African Fixer

African Fixer
Zimbabwe

A Land of Majestic Landscapes

Filming in Zimbabwe

African Fixer provides full film, video and stills production services across Zimbabwe – from Victoria Falls and the elephants of Hwange to the wild Mana Pools, the ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe and the balancing rocks of the Matobo Hills. With US-dollar convenience and strong safari infrastructure, we manage producers, fixers, crew, permits, safari access and crew accommodation throughout.

African Fixer connects international production companies, agencies, brands, broadcasters and photographers with trusted local producers, fixers and crew across Zimbabwe.

We support TV commercials, documentaries, feature films, branded content, corporate videos, music videos and still photography campaigns with experienced local teams and reliable on-the-ground production support.

A Land of Majestic Landscapes

Why Film in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe offers world-class wildlife, the mighty Victoria Falls, dramatic granite landscapes and one of Africa’s great ancient monuments, with an experienced safari sector and the practical convenience of a US-dollar economy.

  • Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders
  • Hwange’s elephants and big game
  • Mana Pools walking and canoe safaris (UNESCO)
  • Great Zimbabwe – Africa’s greatest stone ruins
  • The balancing rocks and rhino of the Matobo Hills
  • Lake Kariba sunsets and houseboats
  • US-dollar economy for budgeting convenience
  • Strong safari logistics and experienced guides

Production Services

Our Zimbabwe production services include:

  • Local Producers
  • Film Fixers
  • Production Management
  • Film, Video & Stills Crew
  • Camera Equipment
  • Lighting & Grip
  • Drone Operators
  • Location Scouting
  • Film Permits
  • Casting
  • Transport & Logistics
  • Crew & Cast Accommodation
  • Security
  • Catering

Crew & Equipment

Zimbabwe is excellent for wildlife, documentary, travel and commercial productions, with experienced safari fixers and guides, especially around Victoria Falls and Hwange.

A local crew base of producers, fixers, guides, drivers and production assistants is available; senior technical crew and specialist equipment are generally brought in from South Africa or abroad.

Productions plan for internal flights, 4×4 safari vehicles, mobile camps and park logistics, and typically import camera, long-lens and drone packages.

Top Filming Locations

Luxury Lodge & Hotel Options

Zimbabwe offers historic hotels and superb safari lodges for luxury travel and wildlife productions. Access for filming is subject to approval, park permits and availability.

  • The Victoria Falls Hotel – A colonial-era grande dame by the falls.
  • Matetsi Victoria Falls – Riverfront luxury lodge.
  • Somalisa Camp, Hwange – Classic tented safari camp.
  • The Hide, Hwange – Waterhole-side camp.
  • Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls – Central falls-side hotel.
  • Meikles Hotel, Harare – Landmark city hotel.

Crew & Cast Accommodation

Cast and crew accommodation runs from historic hotels and safari lodges at Victoria Falls and Hwange to city hotels in Harare and Bulawayo. We arrange group bookings, internal flights and bush logistics.

  • Luxury (talent, directors, key clients)
    The Victoria Falls Hotel / Matetsi – Premium bases for talent and clients.
    Somalisa or The Hide, Hwange – Standout safari luxury.
  • Mid-range (main crew, production team)
    Victoria Falls: Ilala Lodge and hotels – Comfortable falls-side bases.
    Hwange: mid-tier safari camps – Convenient wildlife bases.
    Harare: Meikles and Rainbow Towers – Reliable city bases.
  • Budget & serviced options (extended crew, longer shoots)
    Victoria Falls and city guesthouses – Value options for larger crews.
    Park rest camps and mobile camps – Practical bases for wildlife shoots.

Accommodation availability and rates vary by season and should be booked well in advance. African Fixer manages crew and cast bookings, transfers and per-location logistics as part of production support.

Best Time to Shoot

  • May to October – Dry season with concentrated wildlife and the best access.
  • August to October – Peak game viewing as water sources shrink.
  • Victoria Falls is fullest around March to June and lowest around September to December.
  • November to April – The green season brings dramatic skies and birdlife but rain.
Visa Requirements

International cast and crew should confirm visa and work permission requirements before travelling. Typical documents may include a valid passport, flight details, accommodation details, invitation letter, crew list and equipment list.

International Crew Accreditation

International productions may require local coordination, film permissions and supporting letters depending on the production type, locations and crew nationality, and should work with an in-country fixer or service company.

General Film Permit

Filming permits are arranged through the relevant authorities, with national-park filming permits and fees via ZimParks and heritage permissions (via National Museums and Monuments) for Great Zimbabwe. Crew require the correct permits. Work through a local service company and allow lead time.

Drone Permit

Drone filming requires authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), and drone use is restricted in national parks. Permissions should be arranged well in advance.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Is Zimbabwe a Carnet Country?

Yes, but the process can be complex. It is highly recommended to work with an experienced clearing agent to ensure a smooth import process.

Safety and Security

Zimbabwe’s tourist and safari areas are safe and well-run, though the wider economy faces challenges and standard precautions apply in Harare. Malaria precautions are advised, remote parks require robust logistics, and the US-dollar economy makes budgeting straightforward.

Rebates & Incentives

Zimbabwe does not currently operate a formal national film cash rebate for international productions, and national-park filming fees apply.

Zimbabwe’s strengths are its wildlife, Victoria Falls and US-dollar convenience. African Fixer will confirm the latest position on fees and any incentives during planning, and manage permits, park logistics and mobile camps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Permits are arranged through the relevant authorities, with ZimParks permits and fees for parks and heritage permissions for Great Zimbabwe.

Yes. Zimbabwe has experienced safari fixers and guides, with senior technical crew and gear brought in from South Africa or abroad.

Yes. Victoria Falls, Hwange and Mana Pools offer world-class filming, subject to permits and park fees.

Historic hotels and safari lodges at Victoria Falls and Hwange, and city hotels in Harare and Bulawayo.

Yes, with the correct customs paperwork; an ATA Carnet may be used. Drones need separate CAAZ and park permissions.

Yes. Drone filming requires CAAZ authorisation and is restricted in national parks.

No. Zimbabwe does not currently offer a film rebate, and park fees apply, but the US-dollar economy helps budgeting. We confirm all costs first.

Yes, especially for wildlife, documentary and travel work needing Victoria Falls and superb safari.

Yes. We provide full production support from planning through to wrap, including park logistics and mobile camps.

Did you know?

Great Zimbabwe is the largest ancient stone structure in sub-Saharan Africa, built without mortar between the 11th and 15th centuries – so significant that the modern nation took its name, meaning “houses of stone”, from the site.

PRO TIP:

Time the falls to your needs – high water March–June for maximum spray, low water September–December for clearer views – pair them with Hwange’s elephants and Great Zimbabwe, and use the US-dollar economy to keep budgeting simple.

Liberty - Zimbabwe

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Importing film, broadcast and photographic equipment is handled with an ATA Carnet for temporary admission. African Fixer arranges carnet processing, customs clearance and equipment logistics as part of full production support.