Film Fixers and Filming in Namibia
Film Fixers and Filming in Namibia. Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film or photography production support or shooting crew in Namibia? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
For an introduction to shooting in Namibia see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.
Namibia Film Locations
Namibia, as a country, provides several filming locations that range from heritage sites, dunes, coastlines, national parks, cities and agricultural farms, and industries. These locations are been divided into three sections. Namely, those in the north, central and lastly south. They iclude Bwabwata National Park, Etosha National Park, Kalahari Desert, Skeleton Coast National Park, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Nkasa Rupara National Park.
Northern Area
The northern area includes the regions of Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Kavango West, Kavango East, Zambezi, and Otjozondjupa.
The north is Namibia’s most densely populated area, and home to the country’s largest ethnic group, the Ovambo.
The Caprivi panhandle in the northeast of Namibia is one of the few places in the country that has a wet, tropical climate. The Bwabwata National Park is an important migration route for the African elephant. Nkasa Rupara National Park is another wildlife park located in the Caprivi panhandle.
Etosha National Park wildlife is majorly known for its elephants, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hyenas, and lions. The Etosha Pan is one of the largest salt flats in the world.
Otjiwarongo is home to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and Crocodile Farm Otjiwarongo.
Skeleton Coast National Park, where the Atlantic Ocean meets vast desert sand dunes, is named for the many shipwrecks that dot the coastline. Of note is The Eduard Bohlen, a shipwreck that looks like it’s in the middle of the desert. Shipwreck Lodge luxury cabins are an interesting location to film and spend time.
Waterberg Plateau Park is home to black and white rhinos, buffalo, and sable.
The Vingerklip is an unusual rock pinnacle that rises from a vast, flat expanse.
Early morning or late afternoon photography of Burnt Mountain gives you a range of red, orange, grey, and purple colors that make the area appear as if it were on fire. The nearby Organ Pipes are an unusual structure of rock columns, and Twyfelfontein is a site of ancient rock engravings.
Epupa Falls is a beautiful film location that can be used as a background for many filming projects.
Central Area
The regions of Erongo, Omaheke, and Khomas are found in this area.
Windhoek is the capital and main entry point using air transportation. Locations of note include the Tintenpalast, National Botanic Garden, Independence Memorial Museum (designed by North Korea’s Mansudae Overseas Projects), Christ Church, Windhoek and Hosea Kutako International Airport, and Katutura township. Daan Viljoen Game Reserve is located on the outskirts of Windhoek.
The Kalahari desert covers much of the eastern part of this area.
Cape Cross is known for its seal colony.
Swakopmund is known for its German colonial landmarks, including the Swakopmund Lighthouse and the Mole. The Moon Landscapes are located nearby.
Walvis Bay has a shipping container port. Pelican Point Sand Spit is a tidal lagoon home to abundant bird life, including flamingos, pelicans, and Damara terns. It also has saltwork evaporation fields. Dolphins, whales, and Cape fur seals inhabit the Atlantic waters around the Pelican Point Lighthouse.
Königstein peak on Brandberg mountain is the highest peak in Namibia.
Messum Crater offers a spectacular desert landscape.
Goboboseb Mountain is famous for its precious stones.
Spitzkoppe is a spectacular granite peak that rises from the Namib desert.
Southern Area
Located south of the Tropic of Capricorn, this area includes the regions of Hardap and ǁKaras.
Namib-Naukluft National Park has several interesting film locations.
Deadvlei is a white clay pan known for its dead acacia trees and surrounding red sand dunes. Filmmakers have used the iconic location for everything from fashion shoots, to advertising skin care products, to portraying an otherworldly dream-like place. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to film for light and to stay out of the intense midday heat.
Sossusvlei is known for its magnificent red sand dunes. Dune 45 is a popular location for sunrise photography.
Finally, Namib-Naukluft National Park is known for fairy circles, which are unique arid grass formations.
Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa, taking up an area up to 160 km long, 27 km wide, and 550 meters deep. The rainy season from January to April turns the canyon into a raging river. When it is not raining, the canyon is dry. One of Southern Africa’s most popular hiking trails traverses the river from Hobas to Ai-Ais hot springs.
The Quiver Tree Forest is home to the quiver trees. the Trees bloom with bright yellow flowers from June to July. Locals believe the trees give good luck to anyone who worships them.
NamibRand Nature Reserve is the Namib desert is a private nature reserve known for its zebra, giraffe, and springbok.
Kolmanskop is a ghost town in the Namib desert famous by photographers for its desert sand-covered houses.
Elizabeth Bay is another deserted mining town that would be of interest
The Sperrgebiet is a diamond mining area.
Duwisib Castle is a medieval fortress that has an unusual outlook.
Shark Island is a former concentration camp located off the coast of Luderitz.
Namibia Film Location Permits and Visa
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. The permissions are gotten from the ministry of environment and tourism for filming in national parks, work permits from the Ministry of Home Affairs. filming the minority groups requires permission from the legal assistance center An environmental officer is required to be with you 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 information.
Visa
The Namibian visa can be applied for online. When applying, choose a work/business visa. The following are necessary for your visa to be approved.
*A fully signed application form
*A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
*A colored clear passport photo
*Evidence of a complete flight itinerary.
*Letter from the company/employer.
*Proof of accommodation or an invitation letter
*Proof of payment receipt
*Travel insurance.
When To Shoot in Namibia?
Namibia’s climate is typical of semi-desert terrain, hot days, and cool nights. The coastal regions are cooled by the cold Benguela current, bringing fog and rainfall. Temperatures are lower in the central plateau, which is at a higher elevation.
Namibia sees an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. The hot, rainy summer months run from October to April. The most rain falls as heavy thunderstorms, filling the dry riverbeds, and 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.
Events of interest to filmmakers and photographers include:
- The Kuomboka ceremony of the Lozi people takes place at the end of the rainy season in March / April.
- Oshituthi shomagongo is an Aawambo festival that celebrates the harvesting of the marula fruit in March / April.
- The Sahara Race ultra-marathon takes place in April.
- A former German colony, Namibia celebrates its own version of Oktoberfest.
Namibia Film Crew & Talent
Namibia has a very small pool of local directors, videographers, and still photographers. The most supporting crew speaks English. Depending on how busy the industry is, it may be necessary to bring in some key crew. South Africa is the closest major production center for experienced crews, with Cape Town and Johannesburg a short 2-hour flight away.
Contact us if you are looking for a director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman/ camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew for your shoot in Namibia.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable. Day rates are very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis.
Namibia Film Equipment
Equipment. Namibia has some basic equipment, including cameras, 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. However, we would highly advise you to fly in your personal kit to avoid any inconveniences.
Communications. Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allow us to customize the right communications systems for every shot.
Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.
For clients that cannot attend the set, we offer a virtual video solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones 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.
