Filming ruins in Zimbabwe the Tsindi ruins in Zimbabwe
Filming ruins in Zimbabwe the Tsidi ruins. Zimbabwe as a country has a number of ruins that have attracted several tourists and researchers that are interested in historic and archeological findings. These ruins were former capitals if the local inhabitants of the lands of Zimbabwe and played a big role in trade and administration. Most of these ruins were built in stones and rocks and have unique structures.
The great Zimbabwe
The great Zimbabwe is the name of an African city built in the middle age that was made popular for its enormous circular wall. The remains of this city were made a UNESCO world site in 1986. It is believed that people stayed in this place from the period of 1100CE and left in the 15th century. The great Zimbabwe has several sections. The first section is called the hill complex which was known to have been a religious center for the people who stayed there. The second section is made of the circular wall and is called the great enclosure. The third and last section is the valley hat has houses that are made of mud bricks. For those interested in ancient and historic places, the great Zimbabwe is an amazing place to film.
Khami ruins
The khami ruins are the remains of a ruined city that used to be a major trading center during the 16th century. They were ruined when the natives abandoned them during the mid-16th century. It was also the capital of the kingdom of the Torwa which got its rise after the Great Zimbabwe collapsed. The architecture used in building these ruins is similar to that of the great Zimbabwe during its last stage of development. These ruins have a hill complex in their structure that was occupied by the royal family. Because of its importance to history and archeology, it was made a UNESCO world Heritage site in 1986. This is a good filming destination for those interested in archeology.
Mutoku ruins
Mutoku ruins also known as Tere monument are located in Mutoku. These ruins were built with rocks and have three major platforms. The rocks at these ruins show evidence of settlement from 1000AD. The walls of these ruins are very similar to those of the khami ruins although they are located in different locations of Zimbabwe. The story behind these ruins is that these ruins were occupied and built by a mean called Makate who used magic to overcome his rivals giving birth to the name Tere Makete ruins because he was the former owner of these ruins.
Chibvumani ruins
Located in Masvingo town, the Chibvumani ruins are a monument that were built using biotite granite blocks. These ruins were inhabited by the Shona people during the period between of 12th century to the 15th century after the great Zimbabwe was destructed. These ruins have so many local stories attached to them. The popular stories are those of the box of old and the mermaids found in the sacred dzivarembwa pool and underground tunnel. These stories are attributed to the claims of people’s disappearance and mysterious sounds that are heard in the ruins.
Tsindi ruins
Tsindi ruins are located in the south east of Harare city. This dry stone monument used to be called the lekker water ruins. These ruins are situated on a granite hill and used to be occupied by the nhowe people for about 250 years and then abandoned them in the 19th century after it got destructed. The walls that were built were seen and taken as a symbol of prestige and authority. These are good for filming because they provide archeological evidence of three stages of occupation and these are: late early Iron Age settlements. Late Iron Age settlements and lastly late Iron Age religious settlements.
Requirements to film the ruins in Zimbabwe
In order to film the ruins. 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.
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 the ruins.
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 evisa 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 Zimbabwe. 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 the Ruins
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 the Ruins in Zimbabwe
Filming in Zimbabwe 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.
Why use film crew fixers to film 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 Zimbabwe.
