Untamed Beauty and Cinematic Wonders
Why Film in Zambia?
Zambia is a wild, uncrowded safari destination built around Victoria Falls, the Zambezi and a set of remote, wildlife-rich national parks – the birthplace of the walking safari and a strong choice for authentic wilderness productions.
- Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
- The Zambezi River, canoe safaris and dramatic sunsets
- South Luangwa – leopards and the home of the walking safari
- Remote, uncrowded parks such as Kafue and the Lower Zambezi
- Extraordinary wildlife spectacles – the Kasanka bat migration
- English-speaking, safe, stable and welcoming
- Strong for wildlife, documentary and adventure productions
- Authentic, low-impact wilderness away from the crowds
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Capital City
Lusaka
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Main Cities
Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola and Livingstone
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Main Languages
English (official); Bemba, Nyanja and others widely spoken
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Currency
Zambian Kwacha
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Weather
Zambia experiences a predominantly sub-tropical climate with three distinct seasons: a hot and dry season (mid-August to mid-November), a wet rainy season (mid-November to April), and a cool dry season (May to mid-August).
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Climate
Subtropical – dry season May to October, wet green season November to April
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Best time to shoot
May to October (dry season; best wildlife)
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Main Production Hubs
Lusaka and Livingstone
Production Services
Our Zambia 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
Zambia is excellent for wildlife, documentary, adventure and travel productions, with experienced safari fixers and bush-logistics teams based around Lusaka and Livingstone.
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
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Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), Livingstone
The mile-wide curtain of the Zambezi.
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Lower Zambezi National Park
Canoe safaris beneath the escarpment.
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South Luangwa National Park
Leopards, hippos and walking safaris.
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Kafue National Park & Busanga Plains
Vast wilderness and flooded grasslands.
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Lake Kariba
One of the world's largest reservoirs and drowned forests.
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Lusaka
Markets and the capital's city life.
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Devil's Pool
The natural infinity pool on the lip of the falls.
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Zambezi River
Sunset cruises and boat filming.
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Bangweulu Wetlands
Shoebills and endemic black lechwe.
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Kasanka National Park
The world's largest mammal migration of fruit bats.
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Shiwa Ng'andu
A grand English manor deep in the bush.
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Livingstone
Colonial town and the Zambezi gorge.
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Blue Lagoon & Lochinvar
Wetland birdlife and floodplains.
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Nyika Plateau
Rolling highland grasslands.
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Luangwa River
Hippos, crocodiles and rich riverine game.
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Zambezi white-water rafting
Big rapids below the falls.
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Kuomboka & traditional ceremonies
Vivid cultural spectacle.
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Miombo woodland & savanna
Classic Zambian bush.
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Copperbelt towns & industry
Working, urban Zambia.
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Baobab & sunset bush landscapes
Iconic African evening light.
Luxury Lodge & Hotel Options
Zambia offers superb safari lodges and riverside hotels for luxury travel and wildlife productions. Access for filming is subject to approval, park permits and availability.
- Royal Livingstone by Anantara – Grand riverside hotel steps from the falls.
- Tongabezi Lodge, Livingstone – Romantic Zambezi lodge and river houses.
- Chongwe River Camp, Lower Zambezi – Riverside camp beneath the escarpment.
- Chinzombo (Time + Tide), South Luangwa – Contemporary luxury safari camp.
- Time + Tide & Norman Carr camps – Classic Luangwa walking-safari lodges.
- Radisson Blu Lusaka – Modern business hotel in the capital.
Crew & Cast Accommodation
Cast and crew accommodation runs from safari lodges and tented camps at the locations to hotels in Lusaka and Livingstone, with mobile camps for remote parks. We arrange group bookings, internal flights, transfers and bush logistics.
- Luxury (talent, directors, key clients)
Royal Livingstone / Tongabezi – Premium bases at the falls for talent and clients.
Chinzombo / Chongwe – Standout luxury in the Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. - Mid-range (main crew, production team)
Lusaka: Radisson Blu, Latitude 15, InterContinental and Southern Sun Ridgeway – Reliable city hotels.
Livingstone: Avani Victoria Falls Resort and Protea – Comfortable bases near the falls.
Parks: mid-tier safari camps – Practical crew accommodation near wildlife locations. - Budget & serviced options (extended crew, longer shoots)
Lusaka and Livingstone guesthouses and business hotels – Value options for larger crews.
Mobile tented camps – Arranged for remote parks such as Kafue, with catering and logistics.
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; the flagship window.
- August to October – Peak game viewing as water sources shrink, though hot late in the season.
- Victoria Falls is fullest around April to June and lowest (best for Devil’s Pool) around September to December.
- November to April – Green “emerald” season brings dramatic skies and birdlife but rain and harder access.
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.
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Required Documentation
Valid passport copy. Passport-sized photo. CV or bio of each crew member. Completed accreditation form. Supporting letter from the production company. Contact details of a local representative. Full list of crew members.
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Timings
Visas can be processed on arrival, depending on nationality.
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Cost
$25 (subject to change).
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.
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Required Documentation
Completed press accreditation form. Four passport-sized photos. Official letter from the production company detailing purpose, dates, and ports of entry/exit. Temporary Import Permit from Zambia Revenue Authority for duty-free equipment import.
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Timings
Up to 10 working days.
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Cost
Varies.
General Film Permit
Filming permits are arranged through the relevant national authorities, with national-park filming permits and fees via the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). Crew require the correct work permits, and Victoria Falls and some sites have their own rules. Allow lead time and work through a local service company.
Drone Permit
Commercial drone filming requires authorisation from the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority, and drone use is restricted in national parks and around Victoria Falls. Permissions should be arranged well in advance.
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Drone Importation Regulations
The Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) requires a letter requesting authorization for temporary drone import and operation.
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Application Process and Costs
Apply for a permit from ZCAA. Drone inspection upon arrival. Hire drone inspectors for each location ($70 per day, plus accommodation and meals). Consider hiring a local pilot with an ROC (Remote Operator Certificate).
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Required Documentation for Local Drone Application
Full location brief. Shoot schedule. Production background.
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Required Documentation for Drone Importation
Drone name, serial number, license. Operator’s name and flight license. Drone value and purpose of import.
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Cost
USD $500 per day.
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Timings
Up to 2 months.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Is Zambia a Carnet Country?
No, Zambia is not a carnet country.
Safety and Security
Zambia is safe, stable and friendly, with good tourism infrastructure around Livingstone and Lusaka. Standard precautions apply, malaria precautions are advised, and remote-park shoots require robust logistics, mobile camps and medical-evacuation planning.
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Urban Areas
When filming in Lusaka and other major cities, it is essential to exercise caution, especially at night. Moreover, avoid displaying valuables, as this can attract unwanted attention. In addition, always remain aware of your surroundings to minimize potential risks.
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Transportation
If you need to travel within Zambia, it is highly recommended to use registered taxis or reputable ride-hailing services instead of public transport, which may be less reliable. Furthermore, if you plan to rent a vehicle, drive cautiously, as road conditions can vary significantly. Additionally, be mindful of local traffic laws to ensure a safe journey.
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Border & Remote Filming
When filming in remote areas or near border regions, it is crucial to coordinate with local authorities in advance. Not only does this help ensure compliance with regulations, but it also enhances overall safety. Furthermore, always have an emergency contact plan in place, including reliable means of communication and knowledge of the nearest medical facilities.
Rebates & Incentives
Zambia does not currently operate a formal national film cash rebate for international productions, and national-park filming permit fees apply.
Zambia’s strengths are its uncrowded wilderness, Victoria Falls and authentic safari experience. African Fixer will confirm the latest position on permit fees and any incentives during planning, and manage permits, park logistics and mobile camps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Permits and accreditation are arranged through the Uganda Media Council and Uganda Communications Commission, with UWA park permits and special, limited permits for gorilla and chimpanzee filming.
Yes. Zambia has experienced safari fixers, guides and support crew, with senior technical crew and specialist gear brought in from South Africa or abroad.
Yes. Victoria Falls, South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Kafue offer world-class filming, subject to permits and park fees.
Safari lodges and camps at the locations and hotels in Lusaka and Livingstone, with mobile camps for remote parks and flights and transfers arranged.
Yes, with the correct customs paperwork; an ATA Carnet may be used. Drones need separate civil-aviation and park permissions.
Yes. Drone filming requires Zambia Civil Aviation Authority authorisation and is restricted in parks and around the falls.
No. Zambia does not currently offer a film rebate, and park fees apply. We confirm all costs before you budget.
Yes, especially for wildlife, documentary and adventure productions needing authentic, uncrowded wilderness and Victoria Falls.
Yes. We provide full production support from planning through to wrap, including park logistics and mobile camps.
Did you know?
Victoria Falls – known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders” – is the largest sheet of falling water in the world, and Zambia’s South Luangwa is celebrated as the birthplace of the walking safari, making the country a magnet for authentic wilderness productions.
PRO TIP:
Time the falls to your needs – high water around April to June for maximum thunder and spray, low water around September to December for Devil’s Pool and clearer views – and book remote park camps and light-aircraft charters well ahead.
