Top 10 Movies Shot in Africa: Iconic Films and Filming Locations

Africa, with its vast savannas, untamed landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures, has become a magnet for filmmakers from around the globe. From the bustling streets of Cape Town doubling as Pakistan to Namibia’s breathtaking deserts portraying a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Africa’s versatility makes it a perfect filming destination. Whether you’re a cinephile or a traveler seeking cinematic adventures, here are the top ten movies shot in Africa, their filming locations, and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.

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1. Lord of War (South Africa, 2005)

Filming Locations: Cape Town, Woodstock (South Africa)

Overview: Lord of War, starring Nicolas Cage and Jared Leto, tells the gripping story of Yuri Orlov, an arms dealer navigating global conflicts. Cage praised South Africa’s landscapes, saying, “The way the light falls here in Africa, you can see animals, and the amount of things you can do is incredible.”

The film recreated Monrovia, Liberia, in Cape Town’s Woodstock neighborhood. Filming spanned ten weeks in South Africa, with additional scenes in the U.S. and Czech Republic. South Africa’s diverse geography allowed the production to portray multiple global locations convincingly.

Why It’s Notable: South Africa’s infrastructure, friendly locals, and diverse scenery make it a prime African filming destination.

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2. The Last King of Scotland (Uganda, 2006)

Filming Locations: Entebbe, Kampala, Uganda

This historical drama depicts the rise and reign of Idi Amin, Uganda’s notorious dictator, through the eyes of his personal physician, Dr. Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy). Forest Whitaker won an Oscar for his chilling portrayal of Amin.

Filming Insights: Shooting in Uganda posed political and technical challenges, given the sensitive nature of Idi Amin’s legacy. With support from President Yoweri Museveni, the production used real locations, including Entebbe Airport, the site of the 1971 hostage crisis.

Why It’s Notable: The movie is a prime example of on-location filming in Uganda, showcasing both historical accuracy and the country’s scenic beauty.

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3. District 9 (South Africa, 2009)

Filming Locations: Johannesburg, Chiawelo, Soweto

Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 is a sci-fi allegory addressing apartheid and social segregation. Shot entirely in Johannesburg, it features aliens stranded on Earth, treated like second-class citizens. The production relied heavily on local talent and crew, and the Chiawelo neighborhood was pivotal for the realistic portrayal of slum life.

Why It’s Notable: District 9 is one of the most successful African-based sci-fi films, blending social commentary with stunning visual effects.

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4. Out of Africa (Kenya, 1985)

Filming Locations: Nairobi, Maasai Mara Game Reserve

Meryl Streep and Robert Redford starred in this classic tale based on Karen Blixen’s memoirs. It portrays colonial Kenya, wildlife safaris, and the complex relationships between settlers and indigenous communities.

Behind the Scenes: Filming in rural Kenya presented logistical challenges. Cast and crew traversed areas accessible only on foot and navigated interactions with wild animals. Streep famously recalled, “I went to take my son to school, and there were seven giraffes in the driveway.”

Why It’s Notable: Showcases Kenya’s iconic landscapes and is a benchmark for authentic African filming.

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5. Mad Max: Fury Road (Namibia, 2015)

Filming Locations: Namib Desert, Namibia

Originally intended to film in Australia, the production moved to Namibia’s deserts due to wet weather. Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron led this action-packed post-apocalyptic epic.

Why It’s Notable: Namibia’s stunning desert terrain became an integral character in the film, making it a top location for international filmmakers seeking otherworldly landscapes.

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6. Cry Freedom (Zimbabwe, 1987)

Filming Locations: Zimbabwe

Based on the story of South African activist Steve Biko, this film starred Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline. Filming in South Africa was impossible due to apartheid, so Zimbabwe served as the primary location.

Why It’s Notable: The film highlights African political struggles while showcasing Zimbabwean landscapes.

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7. Invictus (South Africa, 2009)

Filming Locations: Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Robben Island

This inspiring film portrays Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) using rugby to unite post-apartheid South Africa. Real locations were used to maintain authenticity, including Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned.

Why It’s Notable: A prime example of historical storytelling in South Africa, with authentic African locations contributing to the narrative.

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8. Blood Diamond (Mozambique/South Africa, 2006)

Filming Locations: Cape Town, Port Edward, Mozambique

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou, this film explores the illegal diamond trade in Sierra Leone. Mozambique and South Africa doubled for Sierra Leone’s war-torn landscape.

Why It’s Notable: Highlights Africa’s socio-political issues while leveraging beautiful and versatile filming locations.

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9. The Constant Gardener (Kenya, 2005)

Filming Locations: Nairobi, Kibera Slum

Based on John le Carré’s novel, the film follows diplomat Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) investigating his wife’s murder. Filming in Nairobi and Kibera offered a raw, authentic African backdrop.

Why It’s Notable: Showcases Kenya’s urban and rural contrasts, offering realistic settings for international audiences.

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10. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (South Africa, 2013)

Filming Locations: South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg, and more)

This biopic chronicles Nelson Mandela’s life, from his youth to becoming a global icon. Directed by Justin Chadwick, it was filmed almost entirely in South Africa with a local cast and crew to ensure authenticity.

Why It’s Notable: The film combines historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling, highlighting South Africa’s diverse locations.

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Why Africa is a Top Choice for Filmmakers

Africa’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage make it a favorite for international filmmakers. Countries like South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe provide versatile locations that can double for almost anywhere in the world. From urban streets to vast savannas and deserts, Africa continues to inspire some of the most iconic films of our time.

For more African cinematic adventures, visit Monumental Expeditions and Safaris to explore tours that connect film lovers with Africa’s natural and cultural wonders.