Filming on Akagera River

Filming on Akagera River

Akagera River also known as Kagera River or Alexandra Nile begins its flow in Burundi flowing out from Lake Rweru. From here it flows east along the Rwanda-Burundi and Rwanda-Tanzania borders to a confluence with the Ruvubu River. The river proceeds through Akagera National Park and then into Lake Victora in Uganda. There is much to film on this river including wildlife in Akagera National Park, fisheries, local communities, and the famous history of the River Akagera and the Rwanda Genocide.

Fish

The Akagera River basin is rich in various fish species. At least 55 species have been recorded in this river basin from the Rwandan section alone

The history of the Genocide

During the Rwandan genocide of 1994, the Akagera River was used to dispose off corpses as thousands of Tutsis and Hutus were murdered on the river banks. This in turn brought the massacred bodies into Lake Victoria creating a serious health hazard in Uganda. Because of this Rwandese don’t eat fish which they believe that they would be feeding on their people that were disposed off in River Akagera.

Requirements and permissions for filming on Akagera River

You will need to get a filming permit for you to be allowed to film on Akagera River. Rwanda filming permits are issued by the Ministry of Sports and Culture. Filming permits can be secured directly by contacting this ministry however if you want less hassle, Film crew Fixers can assist you to do all the ground processes to secure for you the Rwanda Filming permits. Filming permits in Rwanda cost $30 valid for 15 Days and $50 valid for 3 Days. The permits are strictly issued by the Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture an institution under the Ministry of Sports and Culture. Then for your filming equipment, you will also need to be cleared with customs at the Point of Entry in Rwanda. Contact us at Film crew fixers and we will process both the filming permissions with Local Authorities in Rwanda, Accommodation, transportation for you as well guide, and help you with clearance processes at the point of entry into Rwanda.

Rwanda Press Accreditation

After securing the Rwanda Filming permits for filming in Rwanda, all film crew members must have press Accreditation from the Rwanda Media High Council to be allowed to film on Akagera River. For you to get the press accreditation in Rwanda you will be required to fill in the Rwanda Press Accreditation Application Form (Which we normally send to you) with all details and then attached the following;

• Official letter requesting for accreditation addressed to the Executive Secretary
• Two colored passport size photographs
• A copy of your passport
• A copy of visa except for those who come from countries that benefit from the Rwanda Visa Waiver For example From the East African Community member states, USA, COMESA Member states among others contact us here for more details
• A copy of a press card from your country of origin
• A receipt of Payment from the Rwanda Revenue Authority
• List of Filming equipment and kits to be used during your shoot

On top of this, we will need a letter from the filming company detailing who they are, why they are filming, where they will be filming, and details of crew members on this shoot. We will attach this letter with all details provided and send them to Rwanda Media High Council for press accreditation. This takes 2-3 working days for the press accreditation cards to be ready.

For you to secure the Rwanda Press Accreditation you are required to pay as follows to Rwanda Revenue Authority depending on the length of your shoot in Rwanda;

• $30 Press Accreditation Card valid for 01 to 15 days
• $50 Press Accreditation Card valid for 15 days to 30 days
• $100 Press Accreditation Card valid for 1 to 3 months
• $200 Press Accreditation Card valid for 3 to 6 months
• $300 Press Accreditation Card valid for 6 months to 1 year

Kindly note the rates above are used as a guide and these change from time to time. Contact us for up-to-date rates for filming on Akagera River.

Rwanda Visa Advice

You will need to purchase a Tourist or Business visa for you to get into Rwanda for Filming. Many film crews prefer getting their visas before they come to Rwanda but visas can be obtained easily upon arrival at any entry point and in this case Kigali International Airport upon paying either USD50.00 for Tourist Visa you will be able to get it immediately. Those who come from countries that benefit from the Rwanda Visa Waiver For example From the East African Community member states, USA, COMESA Member states among others don’t need to pay for the Visa and they will be cleared upon arrival at any point of entry into Rwanda contact us here for more details.

Rwanda Vehicle Hire Services

Film Crew Fixers organizes transport for film crews depending on their interest, budget, and the nature of roads in such selected locations they are filming in Rwanda. For rough terrains, like in National Parks, we recommend Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers which costs from USD200-250 per vehicle per day with Driver/Fixer or 4×4 Safari Vans from USD200 per Van per day with driver/Fixer. For us to estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your filming schedule to establish mileage and distance to be traveled. We also organize both charter and scheduled air transport for those that need to fly in order to reduce the number of hours.

Fixers in Rwanda to help you film on Akagera River

All our vehicles come with drivers who act as location fixers and most of them have been to almost all parts of Rwanda and are thus conversant with the local situations and can provide relevant information and fix any situation on the ground. These act as intermediaries between you and our office while on location in Rwanda.

Where to say during filming on Akagera River

Lodge options to stay in during filming on Akagera River range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. You will choose what to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Lodge options include Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Karenga Bush Camp, Dereva Hotel, and Magashi Lodge among others. Contact us here for reservation and booking details.

What is the best time to film on Akagera River?

Filming on Akagera River is done throughout the year and the best time is during the dry season months of June to September and December to March.

Why use Film crew fixers to film on Akagera River.

Film crew Fixers is a local fixer company, we assist filming companies and Production agencies in Rwanda and East Africa as a whole. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies in Rwanda 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 to film on Akagera River.