Filming in East Africa with Back to the Source Tours:
The breathtaking landscapes, raw wildlife encounters, and deep cultural roots of East Africa make it one of the most powerful regions in the world for conservation storytelling. But bringing a production to life here requires more than just vision—it takes expert coordination, on-the-ground experience, and trusted local relationships. That’s where Back to the Source Tours steps in.
We’re not just a tour company. We’re a production-savvy, logistics-powered partner built on real industry experience—led by our founder, Fanny Martinez, whose professional background includes years working in major studio settings like Warner Bros. as well as hands-on support for independent film teams and international productions across East Africa.
From Hollywood to the Savanna: Meet Fanny Martinez
Before founding Back to the Source Tours, Fanny Martinez spent over a decade working in the U.S. entertainment industry. Her career began in the heart of Hollywood, where she worked with Warner Bros., Disney, and independent production houses, gaining valuable insight into the demands of high-stakes filming—tight timelines, detailed logistics, and a commitment to excellence from pre-production to wrap.
Fanny’s move into sustainable tourism and conservation storytelling wasn’t just a career shift—it was a calling. Merging her production background with a passion for East Africa’s wildlife, she created Back to the Source Tours as a bridge between filmmakers and the landscapes, species, and communities whose stories deserve to be told with depth and care.
What We Offer: Full-Scale Production Coordination in East Africa
Back to the Source Tours specializes in helping film crews, documentarians, photographers, and media professionals create meaningful content across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Our deep knowledge of the region—and its protected areas—allows us to handle the complicated logistics so your team can focus on what matters: capturing the story.
Our Production Services Include:
- Permits and Access
We navigate the regulatory landscape to secure film permits for national parks, private reserves, and conservation sites. -
Location Scouting
From vast savannahs and tropical rainforests to intimate community conservation projects, we help you find unique and visually stunning story locations. -
Fixers and Local Production Crews
Our vetted network includes trusted translators, guides, camera assistants, wildlife experts, and drone operators who understand the sensitivity of filming in protected environments.
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Transport and Gear Logistics
We organize ground transport, chartered flights, customs clearance for film equipment, and secure storage in remote areas. -
Accommodation and Catering Coordination
We place your team in production-friendly accommodations with reliable power, internet (where possible), and tailored meal services. -
Conservation Story Development
Through our partnerships with rangers, researchers, and NGOs, we help producers shape accurate, impactful conservation narratives with real local voices. -
Sustainability Oversight
As a sustainability-driven tour operator, we make sure your production has a light footprint—reducing waste, working with ethical suppliers, and promoting respectful community engagement.
Trusted by Conservation-Driven Productions
Our work spans short-form wildlife series, nonprofit campaigns, branded conservation content, and full-length documentaries. We’ve supported high-profile creators and influencers in filming wildlife, showcasing community-led conservation, and developing bilingual productions across East Africa’s most protected regions.
With Back to the Source Tours, you’re not just gaining a fixer. You’re gaining a collaborator who understands the language of production—both logistically and creatively.
Ready to Film in East Africa?
Let’s talk about your next project. Whether you’re filming mountain gorillas in Bwindi, telling the story of rhino recovery in Kenya, or capturing the colorful energy of East African culture—Back to the Source Tours is your trusted guide and production support team on the ground.
Contact us today to begin planning your production and receive a tailored support proposal.
