WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe has various filming locations including:
National parks: Chimanimani National Park, Chizarira National Park, Gonarezhou National Park, Mana pools National Park, Hwange National Park, Nyanga National Park, Matobo Hills National Park.
Cities: Bulawayo City, Harare City, Mutare City.
Falls: Victoria falls
Reserves: Cecil Kop Nature Reserve
When to film in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe’s annual weather patterns are not affected by the unexpected, the country is best visited between April and November. The earlier you visit, the greener it is. June to August is coolest, with the most temperate conditions within which to travel. Things heat up from September, during which wildlife viewing and photography options are at its best. Zimbabwe’s wet season runs from December through to March. The end of the rainy season is the best time to film the Victoria Falls when flow is strongest.
Transport and Accommodation in Zimbabwe
Several international airlines service flights to Zimbabwe. Major roads between tourist destinations are in excellent condition. Rural roads are in a poorer condition. Avoid travelling at night. Police checkpoints are common throughout the country.
Good accommodation options ranging from hotels to home rentals exist for all types of productions.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATION PERMITS, VISAS, WORK PERMITS & FILM EQUIPMENT
Film location permits: The filming permit of places in Zimbabwe vary according to the kind of location being filmed in. National Parks are charged differently compared to other places. The filming permits also depend on the number of days for filming, the kind of project being filmed and the number of people on the filming crew.
Visas: If you are getting a permit for International Crew Accreditation, this will cover the basis of your entry and crew will enter the country ticking the box of “coming in for business and foreign passports” entry visa at immigration desk at the airport. Timing, 4 weeks. Cost between $80-$100.
Work permits/accreditation: Accreditation is required for each visiting crew member, the ministry charges $1000-$1500(subject to change) for the shoot accreditation application plus $200 per crew member (up to 10 when it gets capped at $2500 flat rate).
Film equipment: Zimbabwe has basic camera, grip, and lighting equipment available locally. Drones are also available. South Africa is the closest major film production centre where crews and equipment can be brought in from. A temporary import permit is required.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT DRONE PERMITS IN ZIMBABWE
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority is the organization who issues the permits. The drone needs to be locally registered, with permits for urban/ parks usage as required. Costs are in line with other equipment imports (approximately 1.5% of equipment value) plus clearing agent fee of USD $400 which includes an airport assistance person coming in and going out. Carnet applies.
