Botswana
Filming in
When planning your film production in Botswana, it’s essential to have the right team on board. A dedicated producer and film crew can make all the difference in ensuring your project runs smoothly from start to finish. Line production in Botswana can be challenging due to limited infrastructure, but partnering with a skilled Botswana fixer is the key to streamlining the process. Whether you’re embarking on film production or still photography production, the diverse landscapes and rich culture of Botswana offer stunning settings for your creative vision. Your Botswana fixer plays a crucial role in obtaining permits, coordinating logistics, and sourcing film equipment or still equipment to meet your specific needs. With their local expertise, your producer, film crew, and still photography fixer can navigate the unique challenges of filming in this remarkable African destination. Botswana, with its untamed beauty and cultural richness, awaits your creative storytelling.
Africa's Eden Awaits
As you embark on your cinematic journey through this remarkable country, African Fixer is your trusted partner, ensuring that every frame captures the essence of Botswana’s rich tapestry.
Botswana’s film adventures typically commence in Maun, a gateway to the renowned Chobe National Park, where elephants, buffaloes, and lions reign supreme. From there, explore the Tuli Block, aptly nicknamed the ‘Land of Giants,’ where towering Baobab trees punctuate surreal rock formations.
Extend your journey to the majestic Victoria Falls, with direct flights from Maun International Airport to Kasane. Connecting flights between Johannesburg and Kasane ensure a seamless experience, even when importing film equipment from South Africa. With an abundance of scenic spots in Maun, your production takes flight effortlessly.
In the northern reaches of Botswana, home to diamond, copper, and nickel mines, the U.S. dollar seamlessly complements the Botswana Pula, making filmmaking here cost-effective. While local crews are mandatory for wildlife productions, Botswana’s absence of indigenous film production companies means everything is sourced from South Africa.
As you prepare to craft your cinematic masterpiece in Botswana, remember that African Fixer stands ready to transform your vision into reality. The untamed beauty and cultural richness of this land await your creative storytelling.
Ready to embark on your cinematic adventure in Botswana? Contact African Fixer and let’s turn your dreams into unforgettable frames.
Capital City
Gaborone
languages
English & Setswana
Currency
Botswana Pula (BWP)
Weather
Hot summers - Mild Winters
Environmental Responsibility
Remember the iconic Coca-Cola bottle scene from ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’? In Botswana, preserving its pristine natural beauty is no laughing matter. The Ministry of Environment, Wildlife, and Tourism enforces stringent regulations for foreign film crews to protect the environment. This includes embargoes on visas until compliance is ensured. African Fixer, with its local connections, can expedite the permitting process, making your environmental responsibilities seamless.
Horseback Riding Safari: A Cinematic Odyssey
Botswana’s vast expanse, often devoid of infrastructure, demands self-sufficiency when filming. African Fixer has you covered with essentials like food, water, and battery-operated equipment, ensuring you’re ready for your off-the-beaten-path adventures.
For an unforgettable safari experience, hop on horseback. Botswana reigns supreme as the world’s best destination for riding safaris. Traverse from the arid desert to the iconic Okavango Delta wetlands at a thrilling pace. These safaris offer various combinations, like Ride and Cycle or Ride and Fly camping, blending creature comforts with wilderness immersion. Imagine cantering alongside graceful giraffes, the perfect vantage point for observing the Big 5 in action. Safety is paramount in Botswana, boasting a 40-year track record, and our experienced guides infuse your journey with boundless energy.
Cultural Immersion
The Makgadikgadi Safari opens doors to an intimate cultural experience with the San Bushmen. Delve into their traditional way of life amid the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, a tranquil setting that’s perfect for reflective shoots. Along the ancient Lake Makgadikgadi’s former shores, the Boteti River lures migrating zebras and flamingos, with stone-age tools often uncovered, creating a unique canvas for stills photography.
Further west lies the Tsodilo Hills, a treasure trove of rock art, boasting the world’s highest concentrations.
Film in Botswana
Film Permits
Obtaining permits & visas to film in Botswana can be a complex and time-consuming process due to the country’s commitment to responsible ecotourism. Specialized relationships with local fixers can help expedite this process.
Film Locations
Botswana offers a wide range of film locations, from the iconic Okavango Delta wetlands to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, home to the San Bushmen and ancient lake Makgadikgadi. The Tsodilo Hills provide archaeological marvels, and the Chobe National Park is renowned for elephants, buffaloes, and lions.
film Incentives
While Botswana is known for its responsible ecotourism, it does not currently have specific incentives or rebates for filmmakers. The focus remains on maintaining environmental regulations.
Film & Crew Equipment
Botswana has limited film infrastructure, and specialised equipment and expertise may need to be sourced from nearby South Africa. Local crews are available, but good technicians and professionals can be in short supply.
African Fixer
When filming in Botswana, African Fixer is your essential local partner. We handle permits, logistics, nd equipment sourcing to ensure a smooth production experience in this unique country.
Film Safety
Botswana boasts a 40-year record of safety, and experienced guides ensure a secure filming environment. However, travel off the beaten track may require self-sufficiency planning.
Film Cost
The U.S dollar is often used alongside the Botswana Pula, making it cost-effective for filming. however wildlife productions must use local crews and source everything from South Africa.
Film Infrastructure
Botswana’s infrastructure is limited outside major cities, requiring careful planning for remote shoots. Maun, the gateway to many natural wonders, provide access to various scenic spots and connects to international destinations like Johannesburg and Victoria Falls.
Top filming locations
okavango delta
A vast and lush inland delta, the Okavango is a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife, offering spectacular safari experiences in the heart of Botswana.
makgadikgadi salt pan
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, one of the largest salt flats in the world, is a breathtakingly stark landscape that transforms into a wildlife haven during the rainy season.
