Top 10 Fantasy Films Set in Kenya

Description: Set during World War I in German East Africa, this film captures the spirit of adventure and romance in a setting that feels like a fantasy. The story follows a missionary and a riverboat captain navigating through treacherous waters, which could easily be imagined in the Kenyan wilderness.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Uganda and the Congo, but its themes and setting resonate with Kenyan landscapes.

Description: Although set in Tanzania, the film's themes of adventure, love, and existential reflection could resonate with Kenyan landscapes. It follows a writer reflecting on his life while on safari, blending reality with dreamlike sequences.

Fact: The film was inspired by Ernest Hemingway's short story, and its title refers to the mountain, which is visible from parts of Kenya.

Description: This South African comedy has scenes set in the Kalahari Desert, which shares similar landscapes with parts of Kenya. The film's premise involves a tribe believing a Coca-Cola bottle to be a gift from the gods, leading to a humorous and fantastical journey.

Fact: The film was a massive international success, becoming one of the highest-grossing foreign films in the U.S. at the time of its release.

Description: Although primarily a biographical drama, "Out of Africa" captures the essence of Kenya's colonial era with a touch of romantic fantasy. The film follows Karen Blixen's life in Kenya, where she falls in love with the land and its people, creating a narrative that feels almost mythical in its beauty and scope.

Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was shot on location in Kenya, showcasing its stunning landscapes.

Description: This film blends historical events with elements of fantasy as it recounts the tale of the Tsavo maneaters, two man-eating lions that terrorized railway workers in Kenya. The story, while rooted in reality, takes on a mythical quality with the portrayal of these lions as almost supernatural predators.

Fact: The lions' skins are now on display at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. The film was inspired by real events but adds dramatic flair for cinematic effect.

Description: While more of a thriller, this film includes elements of fantasy through its portrayal of a conspiracy in Kenya. The story involves a British diplomat uncovering a dark secret in the pharmaceutical industry, set against the backdrop of Kenya's diverse landscapes, which almost seem otherworldly in their beauty.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Kenya, providing an authentic feel to the setting. It also addresses real-world issues like pharmaceutical testing in Africa.

Description: While focusing on Uganda, the film's depiction of African political intrigue and the lush, almost mythical landscapes could be paralleled with Kenyan settings. It tells the story of a Scottish doctor who becomes the personal physician to Idi Amin, leading to a surreal and dangerous journey.

Fact: Forest Whitaker won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Idi Amin.

Description: Although Tarzan's story is set in the fictional Congo, the lush jungle scenes could easily be mistaken for parts of Kenya. This film brings the classic tale into a modern context, with Tarzan returning to Africa to confront a Belgian captain's exploitation of the land.

Fact: The film features stunning CGI to recreate the African jungle, and it was one of the first major films to use the IMAX 3D format extensively.

Description: While not explicitly set in Kenya, the African savannah setting of "The Lion King" mirrors the Kenyan landscape, making it a fitting inclusion. This Disney classic tells the story of Simba, a lion cub destined to become king, who must overcome betrayal and self-doubt to reclaim his throne.

Fact: The film was inspired by Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and features a blend of African wildlife and cultural elements. It was the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Description: This German film tells the true story of a Swiss woman who falls in love with a Maasai warrior in Kenya. The film's portrayal of Maasai culture and the Kenyan landscape gives it a fantastical, almost dreamlike quality.

Fact: The film was based on the autobiographical book by Corinne Hofmann, who actually lived among the Maasai for several years.