Film Permits & Locations
Trust our location scout to find the most amazing filming locations in Ethiopia. From the sprawling urban landscape of Addis Ababa to the remote Simian Mountains, Ethiopia Fixer arranges film permits for you and provides the local knowledge for a smooth production. Ethiopia is a magical land with otherworldly beauty in all its far corners. Document Ethiopia’s long rich history, intertwined with the world’s major religions. Give a cinematic taste of the origins of coffee, today’s favorite black brew. There is a story to tell from all Ethiopia filming locations.
Ethiopia Filming Locations – Addis Ababa
Filming in Addis Ababa is like stepping into a clash of modern urban life and myths that might just be true. Addis Ababa is the fourth largest city in Africa and the centre of Ethiopia’s politics and economy. This is more than the place where you pick up your film permits. It is your crash course introduction to what Ethiopia was and what is has become. Of all Ethiopia filming locations, Addis Ababa serves the greatest contrasts. Local traditions shine through in the cuisine and architecture. Witness the remnants of Haile Selassie’s rule in his former palace, now housing the Ethnological Museum. Drink the nation’s finest tej bet, honey wine, at the hidden Auxum Hotel. Our production assistance team are on-site to help you navigate the traffic jams and bureaucracy. There is a happy chaos in Addis Ababa, one that our production fixers are experts in controlling.
Ethiopia Filming Locations – Afar
Squint your eyes when looking at a map of Ethiopia and the region of Afar resembles a map of Africa. Located in Ethiopia’s north east corner, it borders Eritrea and Djibouti. This is the home of the Afar nomads and the most surreal Ethiopia filming locations. When filming in Afar, you might wonder whether you are on a different planet. The Danakil Depression features the Dallol salt lakes coloring shades of green, yellow and orange. The Danakil Depression is also the set of Clash of the Titans (2010). Go some ways further and view the Erta Ale, an active volcano. Even further is yet another volcano, the Dabbahu Volcano where a massive rift emerged in 2005. The Afar region is not a very forgiving landscape. Many production teams opt for aerial filming which is more difficult to arrange. Keep this in mind when requesting film permits in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Filming Locations – Dire Dawa
Bustling markets are present at most Ethiopia filming locations but the most impressive markets are in Dire Dawa. This is where you find Kafira Market, something out of a storybook. Kafira Market is surrounded by Moorish arches and spread through endless alleys and lanes. Other worthwhile markets our location scout manager can take you to are Chattara Market and Dire Dawa Market. Chattara is known for its chat sellers and Dire Dawa Markets is an abruptly modern covered market.
Another true gem for your production company is the abandoned train station. Built by the French in the 19th century, what is left of the Imperial Railway Company is in disarray. Yet, you can still find interesting scenes such as Haile Selassie’s private carriage and a roundhouse. Acquiring film permits for this region is simpler. Dire Dawa is one of Ethiopia’s largest cities, making it a good option for urban African scenes.
Ethiopia Filming Locations – Gambela National Park
Let our film fixer in Ethiopia take you to one of the least visited areas of this land of legends. To the west, you find Gambella National Park. Ethiopia’s infrastructure not fantastic, whichever direction you go. However, Gambela National Park is one of the most difficult to reach of all Ethiopia filming locations. And that is a blessing for your production team.
When planning on filming in Gambela National Park, the film permits are the least of your worries. This film location is one of the most remote which means that the crew needs to be self-sufficient. On the other hand, our location scout manager will tell you that it is also one of the most rewarding experiences. Its remote landscape is a sanctuary for large numbers of wildlife, undisturbed by tourists. Ethiopia is just north of the world’s most famous safari regions, Tanzania and Kenya. In comparison, Gambela National Park is East Africa’s best kept secret.