Filming the Chinhoyi caves in Zimbabwe
The chinhoyi caves are located in north central of Zimbabwe near the town of chinhoyi. The local people call these caves “chirordziva” which means the pool of the fallen. This name came from an incident in 1830 where the people of the Angonni tribe attacked the local people and disposed of them in these caves. The caves are made in limestone and dolomite. The main cave harbors a pool if cobalt blue water giving it one of the best sceneries. This caves plays a big role for the local people for believe in the African traditional religion as it is surrounded by a sacred forest used majorly for rain making processes. These caves are under the management of the wildlife management authority and were turned into a recreational park in 1955. The major activity dine here is diving.
Requirements to film the Chinhoyi caves in Zimbabwe
In order to film the chinhoyi caves. 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 in Zimbabwe.
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 Chinhoyi caves
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 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.
How to get there
The best way to access the place is to fly Harare international airport and drive northwest to the town of Chinhoyi. The caves are found on the main road high way A-1 between Harare and Chirundi.
Where to stay when filming the Chinhoyi caves in Zimbabwe
Accommodation options when filming the chinhoyi caves vary. These range from budget, midrange and luxury. Your choice of accommodation depends on your interest and budget. Lodge options include chinhoyi caves motel, msasa guest house chinhoyi and orange groove.contact us for help with reservation and more information on accommodation.
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.
