WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILMING IN BOTSWANA,AFRICA
Botswana is bordered in the South by South Africa, in the West by Namibia, in the East by Zimbabwe and in the North by the Caprivi Strip of Namibia. Situated in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, Botswana is a landlocked country in the central part of southern Africa. More than 80% of the country is defined by the Kalahari Sand deposit
Botswana has a subtropical desert climate characterized by great differences in day and night temperatures, and low humidity overall. It receives virtually no rainfall for six months of the year, with the wettest months being December to March. Winter and summer is at opposite times of the year as Europe and North America, and they correspond to the Dry and Wet season respectively.
The best time to film in Botswana is during the dry season, which falls between May and October. Temperatures range between 75°F and 95°F, so you’ll enjoy warm, sunny days — just remember the nights can get much cooler, so pack accordingly.
There is currently no tax incentives and rebates available to film in Botswana
Botswana is one of the most stable countries in Africa and on the top 10 safest countries to visit in the world.
The national currency of Botswana is the Pula – a regionally strong currency – but the US dollar is widely accepted at lodges and hotels throughout the country. Major hotels have foreign exchange desks and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller’s cheques.
The national language of Botswana is SeTswana, spoken by the Tswana people in the region, while English is recognised as a second official language and is spoken widely throughout the country
Combis (minibuses) and taxis are the main mode of transport in the capital city of Gaborone. Combis are recognisable by their colour (white) and the line they operate is painted on the front. They can be hailed along major roads or from the combi stand. Public (shared) taxis are recognisable by their blue number plates and circulate according to set routes (usually going to destinations with no combi service). Passengers can be picked up and dropped off only at designated stops marked ‘bus/taxi stop’. Private taxis can also be identified by their blue number plates; however, they are harder to come by in the city as very few cruise the streets. It is better to book a private cab directly through a hotel. There is no daily passenger train operating within Gaborone.
The wealth generated from diamond mining has contributed significantly to an increase in the standard of living in the country and services and infrastructure in Botswana have vastly improved as well.
Botswana’s roads are maintained by the local and central government. 2015 statistics from the Botswana Transport and Infrastructure Statistics Report stated that the total road network equalled 30,275.64 kilometres, with bitumen and gravel roads comprising the majority of the roads at 33 and 35 percent respectively. Travel by road constitutes the majority of travel in Botswana, accounting for 93 percent of passenger transportation. In addition, Botswana has 971 kilometers of railroad laid out and 12 airports with paved runways. Together, they comprise about 7 percent of passenger transportation.
The daily costs of hotels of 4 -5 star film friendly hotels range between $100 and $150 per day
WHAT OUR FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN BOTSWANA,AFRICA
Botswana is one of the world’s best countries for filming big African wildlife. A predominantly flat country, the landscape is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta, and Makgadikgadi Pan. The Limpopo River Basin lies partly in Botswana.
Agricultural film locations include plantations of sorghum, corn, millet, and cowpeas. Botswana is known for its diamond, copper, and nickel mines. Energy locations include coal-fired power plants.
Gaborone is the capital and largest city. It’s known for the Gaborone Game Reserve which is home to wildebeest, impala, and migratory birds. The Three Dikgosi Monument was designed by North Korea’s Mansudae Overseas Projects.Located just outside of Gaborone the Mokolodi Nature Reserve is home to rhino, elephant, giraffe, and hippos.
Although Gaborone is the capital, most productions are filmed in the northern city of Maun only a few hours drive to national parks and nature reserves which include the Chobe National Park known for its elephant, buffalos and lions, Nxai Pan National Par for its grassy plains dotted with baobab trees, acacia bushes and wandering giraffes, Moremi National Park has populations of lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe, hippo, zebra, cheetah, hyena, and the endangered Cape wild dog,the Okavango Delta for its vast grass flats, shallow waterways, lagoons, and the unique culture of the indigenous San people. Wildlife that call the Okavango Delta home include hippo, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and crocodiles, the Makgadikgadi Pan one of the largest salt plains in the world brings migrating wildebeest and zebra during the rainy season and the Tsodilo Hills boast one of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve is home to the Kalahari lion and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is located in the south-west of the country. It is home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and a large diversity of birds.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM PERMIT ,VISAS AND WORK PERMITS WHEN FILMING IN BOTSWANA,AFRICA
Visas & Work Permits
The Botswana eVisa will greatly expedite the application process and facilitate entry to the country, as it will eliminate the need to travel to an embassy in person or wait in long border queues to obtain a Botswana visa on arrival.
https://www.onlinevisa.com › botswana-visa
Film & Location Permits for Zambia
A Film Permit is required regardless of the duration of the shoot or where you are filming. If you are taking photographs / filming in the National Parks or Reserves local film fixers will also need to arrange a Supplementary Permit from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM CREWS,EQUIPMENT AND TALENT IN THE BOTSWANA,AFRICA
Botswana has a very small pool of local crew, all HOD’s should be brought in from South Africa.
You will need to bring in all camera, lighting and grip equipment from abroad. South Africa is the closest established film production centre. For productions looking to bring in film equipment Botswana is an ATA carnet country.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiable.
English and Setswana are the official languages.
Botswana’s main ethnic groups include the Tswana, Kalanga, and Basarwa (Kalahari Bushmen) people. There is also a small Caucasian and East Indian community. All other talent needs to be brought in from abroad.
