Filming in Matobo Hills National Park
Matobo hills national park is the bosom of the matobo hills in south west Zimbabwe. It is recorded as one of the oldest national parks in Zimbabwe. This national park harbors the matobo hills that were formed in granite kopjes .inside the hills is the Nswatugi cave that has a concentration of Stone Age rock art. In addition to this, Matobo hills national park has the grave of the British imperialist Cecil John Rhodes that was curved into a summit of malindidzimu. The national park is a home to several wild life and is most famous for the high number of black eagles. The park also has a significant number of black and white rhinos. In addition to these it has over 175 bird species and over 88 mammals. All these magnificent features are at your disposal if you decide to film in matobo hills national park.
Wildlife in Matobo National Park
Matobo has no lions or elephants, but white rhino is spotted quite regularly. The park has Zimbabwe’s largest concentration of leopard. The agile cats love to move around the rocky outcrops (koppies) at dusk and dawn. Another animal associated with the rocky terrain is the klipspringer, which is often found in pairs hopping from rock to rock.
Birdlife in Matobo National Park
This park however small has a great number of bird species. It is prided with its concentration of the verreaux eagles that breed in the park. They are easily sighted soaring in search for prey in the months of November to April. The other birds in the park include coqui francolin, mocking cliff chat, augur buzzard, martial eagle, African hawk eagle, boulder chat, cape batis, crowned eagle and many more. Filming birds in this park is definitely fulfilling.
Scenery in Matobo Hills National Park
Two types of rock formations of the Matobo hills dominate the scenery. Huge, smooth, gray, granite whaleback hills rise up from the plains. Even more dramatic are the balancing piles of angular shaped rocks – which look like giant children’s toys carefully stacked on top of each other.
Requirements to film in Matobo Hills National Park in Zimbabwe
In order to film in Matobo hills national park. You will need to acquire permission. The process of securing a filming permit in Zimbabwe can be time-consuming so it needs enough time before the filming in order to complete the necessary process and secure the filming permit. Filming permits in Zimbabwe are processed by the ministry of information. Since it’s a national park, park charges by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority also apply.
Media accreditation is also vital for filming in Zimbabwe and the application is made to the Zimbabwe media council. The charge for accreditation is 2000usd for shoot accreditation application and in addition to this, each member of the crew pays 200usd. Contact film crew fixers for further information on the requirements for filming in Matobo hills national park.
Filming equipment also needs to be cleared and this can be done through a bonded agent or securing a 5% percent of the value of equipment, however this is not advisable and the preferred procedure is that of using a bonded agent. Film crew fixers has all the necessary connections with a number of bonded agents that can clear your equipment on entry and exit. Contact us for any help with kit clearing.
Zimbabwe visa and work permit advice
A tourist visa or business visa can work for your entry into the country. Film crews prefer getting there visa before coming into the countries and this is possible through the online system of the Zimbabwe department of immigration. Proof of yellow fever and vaccination and a Covid 19 free negative certificate are necessary for entry. The prices of visas and work permits change regularly. For updated information regarding travel to Zimbabwe, you can contact us or your embassy.
- A passport is required for all foreign visitors and has to be valid for at least six months
- Passports must have at least three empty pages
- Citizens of most countries require a visa, which can be obtained at arrival
- A list of countries whose citizens don’t require a visa or can acquire one upon arrival is available
- A list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain their visa in advance is available. The application can be made online.
- When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required
Zimbabwe transport services
Film crew fixers organizes transportation for film crews to film in Matobo Hills national park. Depending on their interest and Budget and the nature of roads to the destination. We organize both road and air transport for film crews. We recommend customized 4×4 safari land cruisers for vehicles because of the nature of roads in Zimbabwe. These land cruisers cost USD200-250 per vehicle per day. Fuel is estimated on the number of days that are scheduled by the filming schedule. We will need to look at it for establishing the mileage and distance to be traveled.
Film fixers in Zimbabwe to help you film in Matobo Hills National Park in Zimbabwe
All our vehicles come with drivers who act as location fixers and most of them have been to most of the parts in Zimbabwe and are very conversant with the local situations .they provide relevant information and fix any situation on ground. They also act as intermediaries between you and our office while on location. Contact us if you need a film fixer in Zimbabwe.
What is the best time to film in Matobo Hills National Park in Zimbabwe
Filming in Matobo hills national park can be done throughout the year however, the months between May to October are best to film because they are sunny and hot unlike the other months that are rainy.
How to get there
Matobo hills national park has several entrances but the main one is via Bulawayo road. Your main point of entry into Zimbabwe is Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), located near the town Victoria Falls. It is possible to drive to Matobo from Victoria Falls. The distance is 540km/335m, and the drive takes about 6½ hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Harare International Airport (HRE) and fly or drive from there. Your filming package will, in most cases, include your pick-up at the airport or hotel by your local fixer operator, along with further travel arrangements.
Where to stay when filming in Matobo Hills National Park in Zimbabwe
Accommodation options when filming in Matobo hills national park in Zimbabwe. These range from budget, midrange and luxury. Your choice of accommodation depends on your interest and budget. Lodge options include Matobo hills lodge, Amalinda, Big cave camp, Phomolo safari lodge and many others .contact us for help with reservation and more information on accommodation.
Why use film crew fixers to film in Matobo Hills National Park in Zimbabwe
Film crew fixers is a company based in Uganda that assists production agencies and filming companies in South and East African countries as a whole. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all the relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are processed in a short time. Contact us for details and all relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Matobo hills national park in Zimbabwe.
