Filming safaris on Zanzibar Island
Are you looking for filming safaris on Zanzibar Island? Zanzibar Island is sometimes referred to as Spice Island because of its many interesting features, including breathtaking and turbulent landscapes, as well as many cultural and historical sites. The presence of the white beaches has made the island one of the great places where one can make the greatest documentary or shoot a film ever. An island is a wonderful place for people to relax and explore what is happening in the water. Africa’s tropical paradise, Zanzibar Island, is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches on earth. There are miles and miles of white-sand beaches with palm trees scattered across them, all encircled by the Indian Ocean’s crystal-clear water. Together with Pemba Island and several other smaller islands, Zanzibar Island makes up the Zanzibar archipelago. Because of their extensive history in the spice trade and numerous spice farms, these islands are also known as the Spice Islands, and this is one of the reasons I recommend coming here for a filming safari, as you will be filming all of the activities that take place on the island.
What can be filmed on Zanzibar Island?
There are a lot of interesting things and scenery that you can film on Zanzibar Island while on your Zanzibar filming safaris, and I want to assure you that what you put in will come out in strength, and thus no regrets. The following are some of the things that you can film on Zanzibar Island.
On Zanzibar Island, filming Stone Town and its inhabitants. Stone Town is one of the most beautiful and historically significant towns on Zanzibar. It is a city of narrow streets, humming bazaars, mosques, and magnificent Arab homes, whose original owners competed with one another over the extravagantness of their homes. More than 500 different specimens of these works of art, which are brass-studded, carved, hardwood doors, show off this tendency to outdo one another. The interesting maze of little alleys and lanes can keep you occupied for many idle hours and days. Therefore, filming this town will be of great importance. In Stone Town, you can film all of the trading centers, all of the old buildings, and the people. When Zanzibar was one of the most significant trading hubs in the Indian Ocean region in the 19th century, the majority of the mansions that can be seen today were constructed. Although Zanzibar’s coraline rock makes an excellent building material, it is also quickly eroded. The vast number of homes in poor condition is evidence of this. The Stone Town Conservation Authority was founded to organize the town’s return to its former splendor, and several buildings have already undergone renovations. The Old Dispensary’s restoration process is seen in the “before and after” photo on the right. Due to judicious policy, almost all of the main hotels constructed in Stone Town are housed in buildings that have been renovated.
The islets’ white sand beaches
Filming on Zanzibar Island and the islets’ white sand beaches: Your filming locations in the islands can also include Nungwi is located at the northernmost point of the island and is reached by a road that is bordered by coconut, mangrove, and banana palm trees. As the hub for dhow construction on Zanzibar Island, this is a fantastic site to observe traditional artisans at work. The beaches of Matemwe, Pwani Mchangani, Kiwengwa, Uroa, Bwejuu, and Jambiani, all with stretches of lovely white sand, are located to the east of Mangapwani Beach on Zanzibar’s west coast. This will incorporate filming on the sister island of Zanzibar, Pemba. Pemba has been cut off from the outside world for a long time, but it is now seeing a tiny but steadily increasing number of foreign tourists. Many people view this as a plus because there is less infrastructure than in Unguja and fewer tourists. A few of the attractions include stunning beaches, unspoiled forests, and excellent diving. Misali Island, off the east coast of Pemba, is beautiful and has great diving.
Filming the colorful corals and beautiful culture on Zanzibar island will involve filming. Zanzibar Island offers relaxed beach life as well as a variety of activities, a rich culture, and a fascinating history. Amazing cultural diversity may be found in the historic Stone Town. Foodies and culture buffs can explore intriguing cultural destinations like the House of Wonders, the Sultan’s Palace, and the Darajani or Forodhani food markets. The magnificent coral reefs may be explored, and you can swim with tropical reef fish. You can also take a spice tour. There are countless opportunities. The island of Zanzibar has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. The Zanzibar International Film Festival, commonly known as the Festival of the Dhow Countries, is the most well-known event on Zanzibar Island. Every year, a variety of filmmakers and tourists gather. This event, which takes place every July, features the best music and art from the Swahili Coast. Stone Town’s stunning architectural characteristics can also be found on Zanzibar Island. These include, among others, the Livingstone House, the Guliani Bridge, Ngome Kongwe (The Old Fort of Zanzibar), the Old Dispensary of Zanzibar, and the Guliani Bridge.
Filming the wildlife on Zanzibar Island: As a result of its connection to the African continent during the previous Ice Age, Zanzibar Island is home to a variety of animals and plants. There are endemic mammals on the island, including the Zanzibar red colobus, one of Africa’s rarest primates, which can be filmed in the mangrove swamps, coastal thickets, and coral rag scrub. African civets, monkeys, bush pigs, small antelopes, different species of mongoose, and the Zanzibar leopard are among the island’s other inhabitants. You may also capture footage of a variety of birds and butterflies on the island.
What do you need to film on Zanzibar Island?
Filming permits and their costs: You will need a filming permit to participate in any filming activity on Zanzibar Island. All those who are interested in filming in Tanzania will have to book their filming permits from the Tanzania Film Censorship Board and the Department of Antiquities in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.
Once you have this filming permit, then you can proceed and start your filming trips to Zanzibar Island. It is very important to note that getting a filming permit in Tanzania might be expensive and time-consuming, and thus the visitors must ensure that they book early with us so that we can start the process of securing the filming permit for Tanzania early. Make sure that you undergo all the application forms for filming with the assistance of your local Tanzania production service film fixer. This is the step that you must take before anything. Once you have finished the application procedures, make sure that you submit the forms to your reputable local Tanzania Consulate. This will help to quicken and complete your application process. Later, after this exercise, you will be asked to send your original documents back to your Tanzania film fixer to finalize the process with the authorities in Tanzania.
Permits for filming can only be used for three months at a time. Giving oneself as much time as possible to accomplish this process is recommended. If you just have a short amount of time, you can get an expedited permit, but the expenses will be substantially higher. A standard permit costs $1,000. The film crew members who don’t have time and would like to book the last-minute filming permit in Tanzania will have to pay $3,000 each. Please contact us here at Africa Adventure Vacations as we can help to secure the filming permit to enable you to make and do filming in Tanzania.
Other Permission and Filming Fees on Zanzibar Island, Tanzania: The moment you are done with getting the filming permit, which is the core of filming in Tanzania, remember that you might need some other permissions that you will need to gain access to Zanzibar Island for filming safaris.
The other permissions that you might need may include filming inside the protected area or the national park, in case you need to do drone filming, as well as those interested in night filming safaris in Tanzania. Several laws and rules guide visitors or those who are interested in filming in Tanzania, and thus you must get the proper film fixer with high credentials to guide you so that you are not caught on the wrong side of the law. Please be reminded that you will also need to cover the accommodation costs, the visa, the film fixers’ fee, and the vehicle that you need to transport to Zanzibar Island for filming.
You need a 4×4 vehicle to go for a filming safari to Zanzibar
Requirement 3: You need a 4×4 vehicle when going to Zanzibar Island for filming safaris: 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 Zanzibar Island for filming. 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
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 Tanzania, so they are familiar with the local conditions and can provide critical information and resolve any situation on the ground. While in Tanzania, these serve as intermediaries between you and our office. And please contact us for any film fixers in Tanzania. We are available 24 hours a day to be able to help you with all the information relating to Zanzibar Island in Tanzania.
Filming equipment freight and customs
If you choose Tanzania as your recording destination, you will almost certainly need to bring film equipment with you. The most efficient method of air shipping freight is to “go with” the baggage on your aircraft. The alternative option is to convey it as “unaccompanied” cargo via airship. The last method is more expensive, and the hardware may spend some time in customs at the port of entry. In Tanzania, the temporary importation of film equipment is governed by a bond framework or system. You can save the entire value of the hardware with the Tanzanian government for the duration of the shoot. You can apply for a discount on this bond’s cash market value. In any event, film studios can pay a freight agent or specialist a non-refundable 10% of the total cost of the equipment in exchange for the use of his or her bond. This is a shorter and less complicated cycle.
The best time for filming safaris on Zanzibar Island is now.
Filming on Zanzibar Island in Tanzania is an adventure that is done all year round, but the best times for filming are during December and then from June to October. This time, weather conditions are dry and this makes filming activities so much more fantastic. The ideal opportunity for filming on Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, is during the dry season, which lasts from June to December. Filming in the rainy season is hectic and I would advise anyone to think of filming dry this time. However, the wet season is associated with the green color of nature because of the regeneration of vegetation, and this at times makes filming an adventure that is done all day or all year through. The wet season disturbs the film crew members, and it happens especially from March to May and November. Therefore, it is good that you film hippos from December to February and then June to October, which is relatively dry compared to March to May and November.
How to get to Zanzibar Island for filming safaris?
One can access Zanzibar Island by car or air. By car, from Arusha to Dar es Salaam, you can take a bus that connects to a ferry that will take you to Zanzibar Island. For over 650 kilometers, the bus trip requires a drive of more than 10 hours. And by air, from Arusha, there are regular daily flights to Zanzibar Island. It is suggested that you fly rather than drive to the island for ease of access.
Book a single room at Zanbluu Beach Hotel
Where to stay while on filming safaris on Zanzibar Island?
While filming on Zanzibar Island, there are a variety of lodges to choose from, ranging in price from budget to luxury. Depending on your preferences and financial situation, you will decide where to stay. Ananda Beach House, Rumaisa Hotel, Zanbluu Beach Hotel, Evergreen Bungalows, Shanuo Beach Bungalows, and Simba Garden Lodge are just a few of the lodges on Zanzibar Island.
Why should you book your Tanzania filming safari with Africa Adventure Vacations?
Africa Adventure Vacations is a well-known 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, particularly those 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.
