Giraffe in the Soysambu conservancy

Kenya delivers every time. There is just something about the people of Kenya. It seems like they all got the memo about how important tourism is to them. Kenyans make everyone feel special and incredibly welcome, and as a result, Film Fixers loves working in Kenya. As a location, Kenya just works.

The Brief

Your brief is to find a scenic African country location for your upcoming shoot.

Fabulous! What about Kenya?

The ideal location will have no crowds, and ideally lots of savannah grasses and iconic trees, so that you don’t have to schlep the crew backwards and forwards between shots. And elephants. And flamingos.

Like we said, ever thought of Kenya?

The location must be an isolated exclusive lodge preferably in the middle of the migrating wildebeest. It’s high season. Find a smoke machine. Not too far to drive because you are on a tight deadline. 2 of the crew don’t have their visas. Most of the models and crew are vegans and wifi is an absolute must-have. The DOP has to have freshly brewed coffee on tap. You’re on a helluva tight budget. The shoot is in 3 weeks.

Yup, definitely Kenya.

Cue Kenya.

Importance of tourism

Of all the neighbouring countries we have worked with, Kenya delivers every time. There is just something about the people of Kenya. It seems like they all got the memo about how important tourism is to them. Kenyans make everyone feel special and incredibly welcome. As a result, Film Fixers loves working in Kenya, because as a location, it just works.

Expect astounding weather, smiling faces, colourful fabrics, abundant wild life, gorgeous vistas and most of all, a can-do attitude.

Necessary paperwork

There is obviously some legwork to secure the necessary paperwork – Apply for film permits, special passes, supply equipment lists, and it seems like the list goes on, but somehow it all happens as long as you work closely with a recognised local agent. There is no getting around this requirement, and in fact, Film Fixers finds that it lands up being an enormous help having someone really well connected on the ground who is on hand to deal with the curved balls that come your way.

On a more serious note, producers, budget for local drivers for the vehicle that you hire– do not underestimate how terrifying it is to drive in Nairobi. We kid you not. There are not enough words to describe the mayhem and chaos there is navigating the traffic in Nairobi.

Once you are out of the city and you hit the open road, Kenya opens up all around you, and it is breathtaking. We promise. You will be back. Again. And again.