LOCATION: KENYA

Filming in Kenya

If you’re looking for a Kenya location fixer and scout, we have you covered!

Straddling the equator, Kenya offers reliable weather, affordable production (in the main) and stunningly diverse locations. Whilst Kenya is best known as a nature-based destination, with fantastic safari locations, wildlife and mountains, it is far more than that. The idyllic Kenya beaches – including the archipelagos off the coast – are arguably up there with the best. And the cultural immersion in the rural and urban areas, with cosmopolitan Nairobi being an example, are highlights of this amazing country. Consider a location scout Kenya to unlock the potential this country has to offer.

Contact us for more information on Kenya as well as details on the required film visas and film permits.

Customs and Equipment

Bringing in any equipment has recently become a very simple and cheap process. Read about the customs and equipment regulations here, under our Visas and Permits section!

Access

Air Access- Air access into Kenya is regular, specifically long haul from many European, Asian and American destinations through Kenya Airlines as well as a number of other international carriers. Continental Africa is also serviced from Nairobi, the main airport, and Mombasa and Eldoret, and while demand is high over the high season, charter flights (servicing the safari industry) are readily available.

Rail- Kenya has a fairly well-established rail network, with a mixture of 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd class options providing affordable options to all travellers. And although rail is not the quickest (compared to the more expensive (and less romantic) option of flying, is is definitely the safest terrestrial option in Kenya.

Road- The road network in Kenya is fairly comprehensive, but is not in the best condition once you leave the urban areas. Bear in mind, also, that sub-tropical conditions mean a lot of rain, which plays havoc on dirt roads – which makes up the bulk of the network. Remember, if you bring your own vehicle into Kenya, make sure you have the Carnet sorted out – and apply for the 3-month permit at the border post.

Car Hire- Many of the reputable global car hire companies are located at the airports and in the major hubs – and they offer fairly affordable vehicles, as well as more expensive 4×4 options, depending on where you are going (remember the rain and mud!). Car hire provides a degree of flexibility, and sometimes is the only option for remote locations

Taxis- Taxis are more expensive, but they are definitely the safest way to travel in urban areas at night, and readily available. But be warned that most taxis are not metered, so be prepared to haggle BEFORE your ride.

Bus- There is a fairly reliable inter-city bus network that is cheap, reasonably comfortable – and quite slow! Which brings us to…….

Good Old Matatus- Like South Africa, and many African countries, Matatu taxis (minbus taxis) provide the staple form of transport for the People. They leave from designated spots, but do not be scared to flag one down wherever – they will stop!

Affordability

Kenya is distinctly a third-world country – reflected in the infrastructure, development and the economy. Yet despite this, there is a strong Dollar-based tourism economy that runs alongside, primarily represented by the luxury safari industry, which booms during the ‘high season’. This means that whilst Kenya is an extremely cost effective destination, wherever your plans touch the tourism industry, there is the potential to get expensive – unless you plan to avoid high season. Food and accommodation – as long as you are not 5-starring it – is very good and quite affordable.

Weather

Kenya straddles the equator, so besides being hot, it also has little difference in the seasons. Kenya does have two distinct rain seasons in April/May, and in October/November. Although it rains, however, it clears pretty quickly, so filming in Kenya is fairly reliable – with the optimal period being between these two seasons (skirting the high season as well!) Obviously, as you move up in altitude, climate changes, becoming a lot colder the higher you go, and the coastal areas become very hot during the day.

Why film in Kenya

Easy Access
Very Affordable
Seamless Customs Experience
Easy Visa and Permits System
Diverse Location Options

Top Film Locations

Lugard Falls, on the Galana River in Tsavo – where the rocks have been sculptured by the river flowing through a series of rapids

Great Rift Valley – although the Great Rift Valley actually stretches over 6000km from Lebanon to Mozambique, it really comes into life in Kenya, with spectacular landscapes and lakes in the valley, providing fantastic location options.

The Great Migration – OK, it is not a location, but it truly is the greatest show on earth. Shared with Tanzania, this is now one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, where over a million wildebeest move clockwise over great distances looking for new pastures.

Masai Mara – amazing because of its sheer size, the Masai Mara represents many such reserves with endless savannah plains playing host to teeming herds of plains game.

The Lakes – Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Lake Elmenteita, and many more. Formed by the Great Rift Valley. Symbolic home to flamingos, as well as plenty of other wildlife

Mount Kenya – not as high as neighboring Kilimanjaro, but equally spectacular – and more accessible. Mount Kenya is also more protected and pristine, with wonderful lakes, forests, springs, the glaciers we talk about – and an amazing wildlife.

Lamu Island – in faxt the entire Lamu Archipelago of Kenya. Stunning beaches – and best of all, no roads – you have to walk!

Nairobi – when they thought of the word ‘bustle’ they were thinking of Nairobi – distincly African, cosmopolitan and ‘bustling’….

Malindi – Mombasa is great, but catch a Matatu to Malinda – some of the best beaches you will ever experience – and the snorkelling is unforgettable. And it is hot!