Filming in Nyungwe National Park – Nyungwe National Park is a filmmaker’s paradise, offering cinematic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage.
Filming in Rwanda is intense, similar to South Sudan, so before sending your crew to begin filming, ensure you have obtained permission from the Rwanda Development Board and park authorities.
This permission is issued by the Ministry of Sports and Culture, and the filming permit in Rwanda costs $30 for 15 days or $50 for 30 days, strictly issued by the Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture.
Equipment must also be cleared at the point of entry into Rwanda.
The filming crew must have press accreditation from the Rwanda Media High Council to be allowed to film in Nyungwe National Park.
This requires an official letter requesting accreditation addressed to the Executive Secretary, two color passport-size photographs, a copy of your passport, a copy of your press card from your home country, and a receipt of payment from the Rwanda Revenue Authority.
For smooth filming, it is recommended to hire local guides and fixers who can provide valuable local knowledge and resources.
Be sure to follow the park’s rules and regulations, as there are sensitive animal species that can easily become stressed by new equipment or noise.
Additionally, respect is key when filming in local communities—always follow cultural sensitivity guidelines.
The dry season, from June to September, is the most favorable time for filming.
During this period, your equipment is less likely to be affected by rain or fall on muddy ground.
The wet season (March to May) also allows for filming, offering lush vegetation and dramatic skies.
There is a wide range of scenic beauty to capture, including animal species such as monkeys, chimpanzees, birds, and giraffes.
The park’s stunning waterfalls and rivers add to its charm, with bubbling water connecting to glittering rivers that run through the forest.
For an exclusive experience, visit the local communities, where residents will share their history and social life.
You can also film as you pass through the tea plantations.
Nyungwe National Park is accessible by both road and air.
By road, you will drive through Kigali via Lake Kivu, then proceed south to Nyungwe, covering a distance of approximately 225 kilometers, which takes around five to six hours.
By air, you can take a domestic flight with RwandAir, which takes only 45 minutes to reach the park.
If you want to showcase the wild heart of Africa through film, Nyungwe National Park is the best option for you.
