Filming in Lesotho
Filming in Lesotho is very manageable, however, you will be living on the rustic side of things for the time being. The country is known for its highlands and vast mountain ranges, snow-capped peaks and the lush green farmlands. The Basotho people are incredibly friendly – but be sure to respect their privacy regarding cameras.
There is not a whole lot of inside help, with the industry being non-existant there, and there is no infrastructure for filming, however, we often go into Lesotho for various projects, making us your perfect Lesotho Fixer.
Weather:
The best time to film in Lesotho would be from March to May, and the September to November. These are the ideal months, as Lesotho gets incredibly hot in the summer, and incredibly cold (with snowfall) in the winter. These months are nestled perfectly outside of these extremes.
We’re filming in Lesotho. Come join us.
VISAS AND PERMITS
Lesotho visas and film permits are managed through relationships at governmental level – with a government only too keen to welcome exposure for the mountain kingdom.
Lesotho provides the ideal location for your production if you are looking for wild, untouched wilderness.
Visas:
Crew need to come in on a tourist visa. However, the site is down quite often, and so it is best to contact us when that happens, and we can push them through at government level thr0ugh the contacts we’ve established.
Permits:
In terms of Lesotho film visas and film permits, the Lesotho Tourism Development Council requires to be notified in writing of the nature of the production, its scope and duration. There is no official system in place for this – it requires a lot of letters, documents and possibly a few calls with the LTDC (Lesotho Tourism Development Council).
To learn more about the permit process, contact your Fixer in Lesotho!
CUSTOMS AND EQUIPMENT
The country is a member of the ATA Carnet system, however, this is through SACU (South African Customs Union.)
There is next to no industry in Lesotho, and so looking to hire equipment will best be done in South Africa – which has a thriving industry with incredible rental companies. And there will be no issue getting these in, as they share the customs union.
If you are going into Lesotho from South Africa, the process is a simple one. You are required to submit a document detailing each piece of equipment, its value and serial numbers. Similar to the ATA Carnet document. VAT is paid to the Lesotho Revenue Authority and is refundable when you exit Lesotho.
If you are planning on bringing equipment into Lesotho from anywhere else, the formal ATA Carnet process must be followed.
Film Fixers have established relationships at most points of entry that manage the situation where both parties benefit.
Getting a drone permit in Lesotho is significantly easier than her African counterparts. We have the know-how to make sure that you comply, so contact us for more information.
ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY
Moshoeshoe International Airport is the primary international terminal in Lesotho, however, you will most likely be landing in OR Tambo, in Johannesburg, and driving in to Lesotho.
The roads and city infrastructure are not great. You will find tar roads in the city centres, however, moving between cities, you’ll contend with doney carts, dirt roads, speed bumps and rickety bridges – however, we assure you, this is all part of Lesotho’s appeal.
Cash is king here. There will not be a lot of card machine availability, so be sure to have a good amount of cash on you.
Film Fixers highly recommends crews let us organize our local drivers who have experience navigating the many notorious roads of the African continent, as this ensures a smooth and safe experience for everyone involved and no issues with traffic police.