The Top Ten Southern Africa Still & Film Production Locations

Modern technology means it’s entirely possible for filmmakers and photographers to create any backdrop they want in a studio. Blue filters, green filters, superimposition, Photoshop, CGI - the list of tricks and tweaks is virtually endless.

But artificial is artificial. And fake can never compete with genuine when it comes to that truly immersive film experience.

That’s where film shoot locations become important. Of course, it's not always possible to shoot in the exact place your movie is set. So you need to emulate the real thing, with whatever comes closest.

As far as Southern African film production locations go, Namibia must certainly rank as one of the hotspots. This country, with its low population density and coastal desert landscape, offers some truly fantastic film shoot locations.

Here are our top three Namibian film shoot locations:

(We’ve selected 3 of our favourites, but you’ll find a whole lot more in our film location library)

Sossusvlei - Nearly Martian Film Location

This Namibian location, in the Namib Desert, boasts huge towering dunes with the magical the spectacle of changing colours and striking red dunes. The red sand makes an excellent faux Martian landscape, so it's a favourite for sci-fi filmmakers.

Kulala Desert - Picture perfect Film Shoot Location

Nearby, still in the Namib, we have the Kulala Desert. This location offers magnificent views of the famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, a group of thatched and canvas chalets and desert wildlife unique to the area. It’s and absolutely picture-perfect location, perfect for your perfect pictures.

Skeleton Coast - A location where desert meets ocean

Still in Namibia, the Skeleton Coast is a place that looks as dramatic as its name sounds. With its untouched, wild, desolate beaches and uninhabited beautiful sand dunes, the place is positively magical. The pastel plains complement the towering canyons and mountains. The vast salt pans give an amazing sense of space and openness. The seal colonies are like an oasis in an area that is an anomalous marriage of beach and desert, while the old shipwrecks remind all of how the place got its name.

For the filmmaker looking for a film shoot location to emulate a desolate environment, these Namibian film shoot locations must certainly rank as some of the best. Both among Southern African film shoot locations and among a whole host of international film shoot locations.