service production in tanzania

Filming in Tanzania

Filming Made Easy with
Your Fixer in Tanzania

When filming in Tanzania there are several essential elements to take on board. These range from understanding how to apply for film permits to making sure you use the right hand when greeting someone! With Tanzania Fixers, however, you won’t have the headaches of figuring out the particular challenges that foreign film companies face. Our fixer in Tanzania will take care of all logistical issues and guide you through the social etiquette and customs you’ll need to uphold while filming in this stunning country. 

Visa for Tanzania

You will be required to have a business visa to carry out professional filming in Tanzania. These usually cost $250 and can take up to six weeks to be approved. You can apply for a visa through your local embassy or directly with the Tanzanian immigration department through their online application system. It’s important to be aware that details related to work permits can change, so refer to your local embassy’s website regularly to ensure you are up-to-date with the requirements.

Film Permits in Tanzania

Obtaining film permits in Tanzania can be complex as different permits are needed for different areas. However, working with a fixer in Tanzania will help you move through this process easily. It’s important to note that permits issued for Tanzania are not valid in Zanzibar so you must apply separately to film here. A regular Tanzanian film permit costs approximately $1,000 but leaves ample time for the process. If you wait until the last minute, the price will be higher. 

Special equipment
renting info

Tanzania is well-used to international filming projects happening in the country and as such, sourcing special film equipment is not an issue. Tanzania Fixers has a lot of long-standing relationships with leading film rental companies in the major cities and national park areas, and our film fixer will ensure you get the top-of-the-range equipment that you need at great prices. In addition, we’ll make certain that all of your kit is safely transported, and properly set up and supervised at the filming location. 

Cultural facts

Be careful about using your left hand when in Tanzania–it’s typically used for bathroom activities! So always shake hands, eat food, and hand over or accept items using your right hand. When you do shake hands with a Tanzanian, be aware that they may continue clutching your hand throughout the conversation. This is a good thing, though, as it indicates friendship. And while Tanzanians are very friendly, they are still very conservative, so it’s important to be respectful and dress modestly while in public.    

Weather when filming in Tanzania

While Tanzania has a generally warm climate all year round, it does have four seasons.  They are the long rainy season, called masika, (mid-March to May), the long dry season (June to October), the short rainy season, known as vuli, from November to January, and the short dry season until mid-March.  Summer is from November to March, however, and so while it may rain, it’ll still be very hot. When filming in Tanzania during this period, remember to take precautions to prevent sunstroke.

Tax rebate in Tanzania

Tanzania has no tax rebates or incentives for international filmmaking in the country. This isn’t particularly rare in Africa as the film sector is still relatively small when compared to other continents. 

However, in “Swahiliwood”, the name given to Tanzania’s film industry, there has been some significant growth and development in recent years. This has seen a lowering of film permit fees and may lay the ground for future international filming incentives. Your fixer in Tanzania will keep you updated with any changes in this area. 

Filming in Tanzania

Filming in Tanzania is a thrilling, inspiring experience. The country is home to an extraordinary natural environment from mountain peaks to lush animal-filled savannahs that go on forever. The weather is typically warm but be prepared for a lot of rainfall at certain times of the year.  

For general production logistics, including applying for film permits and visas, we suggest you work with our accomplished team. As a leading fixer in Tanzania, we’ll make sure that filming here happens smoothly– but that means ensuring that all the preparation work is carried out accurately. 

There are a few places on earth as wondrous and wild as Tanzania, and if you’ve chosen to film here, let’s make your experience stress-free, easy, and as exciting as possible.

filming in tanzania