Drones are prohibited in Etosha National Park with immediate effect
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism issued a notice regarding drones in the Etosha National Park. A statement reads as follows:
” The control and prohibition on the use of drones in the Etosha National Park is a security matter, implemented in accordance with the security plan for the park. In the past, the Ministry had allowed visitors to the park to enter with their drones, and only use them if they have permission from the park management authority. To the contrary, many visitors have been entering the park and using drones with no such permission.
This situation created some security risks and a disturbance to other visitors to the park. For this reason(s), the Ministry decided that no person entering Etosha National Park will be allowed to enter with a drone. Should any person have a drone and wish to enter the park, such a drone will have to be left at the entry gate of the park and picked up from there on exiting the park.”
Colgar Sikopo
Deputy Executive Director Natural Resource Management “
Previously visitors were allowed to enter with a sealed drone
As mentioned above, visitors were previously allowed to enter with a sealed drone or with permission from the Ministry but this no longer appears to be the case.
What happens if you bring your drone to Etosha?
If a drone is in your vehicle and you enter the park, the drone will be confiscated and you need to collect it at the same gate. In other words, if you enter at Namutoni gate and plan to exit at Okakeujo gate, you will have to drive all the way around to collect your drone.
What should I do with my drone if I plan to go through Etosha?
It’s a tricky situation because most travelers don’t have a place where they can leave their drone to collect it again without making a big detour. Your best option is to courier your drone to your next accommodation after Etosha and collect it there.
2 Responses
That’s good to know! Thanks for the update
Interesting..