African Fixer

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African Fixer
Botswana

Botswana

Filming in Botswana

African Fixer runs full film, video and stills production services across Botswana, from the channels and islands of the Okavango Delta to Chobe’s record elephant herds and the surreal white expanse of the Makgadikgadi salt pans. We manage local fixers, safari guides, government film permits, mobile bush camps, charter-flight logistics and crew accommodation — giving productions exclusive, well-organised access to some of Africa’s last great wildernesses in one of its safest, most stable countries.

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

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botswana

Why Film in botswana?

Botswana is one of Africa’s premier wilderness and wildlife production destinations, offering the Okavango Delta, vast salt pans, the Kalahari and some of the highest concentrations of elephants and big game on the continent, all in a stable, safe and well-organised country.

  • World-famous wildlife and pristine wilderness locations
  • The Okavango Delta — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Highest elephant population in Africa and exceptional big-game filming
  • Stable, safe and English-speaking, with reliable logistics
  • Salt pans, deltas, deserts, rivers and dramatic skies
  • Exclusive, low-impact filming in private concessions and reserves
  • Experienced safari guides, mobile camps and bush logistics
  • Strong doubling for untouched, wild Africa

Production Services

Our Botswana production services include:

  • Local Producers
  • Film Fixers
  • Production Management
  • Film, Video & Stills Crew
  • Camera Equipment
  • Lighting & Grip
  • Wildlife & Safari Guides
  • Mobile Camps & Bush Logistics
  • Location Scouting
  • Film Permits
  • National Park & Concession Access
  • Charter Flights & 4×4 Transport
  • Crew & Cast Accommodation
  • Casting
  • Security
  • Catering

Crew & Equipment

Botswana specialises in wildlife, documentary, commercial and travel productions, with experienced local fixers, safari guides and production support teams accustomed to remote bush shoots.

Available crew can include local producers, fixers, production managers, wildlife guides, camera operators, sound recordists, production assistants and specialist safari and logistics teams. Senior technical crew and specialist equipment are frequently brought in from South Africa when required.

Basic camera and grip equipment can be sourced regionally, but most productions bring in or hire specialist camera, long-lens, aerial and lighting packages from South Africa, along with mobile camp and charter-flight logistics for remote locations.

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.

Best Time to Shoot

  • May to October — Dry winter season: clear skies, sparse vegetation and wildlife concentrated at water — the best window for game filming
  • July to September — Peak dry season with excellent visibility and easy big-game access
  • June to August — Okavango Delta floodwaters are typically at their highest, ideal for water, mokoro and aerial filming
  • November to April — Green season: dramatic skies, newborn wildlife and migrations, but rain, heat and thick bush to plan around
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.

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.

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.

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.

Rebates & Incentives

Botswana does not currently operate a formal film rebate or cash incentive scheme for international productions. Productions should budget without relying on a rebate.

That said, Botswana offers outstanding, exclusive natural locations and well-organised safari logistics that deliver strong production value. African Fixer will confirm the latest position on any incentives, permit fees and concession costs during production planning, and can advise on combining Botswana with neighbouring rebate destinations where relevant.

Luxury Lodge & Camp Options

Botswana is renowned for its exclusive, high-end safari lodges and tented camps, ideal for luxury travel, wildlife, hospitality and lifestyle productions. Access for filming is subject to approval, permits, availability and concession requirements.

  • Mombo Camp (Okavango) — One of Africa’s most celebrated luxury safari camps
  • Vumbura Plains (Okavango) — Contemporary luxury tented camp in a prime wildlife concession
  • Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge — Design-led luxury lodge on the edge of Moremi
  • Jao Camp (Okavango) — Iconic architecture and premium Delta setting
  • Xigera Safari Lodge — Ultra-luxury, art-led lodge deep in the Delta
  • Duba Plains (Okavango) — Exclusive big-game concession and classic tented luxury
  • Chief’s Camp (Moremi) — Premium lodge in the wildlife-rich Mombo area
  • Jack’s Camp (Makgadikgadi) — Legendary vintage-style camp on the salt pans
  • San Camp (Makgadikgadi) — Elegant white tented camp with pan and desert views
  • Zarafa Camp (Selinda) — Remote, high-end camp in a private reserve
  • Chobe Game Lodge — The only lodge inside Chobe National Park, riverfront setting
  • Mashatu (Tuli Block) — Large private game reserve with lodge and tented options

Crew & Cast Accommodation

Because many locations are remote, crew and cast accommodation in Botswana ranges from safari lodges and tented camps at the locations themselves to town hotels in Maun, Kasane and Gaborone. For deep-bush shoots we arrange private mobile camps, charter flights and full catering and logistics.

Luxury — Talent, Directors & Key Clients
Mombo Camp / Jack’s Camp / Sandibe — Premium camps for talent and clients at the location.
Chobe Game Lodge — Luxury riverfront base inside Chobe National Park.

Mid-Range — Main Crew & Production Team
Maun: Cresta Riley’s Hotel, Thamalakane River Lodge and Maun Lodge — Reliable bases near the Delta gateway.
Kasane: Chobe Safari Lodge and Cresta Mowana Safari Resort — Comfortable riverfront hotels for Chobe shoots.
Gaborone: Avani Gaborone Resort, Cresta Lodge and Gaborone Sun — Business-grade city hotels.

Budget — Extended Crew & Remote Shoots
Chobe Bush Lodge (Kasane) and Maun guesthouses — Value options for larger or longer crews.
Private mobile tented camps — Fully serviced camps set up at remote locations, with catering, power and logistics.
Self-catering lodges and guest farms — Flexible group accommodation near key hubs.

Most remote camps are reached by light aircraft charter from Maun or Kasane, and have limited bed numbers, so accommodation and flights must be booked well in advance.

Did you know?

The Okavango Delta is one of the very few major inland deltas that never reaches the sea — its floodwaters travel over 1,000 km from the Angolan highlands to fan out across the Kalahari, creating a wildlife paradise and one of the most spectacular aerial filming locations on Earth.

PRO TIP:

Botswana’s best camps and charter flights have very limited capacity and book up months ahead, especially in peak dry season (July to October). Lock in permits, camps and light-aircraft charters early, and plan crew numbers carefully around bed and baggage limits.

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.

want to film in Botswana? Contact us Today!

ARTHUR — BOTSWANA

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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.