Filming White Rhinos in Rwanda

Filming White Rhinos in Rwanda is one of the interesting series to film in Rwanda in Akagera National Park. Filming White Rhinos in Rwanda Akagera National Park will also give you an opportunity to film a variety of other animals which include the topi, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, eland, zebra, serval cats, duiker, impala, black-masked civet, reedbuck, hyena, waterbuck, mongoose bush pigs, giraffe, side-stripped jackal, Klipspringer, Sitatungas, Antelopes and roan antelope. Among the primate species include vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons and bush-babies.

History of White Rhinos in Rwanda

In 2010, the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks partnered to manage Akagera, transforming the park into one of the most coveted wildlife destinations in Africa and a sustainable revenue source for the region’s communities. Law enforcement was overhauled and robust community programs put in place, allowing for wildlife to increase and for key reintroductions to occur, such as lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017 and 2019. To ensure that this new population of white rhinos also flourishes, each rhino has been fitted with a transmitter to enable constant monitoring by dedicated tracking teams; a canine anti-poaching unit and helicopter surveillance are also in place to provide further support for their long-term protection.

Rwanda Welcomes 30 White Rhinos in Largest-Ever Single Translocation

30 wild white rhinos have been successfully translocated from South Africa to Rwanda in the largest-ever single translocation effort, aimed at establishing a new stronghold for the species in Akagera National Park

In the largest single rhino translocation ever undertaken, 30 white rhinos have been introduced to Akagera National Park in Rwanda, sourced from andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Announced on Monday November 29th, the translocation was carried out through a collaboration between the Rwanda Development Board, African Parks and andBeyond, with funding provided by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

Requirements and permissions for Filming White Rhinos in Rwanda Akagera National Park

You will need to get a Rwanda filming permit for you to be allowed to film White Rhinos in Rwanda Akagera National Park. 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 then Film Fixers Uganda can assist you to do all the ground process 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 Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture an institution under the Ministry of Sports and Culture. Then for your filming equipment will also need to be cleared with customs at the point of Entry in Rwanda. Contact us here we will be able to 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 White Rhinos in Akagera National Park. 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 attach the following;

• Official letter requesting for accreditation addressed to the Executive Secretary
• Two coloured passport size photographs
• A copy of your passport
• A copy of visa expect 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 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 to 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 here for up-to-date rates for White Rhinos in Akagera National Park.

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 obtaining 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 USD30.00 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

Eco Adventure Safaris 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 on the number of hours.

Fixers in Rwanda to help you film White Rhinos in Rwanda Akagera National Park

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 are able to provide relevant information and fix any situation on the ground. These act as intermediaries between you and our office while on location in Rwanda.

Accommodation where to stay during Filming White Rhinos in Rwanda Akagera National Park

Hotel options to stay in during Filming White Rhinos in Rwanda Akagera National Park 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 Camp among others. Contact us here for reservation and booking details.

What is the best time to film White Rhinos Rwanda in Akagera National Park?

Filming White Rhinos in Rwanda Akagera National Park is done throughout the year and the best time is during the dry season months of June to September and December to March. During this time there are fewer rains and the bushes are not fully grown making the sighting and to film them is easy.

How to get to Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park can be accessed by air and road. The drive will take you about 3 hours from Kigali to get to the park. There are scheduled flights from Kigali to the park organized by Akagera Aviation.

Why use Eco Adventure Safaris to film White Rhinos in Rwanda Akagera National Park.

Eco Adventure Safaris is a local safari company that also assists filming companies and Production agencies interested in shooting 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 about Filming White Rhinos in Rwanda Akagera National Park.