On-site photo production in Zanzibar

Palm trees, white beaches, turquoise water, picturesque streets, and a temperate tropical climate, Zanzibar is a stunning destination for photographic productions of all kinds. It is the perfect place for swimwear and lingerie sessions and also adapts to any production that needs a summery island flair.

So how easy is it to organize a film or still image production in Zanzibar?

Trip
There are very few direct long-haul flights to Zanzibar, but several airlines fly direct from Europe to Dar-es-Salaam on mainland Tanzania with a short connecting flight to Zanzibar. It is a journey of approximately 10 to 15 hours that includes a stopover from the main European cities. It is better to obtain a visa in advance; They are available on arrival but can be a time consuming process.

Local transportation
Local roads are not in excellent condition, so you should allow enough time to travel between locations on the island. The rental of minivans and 4×4 vehicles with or without a driver is not a problem.

accommodation
There are some really great hotels in Zanzibar, as it caters to those who add a luxury island getaway to a mainland safari vacation. There are also many hotels and resorts that cater to more moderate budgets.

Permissions
Filming permits are easy to obtain with the help of a production company that has established local connections, usually only taking about three days. If you are also filming in mainland Tanzania, you will need a separate permit.

Team
There is very little when it comes to professional equipment rental in Zanzibar, so it will be necessary to bring it with the crew. However, there is no problem going through customs as long as a detailed equipment list with serial numbers is presented along with the film’s permit prior to arrival. Your production company will take care of all those details for you.

Crew
It will be necessary to bring in qualified personnel, but there is a lot of hard work if less experienced help is hired locally.

Rentals
The places are varied and unspoiled: long white sand beaches, palm trees, picturesque dhows, forests, the winding streets of Stonetown with interesting carved doors, balconies and fascinating architectural details and interiors as well. For a dash of grandeur and history, the Sultan’s Palace is available to rent.

When to go
The best time to visit Zanzibar is between June and October and then again between December and March; these are the driest times with uniform temperatures and lots of sun.

Currently, Zanzibar is more popular for photo productions than movies, but there is no reason not to go there for film productions as well. There is growing interest in film with an annual international film festival turning 16 and local production companies are actively working to open up the island archipelago to more film productions.