Tanzania is a wonderful place to photograph, from wildlife to markets and landscapes. Holiday photography is free and easy, but a few rules apply, and commercial filming needs permits.
Do not photograph
- Police, soldiers, military areas and vehicles.
- Government buildings, including State House.
- Airports, ports, bridges and border posts.
- Prisons.
Officials can delete your photos or confiscate your camera. If in doubt, ask your guide.
Photographing people
- Always ask first. A smile and “Naweza kupiga picha?”, may I take a photo, usually helps.
- Respect a no. Some people, especially older women in Zanzibar and Muslim areas, prefer not to be photographed.
- Payment: some Maasai and others in popular areas ask for a small fee. Agree it before you shoot.
- Children: ask a parent.
- Show people the photo afterwards. It is a good way to connect.
In the parks
Personal photography and video are allowed in all national parks. Stay in the vehicle, do not ask your guide to drive off-road for a shot where it is banned, and never disturb animals for a photo. Read national park rules and wildlife photography tips.
Drones
Drones need permits from several authorities and are banned in national parks without special permission. Read drone rules in Tanzania.
Commercial filming
Filming for television, film, advertising or paid online content needs permission. Typical requirements include:
- A filming permit from the Tanzania Film Board.
- Filming fees and permission from the national park authority (TANAPA), the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority or other site managers.
- The right work permits or visas for crew.
- Customs clearance for professional equipment.
Allow several weeks to arrange permits. Influencers and content creators working with brands should check whether their project counts as commercial.
Respect and privacy
Ask before photographing inside homes, schools, churches and mosques. Read Tanzanian culture and etiquette.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Personal photography and video are allowed. Commercial filming needs permits and fees.
Police, military, government buildings, airports, bridges, border posts and prisons.
For commercial filming, yes: from the Tanzania Film Board and the relevant park or site authority.
