A 1990 American adventure drama film directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, who also played the lead role. The screenplay is based on the 1953 book of the same name by Peter Viertel, written from his personal experience during the preparation for the filming of 'The African Queen' (1951). Filming took place in the summer of 1989 over two months on location in Zimbabwe, including Lake Kariba, Victoria Falls, and Hwange Game Reserve. Some scenes were also shot in the Caribbean region. Interiors were filmed at Pinewood Studios in the UK. The boat for the filming was built in England from fiberglass and shipped to Africa; it was electric but equipped with special effects simulating a steam engine — handled by specialist John Evans. For the hunting scenes, an authentic double-barreled shotgun worth £65,000 was used, made by Holland & Holland — the same gun brand that made rifles for John Huston during his filming in Africa in 1951.

Filming Locations:

John Wilson's Estate

In the Movie

Scene where Pete Verrill receives an invitation from his friend, director John Wilson, to help rewrite the script for a new project, currently with the working title 'The African Trader'. Wilson — a sharp, independent, and rebellious man — insists that the entire film be shot on location in Africa, despite the high costs. As it soon becomes clear, his main motivation is not related to the film itself: Wilson, an avid hunter, dreams of going on safari.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at West Wycombe House — an 18th-century country estate located in West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. The mansion is an outstanding example of English Palladianism with neoclassical elements, inspired by ancient architecture and the Italian Renaissance.

Savannah

In the Movie

Scene where Wilson and Verrill travel to Entebbe, where they spend several days in a luxurious hotel. While Verrill finishes work on the script, Wilson organizes the safari, meticulously preparing his dream — hunting in Africa.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the most famous natural wonders of the world, considered the largest waterfall by width, with a width of 1.7 kilometers and a height of about 108 meters.

Lake

In the Movie

Scene where Wilson uses a few rainy days to resume his safari, now accompanied by a professional elephant hunter named Ogilvy. Verrill continues to follow him, despite Wilson's mockery, who again teases him for his cowardice. Finally, Wilson gets his long-awaited chance to shoot an elephant, but when the time comes to pull the trigger, he suddenly realizes he cannot do it.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Lake Kariba, located on the Zambezi River on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, with an area of about 5,400 square kilometers. The lake has many bays and islands, creating unique landscapes. Along its shores stretch tropical forests, and the waters are home to hippos, crocodiles, and numerous fish species.