Drone Use on Tanzania Safaris: Rules and Tips

Tanzania’s amazing animals and huge savannas are a dream come true for photographers. It’s fair to want to get amazing aerial video, but flying a drone on safari is against the law and morally wrong. This tutorial makes things easier by clarifying the stringent rules and giving you great, easy ways to capture the images you want. The Bottom Line: Tourists Can’t Use Drones

Most people who go on a safari in Tanzania can’t use their own drone. It is too hard, too costly, and too time-consuming to get a legal flight. If you try to fly without the right permissions, your equipment will almost definitely be taken and you will have to pay a lot of money in penalties.

Why Are Drones So Limited?

There are several reasons why Tanzania has tight laws:

• Wildlife Welfare: The loudness and presence of drones stress animals out a lot, which might stop them from doing things like eating and mating, particularly for species that are already weak.
• Safety for Visitors: An animal that is scared is a deadly animal. Drones may cause people to rush or stampede without warning, putting everyone around them in peril.
• Drones may be used for illicit actions like looking for animals to kill. Strict rules enable the government keep an eye on all aircraft activities.
• Privacy and Enjoyment: The sound of a drone ruins the quiet safari for other people.

The Permit Challenge: What Do You Really Need?

You have to deal with a lot of different departments if you want to get permissions. This procedure takes months and needs a local agency.

1. TCAA Registration and Permit: You must register with the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority and get a special operations permit that requires defense clearance.
2. You need a Tanzania Film Board Permit to film from the air, even if it’s only for personal use.
3. TANAPA Permit: You need to receive official permission from the Tanzania National Parks Authority before flying in any national park (such Serengeti or Tarangire).

Even with all the right licenses, there are tight rules: you may only fly up to 121m (400ft), you can only see the ground from the air, you can’t fly at night, and you have to have a park ranger with you (at your own cost).

The Best Legal Ways to Get Aerial Magic

Forget about the difficulty of getting a drone permission. You may still take beautiful pictures legally and morally:

The best way to see the world from above is on a hot-air balloon safari. At dawn, fly quietly over the Serengeti for the best sights and picture possibilities. This is the best other option.

Hire a Local Pro: Find a safari company or filmmaker in your area who already has the right drone licenses. They can provide you professional-quality aerial footage.

Buy a Super Telephoto Lens: A strong lens (such 100–400mm or 150–600mm) enables you get close-up, full-frame photos of animals from a safe distance that doesn’t bother them.

Use Higher Places to Get a Better View: Many lodges and camps are constructed on kopjes (rock outcrops) or have elevated observation decks that are great for taking wide photos of the countryside.

Tell stories from the ground up: The best safari images frequently come from being at the same level as the animals. Pay attention to people’s actions, their faces, and the beautiful light during the golden hour.

Important tips for taking pictures on safari (without a drone)

Trust your guide; their knowledge is the greatest way to be safe and get amazing photos.

Embrace the Light: The best light for shooting is soon after dawn and just before sunset, which are the “golden hours.”

Silence Your Gear: Don’t use a flash and turn down any camera noises.

Safeguard your gear: Safari vehicles are rough and filthy. A lens cleaning kit and a weatherproof camera case are also good ideas.

Be there: Don’t spend the whole journey looking through the viewfinder. Take enjoy the experience with your own eyes.

The Smart Choice

A considerate tourist doesn’t fly a drone. You can help keep the outdoors safe and make sure everyone has a great time by following the rules and putting animal welfare first. Your memories and images, taken in a responsible way, will still be amazing.