From Hollywood films, such as John Wayne’s Hatari (1962), to regular National Geographic documentaries, film crews continue to come to Tanzania to get incredible footage.
Tanzania has some special locales that attract scientists, anthropologists and geologists, as well as film crews. Lake Tanganyika, Mount Kilimanjaro, endangered wildlife, the annual Great Migration, the Hadzabe Tribe, the traditional Maasai community, the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, and many more awesome features of Tanzania continue to draw.
lease know that professional camera crews and film-makers must obtain special permission from the government and pay additional fees. Note that the information below applies to filming in Tanzania mainland only. If you have a project in Zanzibar, you will need to get a special permit.
What filming doesn't require a permit
The key here is ‘professional’. If the intent of the film is for personal use, then you should be fine to take as many photos and videos as you can!
Filming that does not require special permits:
- Amateur or personal films
- Videos made on your private video camera or mobile phone
- GoPro Cameras that are for your own personal use
What filming requires a permit
You should remember, however, that professional does not, in essence, mean “commercial”. It means everything filmed with use of more than the ordinary amateur cameras. Even if you are filming for an NGO or for fun, but use large cameras, a permit will be required.
If you are a professional photographer, film maker, videographer or documentary-maker or journalist, then please read the following information carefully.
- If your project is commissioned or contracted by another company
- If you are a journalist and intend to use photos or videos as part of your work
- If your project requires large cameras and equipment that must be set up in advance
- If you are intending to film with the use of a drone at any point (including for amatuer or personal use), you will need a special permit.
