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
-
Capital City
Harare
-
Main Cities
Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Mutare
-
Main Languages
English, Shona and Ndebele (official)
-
Currency
US dollars are widely used (multi-currency)
-
Weather
Wet Season (October–March): High temperatures and rainfall. Dry Season (June–August): Lower temperatures and dry conditions
-
Climate
Subtropical – dry season May to October, wet season November to April
-
Best Time to Shoot
May to October (dry season; best wildlife)
-
Main Production Hubs
Victoria Falls and Harare
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
-
Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)
A mile-wide curtain of water.
-
Matobo Hills
Balancing rocks, rhino and rock art.
-
Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe's largest, famed for elephants.
-
Great Zimbabwe (UNESCO)
Monumental stone-walled ruins.
-
Mana Pools (UNESCO)
Walking and canoe safaris on the Zambezi.
-
Eastern Highlands – Nyanga & Bvumba
Green mountains and mist.
-
Victoria Falls Bridge & the gorge
Iconic bridge and rafting.
-
Matobo rock art & Rhodes' grave
Ancient paintings and history.
-
Lake Kariba
Vast lake, sunsets and houseboats.
-
The Zambezi River
Sunset cruises and wildlife.
-
Mtarazi Falls
A high plunge in the highlands.
-
Chinhoyi Caves
A deep cobalt-blue pool.
-
Harare
The garden-city capital.
-
Bulawayo
Wide streets and colonial architecture.
-
Gonarezhou National Park
Wild elephants and red cliffs.
-
Chilojo Cliffs
Sandstone ramparts over the Runde River.
-
Balancing rocks, Epworth
Iconic teetering granite.
-
Zambezi sunset cruises
Classic African evenings.
-
Bushveld & baobabs
Quintessential savanna.
-
Shona stone sculpture & culture
A renowned art tradition.
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.
-
Required Documentation
Valid passport. Digital copy of passport. Digital photo. Valid address in Zimbabwe.
-
Timings
4 weeks
-
Cost
$80 – $100
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.
-
Application Process
African Film Fixers Zimbabwe submits the cover letter and required documents. The Ministry of Information reviews the application. Upon approval, payment is requested. Once payment is made, the permit is issued.
-
Required Information & Documentation
Cover Letter: Submitted by a recognized local production house (e.g., African Film Fixers Zimbabwe) to the Ministry of Information. The letter must include crew names, passport numbers, nationalities, and flight details.
-
Timings
At least 6 weeks
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.
-
Drone Importation Regulations
Carnet Required for temporary drone imports. Issuing Authority: Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
-
Required Information
Equipment value. Cost estimate: 1.5% of equipment value + $400 clearing agent fee (includes airport assistance and clearance facilitation).
-
Cost
Included with equipment clearance at approximately $2,000
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
Latest Posts
-
Cross-Border Film Production in Africa: Managing Multi-Country Shoots
-
Filming in Africa: What International Producers Need to Know
-
African Film Production Company Delivering World-Class Production Services in Africa
-
AFRICA ISN’T ONE STORY — IT’S THOUSANDS
-
Drone Filming in Africa | Permits, Rentals, and Expert Fixer Support


