Filming Lake Magadi in Kenya
Filming Lake Magadi in Kenya: Lake Magadi is found at the heart of the Kenya’s Masai Mara and a lake that is 104 square kilometers with vast of the salt flats. Because the lake is surrounded by thick vegetation and sweltering hot plains which inhibits animals from reaching the center of the lake. As the result, the lake hosts a thousands of the flamingo birds annually for nesting in the mud that is safer from the predators. A strech of the fresh water ta lake Magadi presents an opportunity for several birds’ species to be hosted in this lake. Therefore, we can say that Lake Magaid is a good destination for filming since the destination for nature lovers because of wildlife presents on the lake. You will enjoy a lot of filming adventures at Lake Magadi once you have decided to take the filming adventures with Africa adventure vacations. Let’s see what is available for filming at Lake Magadi
Filming wildlife at Lake Magadi in Kenya: Flamingos and pelicans are just a couple of the wading birds that can be found at Lake Magadi. Giraffes, antelopes, ostriches, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and a few lion families can all be found near the lake. However, they are only visible very early in the morning or late at night when the temperature is low. You can see elephants and buffalo at the conservancy south of the lake. An access point across the lake leads to the Nguruman Escarpment, where visitors can take in the breathtaking scenery and swim in the pool below the escarpment’s waterfalls. It takes about an hour to hike up the escarpment, preferably in the early morning when it’s cool.
Where to stay during filming on Lake Magadi
There are a lot of accommodation facilities where one can stay as he or she is enjoying filming the lake and the surroundings. Some of the lodges include shompole wilderness Camp, Lake magadi tented camp among others.
How to access Lake Magadi for filming
From Nairobi, you can travel directly by bus, matatu, or private vehicle to Magadi via Kiserian. From the Loita Hills and the Nguruman Escarpment, many hikers travel to Magadi.
Filming fees and costs for Lake Magadi
For any person interested in Lake Magadi, they will have to pay some costs and fees to be granted permission to do any filming activity. As such, the filming charges for Lake Magadi include:
- Ksh 8,000 ($80) per person, per week or part-week;
- For six (6) to ten (10) people, the weekly or part-week rate is Ksh 12,000 ($115).
- 20,000 (2.00) for more than ten (10) people for one week or part of the week.
Kenya filming expenses
- a) Filming rates in Kenya Shillings (Kshs/USD)
- Adverts, documentaries, dramas, short features, still photographs, Khs. 5, 000(50 dollars)
- TV series and feature films in their entirety cost Ksh.15, 000 ($150).
- Daily filming fees of Ksh. 1,000($10)
- (b) Liaison officer’s service charges
- The Ministry charges Ksh. 400 ($5) per day to cover the Liaison Officer’s services provided by a government Liaison Officer to be attached to the crew.
- C) Other charges
- Before participating in any filming, each guest must pay Ksh. 2,000($20) to the Department of Immigration Services for a special pass. While the filming special permission is being processed, artists may enter Kenya on a visitor’s pass.
- On presentation of a film license, a small non-refundable fee of 1% of the equipment’s worth or Ksh 30, 000 ($300) (whichever is less) is payable to the Customs Department.
In addition to the above, you will need to pay for press accreditation, lodging, and transportation to successfully film Lake Magadi.
Press Accreditation
To film Lake Magadi all film crew members must be accredited by the Kenya Film Commission. Local filming agencies and private production companies or individuals must apply through a local agent registered with the Ministry. This is a prerequisite for all applications to make feature films and documentaries. Each crew member must fill out the Kenya Film License Form (which we normally send), scan it, and return it to us along with a copy of their passport and one photo for the filming license. We will then require a letter from the filming company specifying the name of the filming company, the reason for filming, the location of filming, and the film crew’s contact information. This letter is subsequently forwarded to the Kenya Film Commission for the film license to be processed. A film license is usually awarded within 2-3 business days.
Vehicle hiring services
You need a 4×4 vehicle when filming Lake Magadi
When you trust Africa Adventure Vacations as your film fixer, then you will get the opportunity to book for yourself a strong vehicle that will transport the crew members to and from filming Lake Magadi in Kenya. We offer the vehicle based on the preferences of our clients and their budget, but also the location where you are going to film, because it may also determine the kind of vehicle that you might need. Because of the nature of the terrain, which might make you travel long distances, we kindly urge you to book our customized tour.
Daily, these cost about $200 to $250 per vehicle, and this price includes the fuel and the driver. You can also opt for our 4×4 safari van, which is available for $200 daily. By contacting us, we shall make sure that we calculate everything, and thus we shall inform you and give you the inclusive price. Each of our vehicles is accompanied by drivers who work as area fixers, and many of them have traveled to nearly every part of Kenya, so they are familiar with the local conditions and can provide critical information and resolve any situation on the ground. While in Kenya, these serve as intermediaries between you and our office. And please contact us for any film fixers in Kenya. We are available 24 hours a day to be able to help you with all the information relating to filming Lake Magadi in Kenya.
All of our vehicles include a driver who serves as the location fixer. Most of them have visited practically every section of Kenya and are thus familiar with local conditions and can provide relevant information and resolve any local issues. While on location, they work as liaisons between our clients and our office.
Visa recommendation
You’ll need to get a tourist visa. Many film crews choose to get a visa before visiting Kenya. Visas, on the other hand, are easily obtained upon admission into the country. In this situation, you can obtain a tourist visa at the Nairobi International Airport for USD51.00.
When the best time to film Lake Magadi in Kenya?
Filming of the Lakes in Kenya is an adventure that is done all year round, but the best time for filming is during December and then from June to October. This time, weather conditions are dry and this makes filming activities so much more fantastic. However, the best time to film Lake Magadi is during the rainy season, when the green vegetation blooms and provides an amazing scenic view (November to May), while the dry season offers the best photo opportunities, both on short and long hikes (May to October).
Why should you book your Kenya filming safari with Africa Adventure Vacations?
Africa Adventure Vacations is a popular tourist company based in Uganda that operates in East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and South Africa. We have more than ten years of experience assisting filming and production companies and individual travelers who are interested in filming nature-related wildlife and African culture. We offer services such as obtaining filming permission, clearing filming equipment, reserving lodging, and arranging transportation to filming businesses, all in the shortest amount of time possible. Other wildlife tours are available in all of the countries mentioned above, including gorilla tours in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a result, you should not hesitate to choose us as your East African film fixers, especially in Kenya for your Kenyan filming experience.
