Your Guide to Using drones on a safari to Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Are you passionate about taking a trip or safari to Africa and wondering whether you can carry or fly a drone? This article is yours to read. Native Africa Tours is not here to fail you but rather guide you and give some tips on how to use a drone on an Africa safari. Whether you want to fly a drone on a gorilla trekking tour, wildebeest migration experience, or just a mere game drive, it is not as simple as you could have expected.
Drones have been continuously used by rebel groups and other anti-security organizations to spy on countries across the world including Africa. It is on such background that flying a drone on an African safari has been restricted and can only be done by following the right procedure. By following the rules and regulations governing the use of drones for photography and video coverage on an Africa safari, you will have the best experience.
Can I fly a drone while tracking mountain gorillas?
One of the popular safari activities done in Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) is gorilla trekking. This popular safari activity has attracted many photographers and videographers over the past years. These have been tempted to use modern technology like drones while tracking mountain gorillas. Wondering whether you can fly a drone on a gorilla trekking adventure? Yes, but only when it has been licensed and approved by the relevant authorities.
Travelers planning to use drones on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda are supposed to get a license from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces. Licenses to use drones on a Uganda gorilla trekking tour can only be given to citizens of Uganda. Does this frustrate you? Do not fret, if you are not a citizen, you may reach out to a friend in Uganda and register your drone. Native Africa Tours can help you register your drone at a cheaper price. You are guaranteed a safe gorilla trekking experience with a drone. If you plan to import a drone to use on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda, follow the procedure below;
- Contact native Africa Tours and write an email requesting how you intend to import and use a drone on a Uganda gorilla tour.
- Our team will write back to you suggesting the relevant steps to take. Here, you will be requested to state details like model, year of manufacture of your drone, etc.
- Native Africa Tours will write to the Ministry of Defense stating your need to import a drone only for touristic reasons.
- Later on, we shall write on your behalf to the Civil Aviation Authority and request a clear letter or letter of no objection.
- You will be required to pay some fees to go through the steps and full compliance is expected from you.
- Once the clearance letters from relevant authorities have been issued, we shall notify you and you will be good to bring a drone and fly it on a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda.
Special Note: In Uganda and Rwanda, all the above procedures should be made at least one month before your safari. Remember that none of this is meant to fail you but rather ensure that you have a legal and best gorilla trekking experience.
Can I use a drone on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda?
Using a drone for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is not allowed by the authorities. Rwanda is one of the countries with strict laws governing photography and video coverage, especially for non-citizens. It is therefore not a wise decision to carry a drone for a gorilla trekking safari. This does not mean that you can’t have the best shots and video captures on your gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda. several gadgets can be used for gorilla photography and video coverage in Rwanda. These include among others but are not limited to the following;
A nice camera: A trip to Rwanda for gorilla trekking is a trip to creating everlasting memories. A nice digital camera can save you the burden of carrying a drone on a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda. Look out for a nice and modern camera that will help you capture moments that will last for a lifetime. Imagine capturing baby mountain gorillas playing or adult gorillas. Make sure your camera is fully charged and has spare batteries and storage. Rwanda safari moments are not good for a weak camera or short storage.
Binoculars: Why burden yourself with border clearance issues with drones when a simple pair of binoculars can do the job? Gorilla trekking in Rwanda involves tourists moving closer to these primates. Although you are required to maintain a distance, you will be close enough to capture the best shots. This is why you need a good pair of binoculars on your Rwanda gorilla trekking trip. These will help you zoom in and out and get a clear shot on your safari.
Smartphone: The tourism industry is one of the industries in the world that follows fast-growing technology. Do not get stuck in the past. Why burden yourself with a drone when your smartphone can get nice shots on a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda or Rwanda? Almost all smartphones have good cameras. Yes, some are better than others in terms of quality output.
Have you thought about getting a smartphone with a nice camera while planning a gorilla trekking trip to Africa? Our driver guides have smartphones that can help you do the job. This can always come as plan B on your safari. Native Africa Tours is committed to ensuring that you don’t miss anything as you spend time on your safari. It is never too late for us to improvise. We want you safer than going through the huddle of smuggling or importing a drone for a safari.
Almost all the lodges in Uganda provide Wi-Fi and internet connectivity. You may not necessarily have to carry a portable Wi-Fi Hotspot. If you must, carrying one is equally not bad and can enhance your Africa safari experience. Most of Africa’s iconic safari destinations indeed are remote and sometimes network can be challenging. Talk to us now about your special safari needs, and we shall plan for you accordingly.
Can I fly a drone in Kenya or Tanzania for a wildebeest migration experience?
Kenya is one of the safari destinations in Africa with limited travel restrictions. Flying a drone over the vast plains of Masai Mara is possible. However, you must notify the authorities in time. Remember drones are perceived as intelligence and spying gadgets rather than photography gadgets. Therefore, getting the necessary clearances puts you on a safer side.
Tanzania on the other hand has strict laws and travel restrictions. You may need to go through similar procedures like in Rwanda if you want to fly a drone on your safari. Once you have got the clearance, you will enjoy capturing safari moments for a lifetime.
Wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park is one of the best Africa safari experiences. Unlike mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, wildebeest migration tours allow tourists to get closer to animals. Hovering a drone above these animals is not healthy for them. You may scare them or provoke violence and end up having a worse experience.
General rules and regulations governing drones on an Africa Safari
- Avoid flying directly above people, especially if they are not in your photo shoot.
- You are supposed to give the right of way to all aircraft.
- No one is allowed to fly the drones within 8 kilometers of an airport or listed fly zones.
- You are supposed to fly either at 400ft or below.
- Only fly the drone out of a moving vehicle if you are in a deserted or sparsely populated location.
- The speed of the drone should be either at 160kmh or under.
- Drones are supposed to be flown during daylight or when there is enough light for them to be seen by other people so that accidents are avoided.
- The drone should be flown where it can be seen (line of sight).
Conclusion
Using or flying drones on an African safari is not the best recommendation to do if you are planning the best trip. Drones are biased and have been used by wrong terrorists to get information from other countries. This is why they are strongly prohibited especially when they are coming from non-citizens. We recommend that you use a drone for a safari only if you must. Even when you are to do so, notify us in advance so that we acquire the right clearances from different organizations and authorities. By doing this, you will have an amazing tour of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
