
Filming the Virunga Volcanic Mountains in Rwanda
April 23, 2022
Black Rhinos in Akagera National Park
April 23, 2022The Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony Kwita Izina. Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony- Kwita Izina is one of the best Gorilla events to film in the world, this takes place in Rwanda every year held on World Gorilla Day 24th September. The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony is modeled off a centuries old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. For three decades prior to the first official gorilla naming ceremony, park rangers and researchers named Rwanda’s mountain gorilla babies as part of monitoring each gorilla in their family and habitat. Then in 2005 Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board began officially to name mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature.
According to Rwanda Development Board over the last fifteen years, more than 300 mountain gorillas have been named and today Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve our natural heritage and further expand the role of tourism in our country’s transformation. As a result of the naming ceremony, Rwandans from all walks of life understand the intrinsic value of gorillas as well as their contribution to the country’s economic prosperity. Rwandans have become gorilla guardians. Filming the Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony is possible with Eco Adventure Safaris who will help you plan and book all services of your shoot accordingly.
For film makers, Requirements and permissions for filming the Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony
You will need to get a filming permit for you to be allowed to film the Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony and permission from Rwanda Development Board. 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 Eco Adventure Safaris 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 at Eco Adventure Safaris 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 the Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony. For you to get the press accreditation in Rwanda you will be required to film 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 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
Rwanda Visa Advice
You will need to purchase the 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 travelled. We also organize both charter and schedule air transport for those that need to fly in order to reduce on the number of hours.
Fixers in Rwanda to help you film the Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony
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 ground. These act as intermediaries between you and our office while on location in Rwanda.
What is the best time to visit the Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony Kwita Izina?
The best time for the Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony Kwita Izina is on 24th September every year when the event is help. You will need to arrive into Rwanda atleast a day before the event so that you can prepare well in advance for the shoot.
Why use Eco Adventure Safaris to visit the Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony.
Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your visit of the Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony Kwita Izina contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking safari packages that start and end in Rwanda Kigali ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to check out our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great tour in Rwanda with us. Contact us here for more information the Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony Kwita Izina.