Rwanda’s Akagera National Park located 2.5-hours outside Kigali city is the only savannah National Park and also the only place where one can go search, find and film Big cats in Rwanda. The most common big cats in Akagera national park are Lions which were only reintroduced in 2015 after seven lions (two males and five females) were flown in from private reserves in South Africa by African Parks an organisation that oversees the management of Akagera National Park. Two Additional males were brought into the park in 2017 and the number of lions in the back has since been on the rise with almost a dozen Cubs Being born in Akagera National park. Filming Big Cats in Rwanda
Leopards have been sighted in Akagera National Park but the numbers are still scanty. however, the best sightings are known to occur around the Magashi camp area – a place you might want to consider visiting during your shoot.
Smaller but equally interesting cats like civets, serval & genet cats have been sighted in Akagera National park.
Best time to Film Big cats in Akagera National park
The Best time to film Big cats in Rwanda is in the drier months of June to September. During this time, the bushes tend to thin out thus making it easier for cat filming.
Except for if you love to get soaked, it’s important to avoid the months of March & April – as these are the rainy months in Rwanda.
Requirements for Filming Big cats in Rwanda
- Rwanda Media/Filming Permits (Press Accreditation)
Rwanda Media/Filming permits are issued by Rwanda Media High Council. For crew to apply for Media Permits (press accreditation) in Rwanda you will be required to fill in the Rwanda Press Accreditation Application Form (click the link to download form) attach the following;
- Official letter requesting for accreditation addressed to the Executive Secretary.
- Scan and send a recent coloured passport size photograph.
- Scan & send a copy of your passport.
- Scan & Send a copy of your 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.
- Scan & Send a copy of a Media/press card from your country of origin.
- Scan & Send a receipt of Payment from the Rwanda Revenue Authority.
- Scan & send a list of Filming equipment and kits to be used during your shoot.
All the above should be accompanied by a synopsis with details on when, where, why and for what reasons they are specifically interested in filming the Big cats in Rwanda. Don’t forget to list the crew (names, occupation or role). We will then forward this to our sister company East Africa Film fixers™ to start the process of securing your Media permits. This typically takes us between 2 -7 working days depending on the nature of the project.
Rwanda Media/Filming Permit Fees
- $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
We humbly remind you to treat the above rates as a guide and know that they can change from time to time. Contact Us for the latest Rwanda Media Permit fees.
- Location Permit:
Permits & permission to film inside Rwanda’s National park is issued by the Rwanda Development Board – a government body charged with the role of managing all wildlife protected areas (national parks & reserves) in Rwanda. We will then process your permission to film inside Akagera national park.
