Frequently Asked Questions About Filming in Malawi

Malawi is become increasingly an attractive filming destination for international crews. With a mix of scenic landscapes, from mountain ranges and highlands to pristine lakeshores and vibrant urban city centers. This makes Malawi ideal for documentaries, TV shows, feature films and commercials as well. Filming laws in Malawi are also quiet relaxed for film crews and the process easy to navigate to get the right permits and also the general logistics. If you’re planning a shoot in Malawi any time soon, here are some of the most frequently asked questions to guide you in your preparation.

Which are the top filming locations in Malawi?

Malawi is one of the smallest countries on the African continent but the country is not short of filming beauties and attractions and sceneries, film crews that come to film here are in such for a bountyfull shoot. From the natural features like the lakes, rivers and mountains to the vibrant cities and colourful building to national parks and wildlife reserves, you will not be short of what to film. Here are some of the notable locations of filming interest;

Lake Malawi
Mount Mulanje:
Liwonde National Park:
Nyika Plateau:
Zomba Plateau:
Liwonde National Park:
The Great Rift Valley
Mangochi District
Viphya Plateau
Nkhata Bay
Kasungu National Park
Lilongwe
Chinteche
Karonga

Read more for more information about filming locations in Malawi.

How do I apply for a filming permit in Malawi?

Application for the filming permit for Malawi is quiet simple and requires you to submit a filled in application to the Malawi Film and Television Board. The board will assess the application and what you are trying to film and a response either positive or negative will be shared. If approved, you will be required to make payment for the media accreditation. The whole process might take about 1-2 weeks to have the approval coming through provided you shared all required documents in time. Sometimes an on-site inspector might be attached to the team.

What should I include in my filming permit application for Malawi?

Project Details: synopsis, objectives, and locations.
Crew Information: there roles on the shoot and passport copies
Equipment List:
Insurance Proof:
Local crew on the shoot if any:
Local fixer on the shoot:

Can I hire local crew and equipment in Malawi?

Yes, hiring local production support in Malawi for your film is possible and Malawi Fixers will take centre point in arranging and allocating you the crew that fits your shoot needs and budget. What we need you to do is let us know which crew you need and what qualities you are looking for in the crew.

For equipment rental, we do work with high-end gear companies in the country, our role is to get you the gear you need for the shoot and ensure that it all works as it should. Sometimes its important to not that while we do have now filming equipment available in the country, its still limited and sometime not the exact thing that you need so we might have to offer you the next best alternative. Where possible we can hire the gear from neighboring countries like South Africa that have bigger gear industry than Malawi and we will handle all the customs clearing as well.

Do I need local film fixer or production service while filming in Malawi?

Its very important to have or hire the services of a local fixer while working in Malawi to ensure smooth handling process and avoid lengthy times of turn around. First, it’s getting the media accreditation and permits then going about things on ground. Without a fixer, these can be time consuming and also sometimes hard to get exactly what you want.

Africa Fixers has a group of well-trained fixers to handle all your production logistics in Malawi. They are very knowledgeable in as far as locations and filming in Malawi are concerned. Depending on your film project requirement, a fixer will make the work of logistics management and handling easy and provide quick turnarounds for you.

What are the regulations for filming in national parks or protected areas in Malawi?

Yes there are regulations around filming in National parks and all stem around conservation and protection of fauna and flora. To Film in Malawi National Park, you will be required to have the general filming permit and pay park fees as interpreted in the tarrif. In addition to this, you have to follow the respective rules and regulations that are put in place to protect the wildlife. Some regulations include keeping a safe distance from the animals, not damaging the environment, refraining from animal disturbance, etc

What types of insurance are recommended for filming in Malawi?

Its important that when applying to come for the shoot in Malawi you consider taking up insurance as it will be requested when apply for permits. mediacal insurance, gear all apply. Liability Insurance is need to cover you during the shoot and any shoot emergencies that might arise during the filming process. We can assist you with securing this in the country and attach it to your permit.

Also if you are planning to use a drone for filming, drone insurance will be required for the shoot before a permit is issued.

Are there any limitations on the type of content that can be filmed in Malawi?

Please note that when filming in Malawi, Anything considered harmful to moral image of the country prohibited and restricted. Family and friendly content that doesnt tint lies and immorality is acceptable and crews always have to start with the reason of filming and share a synopsis of the shoot for evaluation.

How do I manage transportation logistics within Malawi?

We provide comprehensive transport services for film crews across Malawi and across the region. Our fleet consists of Land Cruisers and 4×4 minibusses, specifically customized for photography and filming crews. Recognizing that film crews require additional space to transport their equipment, our vehicles are adjusted for that. Whether you need Land Cruisers or 4×4 minibusses, we have it all. Contact us for all your transportation needs.

Our fleet is driven by trained driver guides and local fixers who possess extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the destinations. These professionals have guided numerous film crews, making them invaluable for providing logistical support and direction. With their expertise, you can focus on the creative aspects of your project, while we handle the practicalities of transportation.

In addition to ground transport, we offer other options of charter flights to most of the destinations in and around Malai which are available upon request. These flights can be arranged to provide quick and convenient travel to remote which would otherwise be difficult-to-reach if traveling by road.

What is the best time of year to film in Malawi?

The dry season (May to October) is the best time with clear skies and accessible roads. The rainy season (November to April) brings lush landscapes but can also mean heavy rains and challenging logistics. However, filming depends on what you as a producer are looking for and when it can be got, all the disadvantages of the season can be worked around to ensure that the shoot is a success and the crew get what they want.

Why use malawi fixers to film in Malawi

We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. Working with us comes with over 10 years experience in the industry, hence the confidence we have in what we do. We have offered all pre-production and production fixer services to so many production companies all over the world and our POTIFOLIO speaks volumes. We have all the relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are processed in a short time. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Malawi.

Do we need Malawi visa and work permit?

Its important to note that getting either a tourist visa or business visa works for your entry into Malawi. We advise film crews to get there visa before arriving into the countries and this is possible through the evisa system of Malawi. Proof of yellow fever is necessary for entry. The prices of visas and work permits change regularly. For updated information regarding travel to Malawi you can contact us or your embassy.

Requirements for getting a Malawi Vise/work permit to come and film.

A valid passport is required for all foreign visitors
Citizens of most countries require a visa, which can be obtained at arrival
Yellow fever card
A list of countries who don’t require visa here.
A list of countries who need a visa can be found here the application can be made online.

What permits are required for filming in Malawi?

Filming in Malawi requires you to first seek for permission and get approvals and permits. These are required for all film crews regardless of the type of production you are working on be it small or large.

Media Accreditation: This is for every crew member on the shoot as long as they are foreigners approved before they start to do any filming work in the country. Local crew from Malawi do not require this as they have there journalist cards already.

Requirements: Formal application letter on company headed paper has to be submitted, passport copies of all crew members, a digital copy of passport photo for each crew member and list of gear that the crew is traveling with. Media accreditation fees for filming in Malawi is USD50.00 per person.

Filming permit: Further more on top of the media accreditation, you will need to get the general filming permit for the location where you are going to be filming. This is usually got from the local area authorities. This has to be requested in a formal request letter and fees charged depend on the length of the project and number of crew coming. Once we submit this they will respond with a week or two and a fee will be established which we will pay. Some locations are private and might require you to even seek for further authorization to access them. Get in touch with our team to provide you with rates and advise on how to start the process. Our local fixer will always negotiate the best rate for you. Allow us enough time (up to 3 weeks) for permitting. B-roll shoots that do not take exclusive use of public space do not require additional permits beyond the shoot accreditation card and film permit you have but you might need to get concent from the people you are filming.

Can I temporarily import filming equipment in Malawi?

When planning a shoot in Malawi and coming with filming equipment, you have to consider temporarily importation of gear to use for the shoot, customs gear clearing going hand in hand with media accreditation, we submit both applications at the same time. We have customs agents that we work with to facilitate the process of clearing the gear through customs. This process requires you to submit an inventory list of the gear that you are coming with, include serial numbers and prices of each item. Contact us today for customs handling for your shoot.

What are the requirements for customs equipment clearance on arrival?

All you need is just to send us a list of all the gear that you intend to bring in when filming in Malawi prior to the shoot dates. You have to include serial numbers and gear prices of each item on the list. Our customs agent will then work with the government customs office and process a non-refundable bond for the gear. Which will have to be paid and a permit printed. The gear still has to be cleared on arrival and as well on your departure so that you have no problems, usually the process takes about just a few minutes to resolve with paperwork already submitted. For fees and charges of both the customs agent and gear please contact us and we will get you this information.

Can I use drones for filming in Malawi?

Using a drone during filming in Malawi is allowed but you have to first get clearance with the law and also work within the law limitations of using a drone as stated by civil aviation authority. Clients with a drone can temoprarily have it imported into the country and can be used while filming. For one to use a drone, you will need to have acquired permission from Malawi’s Department of Civil Aviation. Key things to consider when bringing a drone into Malawi.

Permission is needed for each flight which is aquired from department of civil aviation.
Avoid flying near aircraft airports and airfields.
All flights should be in the visual line of sight.
Do not fly over groups of people, social gatherings, private property, schools and road races without permission
You’re not allowed to fly the drone vertically higher than 100 meters
The drone should be registered with the Department of Civil Aviation
An operator certificate from the Department of Civil Aviation is required for the drone pilot.

How do I handle potential language barriers while filming in Malawi?

Generally Malawi is an English speaking country but also has other languages that are spoken especially while working in rural Malawi. Its therefore recommended to have a fixer who speaks the language or hire an interpreter on the shoot to translate and bridge the language gap. The predominately spoken language is Chichewa which is their local dialect,

How should one conduct themselves when filming in Malawi?

It’s imperative that crews handle themselves in a way that respects the local cultures of Malawi. Observing proper etiquette is crucial when filming in Malawi. Follow the rules and regulations set by the government of the country while filming. Adhering to these cultural norms fosters positive interactions and mutual respect during your time in Malawi, be decent and avoid bad vises that might make you seem imoral.

What are the options for accommodation during filming in Malawi?

The accommodation options in Malawi are many and available all around the country and vary in budget ranges. From as low as $50 and upwards, you can get decent accommodation to stay in for a night. Security is very important for you and gear as well. Our role is to get for you accommodation that both fits the bill and meets security needs as well. These options include Hotels, Lodges, Guesthouses, Campsites etc which also come in various price ranges for you to choose from. Working within a budget is key and we will do our best to help you stay within from Budget, midrange to luxury options we have it all.

Can I get assistance with location scouting when filming in Malawi?

Scouting is important for any shoot and thus with our experience we do scouting on your behalf if requested. Our fixers will visit the shoot site take pictures talk with the locals, setup a map, consider timeframes and schedule appointments as well. If filming permit is need we will also handle is for you. Contact us today for location scouting for your shoot.

are there challenges of filming in remote areas of Malawi?

With many years of working in the industry we are not short of challenges while working in the field but that has also taught us alot and our team has experience in crisis management to ensure that you focus on shooting and only shooting. we handle security clearances crowds, accidents and much more. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Malawi.