Filming in Etosha National Park

Filming in Etosha National Park

Filming in Etosha National Park. Etosha National Park is one of the greatest game parks on African continent it is a popular and number one tourist destination in Namibia. The park is one of the best places to film wildlife in Africa and Namibia. It is home to over 400 species of birds, 114 large and small mammal species, various reptiles and fish species.

There are many other featured to shoot in Etosha National Park including the Etosha pan also known as Ondonga meaning the place where no plants grow. The Etosha pan was once part of the massive Lake Kunene fed by the Kunene River, which at sometime in the distant past dried up, leaving the current pan system. These are the main features to shoot in this park

Requirements to film in Etosha National Park

All commercial filming projects in Namibia are regulated. If you are planning to film in Namibia you are required by Namibian law to apply for a filming permit as well as a temporary work visa for all foreign personnel. This also includes documentaries and still shoots. Visiting productions must apply for a General Film Permit from the Namibia Film Commission at least 3 weeks prior to arrival. Our Namibian fixer/service producer will assist with the application process to make sure everything runs quickly and smoothly. 

Once you have the General Film Permit additional permits will apply for specific locations, shooting b-roll in cities, shoots that require exclusive use of public space, filming in national parks, drone filming, or filming with tribes such as the Himba and San people. An environmental officer is required to be on set each day of filming in a national park. Additional fees apply. Unauthorized filming of sensitive government areas and public infrastructure is illegal. Penalties may include fines, prison and confiscation of film equipment. Please contact us for more location specific information. 

Namibia Visas & Work Permits Advice

All foreign crew are required to have temporary work visas to film in Namibia. Applications must be lodged with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration at least 15 working days prior to your arrival. Our Namibian fixer/service producer will assist with the application process to make sure everything runs quickly and smoothly. Once the work visa is issued, our fixer will email you a copy of that documentation. The crew then just need to travel with a printed copy of the visa (each crew member will need their own hard copy). Presenting this at the port of entry, the immigration official will stamp the visa into your passport. So, there is no need for your actual passports for the application process. Western passport holders travelling as tourists can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.

Vehicle Hire Services in Namibia

We will help you organize transport for film crews to film in Etosha National Park depending on their chosen filming location interest, budget and the nature of roads in such selected locations to film in the park. We recommend Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers which costs from USD200-250 per vehicle per day with Driver/Fixer or 4×4 Safari Vans from USD200 per Van per day with driver/Fixer. For us to estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your filming schedule to establish mileage and distance to be travelled. 

Fixers in Namibia to help you film in Etosha National Park

All our vehicles come with drivers who act as location fixers and most of them have been to almost all parts of Zambia and are thus conversant with the local situations and are able to provide relevant information and fix any situation on ground. These act as intermediaries between you and our office while on location in Namibia.  If you’re looking for a Namibia location fixer and scout in Etosha National Park, we have produced and assisted production in multiple locations across Namibia. 

Customs and Equipment in Namibia

Equipment; Namibia has some basic camera, grip and lighting equipment available locally. Nearby South Africa has a very good range of standard and specialized equipment. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Namibia is an ATA carnet country.

Communications; Communication is key our agility and global experience allows us to customize the right communications systems for every shoot.

Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.

For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple time zones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events. 

Where to stay in Etosha National Park

Lodge options to stay in during filming in Etosha National Park range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. Contact us here for details. 

What is the best time to film in Etosha National Park?

Filming in Etosha National Park is done throughout the year Namibia receives an average of 300 days sunshine per year. The hot, rainy summer months run from October to April. Most rain falls as heavy thunderstorms, filling the dry riverbeds, bringing flowers into full bloom. The dry winter months run from May to September with warm days and subzero nights. Winter is the best time for filming wildlife as the dry weather forces animals to congregate at watering holes. 

Why use Film crew fixers?

Film crew Fixers is a local fixer company based in East Africa, Uganda. We assist filming companies and Production agencies in Uganda and other African countries for the last 10 years. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits in Zambia are processed in the shortest time possible. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Etosha National Park.