African safaris have long inspired filmmakers, providing a stunning backdrop for tales of adventure, romance, and danger. Over the years, there has been a plethora of films that epitomize Kenyan holidays adventure. These films draw on the unique beauty and majesty of the African wilderness.
Old safari movies revolving around African and Kenyan safaris have evolved over time, reflecting changing attitudes towards wildlife conservation, colonialism, and the African continent itself.
Early films often portrayed Africa as a wild and dangerous place, full of exotic animals and tribal cultures. However, as conservation efforts gained traction, films began to shift towards a more sympathetic portrayal of Africa and its wildlife.
Today, our safari movies list features films such as Disney’s “The Lion King” franchise that celebrates the beauty and diversity of African wildlife.
Meanwhile, films like “Out of Africa” and “The Ghost and the Darkness” explore the complex relationships between humans and the natural world.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at five blockbuster movies that epitomize Kenyan safaris and the spirit of African adventure.
1: Out of Africa (1985)
Out of Africa is a romantic drama film directed by Sydney Pollack, starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
The film is based on the memoir of the same name by Danish author Karen Blixen. The story is set in Kenya in the early 20th century and follows the lives of Karen Blixen and Denys Finch Hatton, a big-game hunter, and her lover.
The movie is a beautifully crafted portrait of the African landscape and its human and animal inhabitants.
Out of Africa is a love story that takes place against the backdrop of Kenya’s stunning landscapes.
Set in the gorgeous Masai Mara Game Reserve, the movie captures the beauty of the African savannah, with its rolling hills, wide-open plains, and diverse wildlife.
The film’s cinematography, music, and performances all create a deeply moving and immersive experience that transports viewers to another time and place.
2: The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King is an animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Pictures.
The story is inspired by the pride lands of Africa where lions and other majestic creatures roam wild and free.
Some of the most iconic parks in Kenya that are renowned wildlife habitats include the Masai Mara, Samburu, Tsavo, Amboseli, and Meru National Parks.
Lion King follows the life of Simba, a young lion who is destined to become king.
The movie is known for its stunning animation, memorable songs, and colorful characters.
These include lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes, all of whom feel true to life and contribute to creating an immersive and engaging experience for viewers of all ages.
Most of these avatars’ personalities are uncannily similar to their real-life versions! Going on a Kenya safari is all you need to do to be reminded of this fact.
The Lion King uniquely portrays the African savannah and its diverse wildlife. The movie captures the majesty of the African landscape, with its vast grasslands, towering mountains, and sparkling rivers.
3: The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
The Ghost and the Darkness is a thriller directed by Stephen Hopkins, starring Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas.
The movie is based on the true story of the Tsavo Man-Eaters, a pair of lions that killed dozens of people in Kenya in the late 19th century. The film is a suspenseful and gripping tale of man versus beast.
The plot revolves around the challenges faced by men who put up the first Kenyan railway line, which passes through Tsavo National park. To date, the park is known for its generous populations of African lions among other creatures.
The Ghost and the Darkness is set against the stunning backdrop of this African wilderness, with its rocky cliffs, and open plains. It evokes the danger and excitement of those courageous builders, faced with its unpredictable wildlife and rugged terrain.
The film’s cinematography and special effects are particularly impressive, creating a sense of tension and dread that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
You will constantly find yourself gripped by the suspense of whether the railway builders made it out alive.
4: Lara Croft Tomb Raider, 2001
In the 2001 movie, Lara Croft is an archaeologist and adventurer who travels the world in search of ancient artifacts and treasures while battling various enemies and obstacles.
The movie stars Angelina Jolie and was partly shot on location at Hells Gate National Park, a protected area in Kenya, located about 90 kilometers (56 miles) northwest of Nairobi.
The park is named after a narrow break in the cliffs of the Rift Valley, where hot water escapes from geothermal vents.
The movie is one of the best African safari movies given that Hells Gate National Park is known for its scenic beauty, with towering cliffs, gorges, and rock formations. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo.
While at the park, visitors can go on guided hikes, bike rides, and rock-climbing expeditions and take a dip in the park’s natural hot springs.
5: Big Cat Diary, 1996
Also, in this safari movies list is Big Cat Diary, a popular wildlife documentary television series that follows the lives of big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
The award-winning Reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos).
It is particularly famous for its large population of big cats, and the show provides an intimate look into their daily lives and struggles.
Big Cat Diary showcases the beauty and diversity of the Maasai Mara and encourages viewers to visit the reserve to experience the wildlife firsthand.
Many tour operators in Kenya offer safari packages that include visits to the Maasai Mara and other wildlife reserves, and the show has played a significant role in promoting tourism in the region. When booking your safari, insist that you get a 4×4 safari land cruiser since they offer the best wildlife viewing experience. During the dry season, budget travelers can safely use small cars such as the Toyota fielder, Toyota prado and others for getting across kenya and game drives.
