Filming in Botswana

Botswana

A skilled Botswana fixer ensures smooth film or still photography production by handling permits, logistics, and equipment sourcing. With expert support, your team can navigate challenges and capture Botswana’s stunning landscapes and rich culture.

botswana

Why Film in botswana?

Botswana offers diverse filming locations, from the vast Kalahari Desert to lush wetlands and vibrant cities. Known for its stable government, well-developed infrastructure, and breathtaking wildlife, Botswana is an attractive destination for filmmakers. The country is home to the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most famous natural wonders, and unique landscapes that provide stunning backdrops for productions.

Top Filming Locations

Botswana boasts a diverse range of breathtaking filming locations, from remote deserts to vibrant wildlife reserves. Whether you’re seeking untouched wilderness, dramatic landscapes, or cultural heritage sites, Botswana offers a wealth of visually captivating settings for filmmakers.

Visa Requirements

Botswana grants visa-free entry to most Commonwealth and SADC (Southern African Development Community) citizens, as well as visitors from the USA, Canada, and most European countries. However, travelers from Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka require visas.

Required Documentation

Certified passport copy (valid for at least six months).
Timings

Up to 14 days.
Cost

BWP 300 (Single entry, 1 month), BWP 500 (Multiple entry, 5 years).

Private Locations

Filming on private property requires a letter from the host granting permission for filming, including the purpose and duration of the shoot.

General Film Permit

Filming permits are issued by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation, and Tourism.

Permit Issuance

Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation, and Tourism.
Timings

Up to 30 days.
Required Documentation

Passport copies (applicant and crew), Invitation letter from a Botswana-based host organization, Completed film permit application form, Film script or synopsis, Filming schedule, Statement on how the local crew will benefit from the production.
Cost

BWP 10,000.

Drone Permit

Drones are allowed in Botswana, but they must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) before use.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Botswana is a Carnet country, which simplifies the temporary importation of film equipment.

Clearance Process

A detailed list of film equipment, including values, must be provided. Customs clearance is available at major entry points. A 14% fee of the equipment’s value is charged for temporary importation, refundable upon exit through the same port.
Issuing Organization

Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS).
Timings

Typically 1 day.
Cost

14% of the equipment’s value (refundable upon exit). Agent’s Fees: BWP1500.

Safety and Security

Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa, with low crime rates and political stability.

Security Considerations

Generally, no security is required, though film crews may arrange security at their discretion.

Botswana: Your Gateway to Unique Filmmaking Adventures

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.

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.

Africa's Eden Awaits

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.