Tanzania
Tanzania - A Cinematic Wonderland with Varied Landscapes
Every year, wildlife documentary producers make a beeline for Tanzania, drawn by the world-famous Serengeti National Park and the mesmerising Great Wildebeest Migration. So iconic is this destination that Tanzania has forged an agreement with Kenya and Uganda, making a filmmaker’s visa valid in all three countries.
Arusha: Your Gateway to Scenic Diversity
Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, boasts some of the world’s most renowned national parks. Beyond the Serengeti, Arusha National Park captivates with its diverse habitats, encompassing the grandeur of Mount Meru, the wonder of Ngorongoro Crater, and the tranquil charm of Momella Lake.
Mount Meru, the second-highest peak in East Africa after Kilimanjaro, stands just a stone’s throw from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Its lower slopes are draped in ancient forests inhabited by colobus monkeys, and the hiking trails meander alongside crystal-clear rivers and cascading waterfalls.
Arusha, the vibrant city at the park’s heart, serves as a base for numerous productions filmed across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, following the success of the 1961 movie ‘Hatari,’ featuring John Wayne. Surprisingly, many of Arusha’s streets seen in the film remain unchanged after six decades.
Lake Victoria - Wildlife, Gorillas, and Much More
Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the primary source of the River Nile, is a shared treasure between Uganda and Kenya. It is a haven for wildlife documentaries, gorilla trekking, Masai Heartlands Tours, birdwatching adventures, and white-water rafting on the River Nile.
Heading further west, Lake Tanganyika offers another picturesque filming location. Kigoma, a bustling port town, is your gateway to the Gombe Stream National Park, famous for its chimpanzees and the groundbreaking work of Jane Goodall. Here, you can also partake in sport fishing and boat cruises. As night falls, local fishermen cast their nets, creating a captivating scene as their lantern-lit dugout canoes and sailing dhows gracefully traverse the dark waters.
Lupita Island Resort, a secluded gem on the lake, boasts the finest boutique accommodation in East Africa. Thatched cottages encircle an open-fronted lodge, offering panoramic views of the lake and the distant tropical forest. For those seeking a unique experience, canvas tents on raised foundations with private verandas and bathrooms await. To reach the island, our local Tanzania fixer can arrange a helicopter, ensuring a reliable and hassle-free journey.
Strolling along the Lake Tanganyika beaches, you’ll encounter fascinating local tales about ‘Gustave, the giant crocodile,’ ‘Pamba, the lake monster,’ and ‘Chipekwe, the killer of elephants.’ These legends serve to protect the 100-year-old MV Liemba ferry from the prying eyes of curious onlookers during safari adventures.
Built in Germany in 1913 as the Graf von Goetzen, this vessel arrived in Kigoma in 5,000 boxes, only to be reassembled and commissioned as a steam-powered gunboat. deliberately scuttled in 1916 to prevent her from falling into British hands, she was raised in 1924 by the British Royal Navy. In 1935, the ferryboat played a pivotal role in filming ‘The African Queen.’
Since then, the MV Liemba has provided reliable ferry services on Lake Tanganyika and has been refurbished with extra VIP cabins and berths. Michael Palin used her during the filming of the BBC television series ‘Pole to Pole’ in 1992, bringing international attention to this famed ferryboat. The ferry operates during the calm, dry season between October and March, given the volatile weather and impassable roads during the wet season.
Production Services in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, is a bustling port city on the Indian Ocean, serving as the primary hub for production services for filmmakers. Its close proximity to the Zanzibar Archipelago, a region poised to become a tech hub, further elevates its importance.
Dar es Salaam offers a plethora of interesting filming locations for television, corporate videos, and music productions. The Kivukoni Fish Market, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Bongoyo Island, and the University of Dar es Salaam are among the most popular choices.
For larger-scale productions, the Tazara Railway connects Dar es Salaam to Zambia, traversing the Selous Game Reserve.
Beyond its commercial significance, Dar es Salaam is a cultural and artistic hub, fostering artistic growth and offering co-production opportunities.
In September 2021, director Amil Shovji achieved a significant milestone by screening ‘Vuta N’Kuvute’ (Tug of War) at the Toronto International Film Festival. Despite being set in Zanzibar, all production services were sourced in Dar es Salaam, steering clear of the ‘bongo film’ mass release on DVD format. This strategic approach highlights the city’s critical role in the filmmaking process.
Before embarking on your Tanzanian adventure, contact your country’s consulate in Dar es Salaam for visa and permit requirements. They will, in turn, liaise with African Fixer to handle all the essential details necessary for your shoot. Your Tanzanian cinematic journey awaits, and it begins with seamless planning. Contact us today and let your journey begin.