Film Tourism in Africa: Visiting Iconic Movie Locations

Film Tourism in Africa

Frankfurt, March 20, 2025 – African destinations are increasingly attracting international film productions. Movies from and about the continent captivate global audiences and boost tourism, as many travelers seek to experience the original filming locations firsthand.

South Africa: A Hotspot for International Film Productions

Between November 2023 and June 2024, approximately 125 million euros of foreign investment flowed into South Africa’s film industry. According to the Commercial Producers Association, this figure could rise to 250 million euros by October 2025.

“Festivals such as the Durban International Film Festival and the Africa International Film Festival in Lagos highlight African cities as creative hubs and showcase the continent’s potential as a film and media production location,” explains Hanna Kleber from Voice4Africa.

South Africa has long been a prime filming location for international movies, series, and commercials. Its diverse landscapes – ranging from deserts and lush forests to majestic mountains – make it a sought-after destination for filmmakers. Oscar-winning films like Invictus and the acclaimed documentary Searching for Sugarman were shot in South Africa. Notably, regions like Cape Town, the Western Cape, and the Garden Route benefit significantly from this cinematic boom.

Kasbah Aït-Ben-Haddou: Hollywood in the Moroccan Desert

The stunning mudbrick city of Aït-Ben-Haddou in Morocco is one of Africa’s most famous film locations. This UNESCO World Heritage site has served as a backdrop for blockbuster hits such as Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and The Mummy.

Its breathtaking architecture and dramatic desert scenery make it a must-visit destination for film enthusiasts. Numerous tour operators in Marrakech offer excursions to Aït-Ben-Haddou, often including a visit to the film studios in Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert.”

Rwanda & Uganda: Following in the Footsteps of Gorillas in the Mist

Rwanda’s dense rainforests set the stage for the iconic movie Gorillas in the Mist, which tells the moving story of Dian Fossey’s tireless efforts to protect mountain gorillas. Visitors to Volcanoes National Park can explore the Dian Fossey Research Center in Karisoke, where the scientist was laid to rest alongside several gorillas.

While Fossey initially opposed gorilla tourism due to its negative impact, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International now promotes sustainable tourism that helps support local communities and gorilla conservation efforts. In neighboring Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also attract travelers eager to observe the last wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Angola: From Historical Legacy to Emerging Travel Destination

Lesser-known destinations are also gaining attention through film projects—such as Angola, which has seen a rise in interest thanks to the successful Netflix docuseries African Queens. Produced by Jada Pinkett Smith, the series highlights the life of Queen Nzinga, one of Angola’s most influential historical figures, and has been praised for its compelling storytelling and historical authenticity.

The series showcases Angola’s rich cultural heritage and unspoiled landscapes. From the vibrant capital Luanda to the majestic Kalandula Falls, breathtaking mountain ranges, pristine beaches, and the vast savannas and dunes of Iona National Park—Angola is a hidden gem that blends history, nature, and tradition, making it a must-visit for explorers.

Africa as a Rising Destination for Film Tourism

Africa’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures make the continent an attractive location for international film productions. At the same time, these movies inspire tourism by igniting a desire to visit the breathtaking filming locations in person. Whether in Morocco, South Africa, Uganda, or Angola—film tourism in Africa is on the rise, drawing travelers from all over the world.

 

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VOICE4AFRICA is an initiative by the KLEBER GROUP, a full-service PR agency specializing in tourism with extensive expertise in Africa. In collaboration with African tour operators, the initiative promotes responsible tourism to Africa as a means of international understanding and a driver of sustainable development. Voice4Africa is a founding member of the business initiative ReThinking Africa and winner of the Corps Touristique Award for International Understanding.

Press contact:

Hanna Kleber and Julia Kleber | Management
Friederike Galuschky | Senior Consultant Communications

Hamburger Allee 45
60486 Frankfurt am Main
Phone: +49 (69) 71 91 36 0
E-mail: hanna.kleber@klebergroup.com and julia.kleber@klebergroup.com / friederike.galuschky@klebergroup.com

Title Photo: Kasbah Aït-Ben-Haddou – Ouarzazate in Morocco (c) ONMT