WHAT OUR LOCAL FILM FIXERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT FILM LOCATIONS IN NAMIBIA
Namibia is known for its spectacular desert locations, rugged coastline, African wildlife, German colonial-era architecture, and an extensive rail network.
Agricultural film locations include plantations of corn, peanuts, grapes, and cotton. Sheep, goat, and cattle are farmed. Namibia mines diamonds, uranium, gold, lead, tungsten, tin, manganese, marble, copper, zinc, and salt. Energy locations include hydroelectric dams, thermal-power plants, and solar power plants.
The north is Namibia’s most densely populated area, and home to the country’s largest ethnic group, the Ovambo. This regions has a number of national parks home to the African elephant, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hyenas, buffalo , sable and lions.
The Etosha pan is one of the largest salt flats in the world and at The Vingerklip is an unusual rock pinnacle that rises up from a vast flat expanse. Twyfelfontein is a site of ancient rock engravings and Epupa Falls are a beautiful film location.
In the east,Windhoek is the capital and main entry point by air. Locations of note include the Tintenpalast, National Botanic Garden, Independence Memorial Museum (designed by North Korea’s Mansudae Overseas Projects), Christ Church, Windhoek and Hosea Kutako International Airport, and Katutura township. Daan Viljoen Game Reserve is located on the outskirts of Windhoek.
The Kalahari desert covers much of the eastern part of this area.
Cape Cross is known for its seal colony.
Swakopmund is known for its German colonial landmarks including the Swakopmund Lighthouse and the Mole. The Moon Landscapes are located nearby.
Walvis Bay has a shipping container port. Pelican Point Sand Spit is a tidal lagoon home to abundant birdlife including flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns. It also has saltwork evaporation fields. Dolphins, whales and Cape fur seals inhabit the Atlantic waters around the Pelican Point Lighthouse.
Located south of the Tropic of Capricorn, this area includes the regions of Hardap and Karas.
Namib-Naukluft National Park has several interesting film locations.
Deadvlei is a white clay pan known for its dead acacia trees and surrounding red sand dunes. Filmmakers have used the iconic location for everything from fashion shoots, to advertising skin care products, to portraying an otherworldly dream-like place. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to film for light and to stay out of the intense midday heat.
Sossusvlei is known for its magnificent red sand dunes. Dune 45 is a popular location for sunrise photography.
The Quiver Tree Forest is home to the trees of the same name. Trees bloom bright yellow flowers from June to July. Locals believe anyone who worships these trees will find good luck.
Elizabeth Bay is another deserted mining town.
The Sperrgebiet is a diamond mining area.
Duwisib Castle is an unusual medieval looking fortress.
Shark Island is a former concentration camp located off the coast of Luderitz.