media accreditation for Malawi.
Filming in Malawi requires you to have media accreditation for everyone on the crew. Everyone that intends to be on the filming team will be required to have their media accreditation worked on and approved before they start to do any filming work in the country. Requirements for the application include; Formal application letter on company headed paper, passport copies of all crew members, a digital copy of passport photo for each crew member, and list of gear they are traveling with. Media accreditation fees for filming in Malawi is USD50.00 per person. If you are planning to film in Malawi, let Africa Fixers assist you in getting media accreditation.
Brief History of Zomba District in Malawi
During the Colonia Era, Zomba was the administrative center for Nyazalanda ( Current Malawi)under the British Central African Protectorate from 1891 to 1975. Zomba was the capital city of Nyasaland before Independence but after independence the capital city of Malawi was changed to Lilongwe which still reigns.
As slave trade claimed a number of vulnerable Africans in Nyasaland, a residence was set up in Zomba in 1887 where people would hide away from slave traders. Currently, this residence is used for government business. Even the presence of the Cobbe Barracks which was home to the king’s artilleries is now used for storing some Malawian artilleries.
Zomba district still has the building where the Parliament of Malawi used to seat until 1994. This building was constructed in 1957. Even other government offices were found in Zomba District. the clock tower is a reminder of the World War 1.
In 1974, the constituency campus of University of Malawi called Chancellor College was opened in Zomba district and them the district was known for being a center of Education.
How To Get To Zomba District
Zomba District is at a distance of about 284. 8 kilometers drive time is about 3 to 4 hours. There is both public and private transport. The road network connecting these two districts is generally better compared to other districts in Malawi.
Charter flight services are available too but advance booking is required for better planning and making all necessary clearance. It is better to use the service of a local fixer on ground to make sure the booking for you in order to feel safer while traversing this amazing district. Ensure you follow the Malawian road safety guidelines in order not to fall-out with the traffic officers. For assistance in planning your transportation in Malawi, feel free to contact Africa Fixers
What To Do And See In Zombo District
Scenic viewing
Zomba district has a number of different landforms that make up its topography. The presence of Zomba Mountains in the shire highlands, shire highlands forms the division between the River Shire basin and Lake Chilwa. A number of Rivers like River likangala, Thondwe River drain into Lake Chilwa and these flow from the highlands around Zomba District that surrounds this lake. The Shire highlands of which Zomba plateau is part are amazing running at an altitude of about 2087 meters above sea level.
Hiking on Zomba Plateau
For a chance to test your level of fitness, arrange to take guided hike on some of the highlands in this district including Zomba Plateau and others. Along the way, you walk past different farmlands, dense forest cover, various vegetation zones and others. The Zomba Plateau covers about 130 square kilometers. A number of routes lead up the Zomba plateau and you may take the longer or shorter route. Some of the routes on the plateau include the William’s Waterfalls, Chingwe’s hole, highest peak and others.
In case you wish to get away from the crowds while in Malawi, a hike on Zomba Mountain may provide one of the perfect choices.
Sports Fishing
Zomba district is unique right from its natural physical features to the structures that still portray the Colonia architecture. Sports fishing in the different water bodies that the district hosts that is rivers, Lake Chilwa, swamps to mention but a few. To be allowed to engage in the sports fishing adventure, you may require a fishing permit and carry your fishing equipment too. Some of the fish species you may catch include catfish, lungfish, tilapia and others.
Zomba Town Tour
Taking the city tour in Zomba town is exciting while you drive through this historical town in Malawi. While you move through the different roads in the city, you may get to the colonial architectural buildings some of which include the old Malawian Parliamentary building that was built in 1957. The Zomba plateau that is crisscrossed by a number of Rivers that flow down the cliff to create some waterfalls,
When you get to the top of the Zomba Plateau you get the best views and it is refreshing.
Birding in Zomba District
For keen birders, there are chances of spotting a variety of bird species that spend time in this area. Some of the birds you may identify including augur buzzard, long crested eagle and others, starting the birding adventure early is very important in order to cover and capture more birds.
Waterfalls Experience
The sparkling water falls of Zomba provide an amazing scenery. When standing over the William Falls waterfalls after biking, you enjoy the freshness and you can swim in the Plunge pool to cool off the day’s heat. You may try to get closer to or swim over to the falls for an amazing experience
Horse Ridding at the Zomba Plateau
Spice up your tour in Zomba district by opting to enjoy an adventure while on top of horseback. There is no experience required because on ground there are instructors to lead the way. Move slowly while enjoying the surrounding. In case you are an armature, there are instructors to give you the basic techniques of horseback riding at your own convenience and comfort.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Zomba District
Zomba district can be visited any time of the year but the dry season is most preferred. The dry season is normally June to early October when the district generally receives less precipitation. The trails of spots like Zomba plateau where hiking takes place are quicker to navigate in the dry season. Even the dense network of rivers flows in the normal course. The vegetation around the district is lower in the dry season allowing better visibility of the different features.
The demand for tours around Malawi is higher in the dry season so expect more tourists on ground. Open your mind to meeting other visitors on ground in this season. For most outdoor activities the dry season provides perfect timing.
The festive season of the year is also great time for more people to visit Zomba District attractions when people want to bond with nature. It case you wish to have company during the adventures in Zomba district, you can take advantage of the dry season.
The wet season which is normally March, April, May and November is also great timing for a visit to Zomba District. The vegetation is greener and beautiful creating a stunning scenery. The water pressure may increase at the falls during the dry season. Be careful with the choice of activities to choose during the wet season because sometimes the ground gets boggy especially during the severe rain season.
For tranquility and peace while on holiday in Zomba, the wet season may create a perfect ambience for you to get this feeling when there is less disturbance. Even the cost of logistics that support tours around Zomba district are fairly cost friendly if you have a limited budget. For more information on when to plan your shoot in Malawi , please feel free to reach out to Africa fixers.
How Safe is Zomba District For a shoot
The security of Zomba district is managed by the different security organs of Malawi who are on the ground to keep law and order. Even most destinations around the district have on ground security officials. In case you are faced with unsafe conditions or lose your belongings, you can report the matter to the nearest police station in Zomba district where follow up will be made.
As a person, you need to mind your safety by not engaging in unlawful activities that may land you into trouble with the law. You need to be the security of your belongings by avoiding exposing your valuables to the public.
In case you have to hike the Shire Highlands, carry a first aid kit with the necessary items to use in the wilderness in case of an emergency. Pack some gears that can enable you to go through the entire hike to the end safely. Do not forget a drinking water bottle in order to quench thirst while you take on this adventure. During the wet season, the hike up the different highlands in this district may be challenging however you need some level of fitness.
Choose Africa fixers
Africa Fixers is a local fixing company that assists production companies and crews to film in Malawi. Our job as a fixer company is to make sure that your shoot process is seamless. Africa fixers has been helping crews organise their shoot in Malawi and other countries in Africa for over 10 years and we have gained a lot of experience in this field. We have stable connections with several authorities that are in charge of issuing our permits that are needed for filming in Malawi. Above all, we ensure that our clients have their shoots successfully.
