Top Film Locations in Kenya with African Land: Iconic Backdrops for Your Next Production

Kenya’s diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant urban environments make it one of Africa’s top filming destinations. Whether you're shooting a feature film, documentary, commercial, or television series, Kenya offers a wealth of stunning locations. African Land, a leading property and location services provider, helps you access and secure the best film locations across the country, offering logistical support and local expertise to ensure your production runs smoothly.

Here’s a look at Kenya’s top film locations and how African Land can assist you in finding the perfect setting for your next project:

1. Nairobi – The Urban Hub

As Kenya’s bustling capital city, Nairobi offers a range of urban backdrops, from modern skyscrapers and office buildings to vibrant markets and green spaces. The city’s upscale neighborhoods like Karen, Westlands, and Runda provide high-end residential settings, while iconic landmarks like the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) and Nairobi National Museum offer distinctive architectural backgrounds.

Perfect for: Corporate scenes, modern dramas, music videos, commercials, and urban documentaries.

How African Land Helps: We secure exclusive access to high-end homes, commercial spaces, and public venues. We also assist with permits and logistics, ensuring your shoot in Nairobi is seamless.

2. Maasai Mara – Safari and Wildlife

The Maasai Mara is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world, known for its vast savannahs and rich biodiversity. It’s a prime location for films requiring a classic African safari setting, complete with lions, elephants, and the annual wildebeest migration. The Mara’s dramatic landscapes are perfect for capturing nature documentaries, adventure films, and wildlife-focused productions.

Perfect for: Nature documentaries, wildlife films, adventure and outdoor scenes.

How African Land Helps: We help you access private reserves, luxury lodges, and secluded areas for uninterrupted filming. We also handle permits and coordinate with local authorities to ensure compliance with park regulations.

3. Diani Beach – Tropical Coastal Beauty

For productions requiring a tropical beach setting, Diani Beach on Kenya’s southern coast is an ideal location. The white sandy beaches, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters make it perfect for romantic scenes, beach resort shoots, or travel-focused productions. The area also offers luxury beach resorts and private villas that can be used for filming.

Perfect for: Romantic dramas, travel documentaries, commercials, and fashion shoots.

How African Land Helps: We arrange access to private beach resorts, luxury villas, and public beach areas for your production. We handle any necessary permits and logistics, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.

4. Mount Kenya – Majestic Landscapes

The Mount Kenya region offers breathtaking landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to rolling hills and lush forests. It’s the perfect location for adventure films, mountaineering documentaries, or productions requiring rugged outdoor settings. The areas around Nanyuki and Laikipia provide beautiful open spaces, wildlife, and luxury lodges with stunning views of the mountain.

Perfect for: Adventure films, outdoor scenes, nature documentaries, and travel shoots.

How African Land Helps: We provide access to private lodges, ranches, and scenic spots around Mount Kenya. We also assist with permits and logistical support for filming in these high-altitude locations.

5. Lamu Island – Cultural and Historic Charm

Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the oldest Swahili settlements in Africa. Its narrow streets, traditional Swahili architecture, and rich cultural history provide a perfect backdrop for period dramas, cultural documentaries, or films requiring an exotic, historic setting. The island’s mix of Arabic, African, and Indian influences creates a unique and visually striking environment.

Perfect for: Period films, cultural documentaries, and artistic or historic productions.

How African Land Helps: We arrange access to historic Swahili homes, private beachfront properties, and boutique hotels on Lamu Island, providing the ideal setting for your film.

6. Lake Naivasha – Serene Lakeside

Located in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha offers a peaceful lakeside setting surrounded by acacia forests and wildlife. It’s perfect for nature-based films, romantic scenes, or family-oriented productions. The area also offers access to nearby attractions like Hell's Gate National Park and Mount Longonot, which provide additional dramatic landscapes for filming.

Perfect for: Nature films, family movies, romantic dramas, and travel documentaries.

How African Land Helps: We secure lakeside lodges, private estates, and other scenic locations around Lake Naivasha, ensuring your crew has the best views and access to the lake’s natural beauty.

7. Karura Forest – Urban Green Escape

For a nature setting within Nairobi, Karura Forest offers an urban oasis of green landscapes, waterfalls, and walking trails. This location is perfect for outdoor scenes, nature-based shoots, or films that require a lush, forested backdrop without having to travel far from the city.

Perfect for: Outdoor adventure, nature documentaries, family films, and fashion shoots.

How African Land Helps: We handle the permit process for filming in Karura Forest and guide you to the best spots within the forest for your shoot.

8. Ngong Hills – Panoramic Views

Just outside Nairobi, the Ngong Hills provide sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley and the Nairobi skyline. This location is ideal for productions requiring dramatic natural landscapes or adventure scenes in open spaces. The rolling hills and clear skies offer stunning visuals for any outdoor production.

Perfect for: Adventure films, scenic backdrops, travel documentaries, and outdoor commercials.

How African Land Helps: We coordinate access to specific areas of the Ngong Hills, assist with permits, and arrange transportation logistics for your crew.

9. Tsavo National Park – Untamed Wilderness

Tsavo National Park, one of Kenya’s largest parks, is known for its vast, rugged landscapes and famous red elephants. It offers an untamed wilderness setting that is ideal for adventure films, wildlife documentaries, and productions that require an authentic African safari environment.

Perfect for: Wildlife films, adventure scenes, and nature documentaries.

How African Land Helps: We assist with securing filming permits for Tsavo and coordinate logistics, ensuring that your crew can access remote parts of the park for uninterrupted filming.

10. Kibera – Vibrant Urban Life

For filmmakers looking to capture authentic urban life in Kenya, Kibera, Nairobi’s largest informal settlement, offers a vibrant and bustling backdrop. It’s a prime location for documentaries or social-themed films that explore urban culture, resilience, and community life in Nairobi.

Perfect for: Documentaries, social awareness films, and urban dramas.

How African Land Helps: We handle the logistics of filming in Kibera, including working with local authorities and communities to ensure smooth and respectful production.

Why Work with African Land for Your Film Location Needs?

African Land offers comprehensive location services, ensuring that your production has access to the best spots in Kenya. Our services include:

• Location Scouting: We help you identify the perfect locations based on your film’s vision, budget, and logistical needs.
• Permits and Permissions: We navigate the often-complex permit process, ensuring you have the legal clearance to film in national parks, urban areas, and private properties.
• Logistics and Crew Support: From accommodation to transportation, we provide logistical support to ensure your production runs smoothly.
• Exclusive Location Access: Our network allows us to offer access to private estates, luxury lodges, and exclusive venues across Kenya.
• Property Rentals: Need a location for a short-term shoot? We provide flexible rental options for homes, offices, and outdoor spaces.

Conclusion

Kenya’s diverse and beautiful landscapes make it a filmmaker’s dream destination. Whether you’re filming in the heart of Nairobi, the wild savannahs of Maasai Mara, or the pristine beaches of Diani, African Land is your trusted partner in securing the perfect location. Let us help you find the ideal backdrop for your film, ensuring a smooth, professional, and unforgettable production experience.