Drones have become easier to use and more affordable than ever and the urge of using drones on a Tanzanian safari is irresistible for so many safari-goers. Using a drone on a Tanzania safari is indeed exciting, but it comes with some rules, some permit applications, and a few fees. If you’re planning to bring your drone along, here’s what you need to know. Fair warning, it can be a bit complex.

Using Drones on a Tanzania Safari

• Are drones allowed in Tanzania?

• Step 1: Get a Filming Permit from the Tanzania Film Board

• Step 2: Seek approval from the Ministry of Defence

• Step 3: Apply for an Import Permit with TCAA

• Step 4: Pay Park Filming Fees to TANAPA

• What About Flying Drones in Cities and Towns?

• Important Disclaimer

• Conclusion

Are drones allowed in Tanzania?

Yes, using drones on a Tanzania Safari, or Tanzania in general, is allowed but there are strict regulations around their usage. Whether you’re planning to capture wildlife on a safari or shoot urban landscapes, you’ll need to follow several steps to stay compliant.

An important thing to note is that there is no distinction between amateur and professional drones in Tanzania. Whether you’re flying a compact DJI drone or a larger professional model, the same rules apply to you.

Step 1: Get a Filming Permit from the Tanzania Film Board

Before anything else, you must obtain a filming permit from the Tanzania Film Board. This applies whether you’re filming for personal use, commercial purposes, or professional projects.

The regulations do not make a distinction between amateur and professional filming in Tanzania – all drone operators must follow the same procedures.

The permit application process involves submitting detailed information about your project. The fees can vary depending on the nature of your work, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. You can find the full guidelines and fee structure in the filming permit application form.

Step 2: Seek approval from the Ministry of Defence

Once you have your filming permit, you need to get approval from the Ministry of Defence. This step is free of charge but involves a manual application process. It’s a crucial part of ensuring your drone activities are authorised at the national security level.

Step 3: Apply for an Import Permit with TCAA

With the above approvals in place, you can now apply for an import permit from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). Here’s what you need to do:

Application Process

• Email your details to drones@tcaa.go.tz to access the drone application system.

• Ensure you include your full name, email, physical address, phone number, passport number, and nationality.

• You will then be granted access to the online application system and can move to the next step.

Registration and Permit Fees

There are two parts to the fees: the registration fee and the permit fee. The registration fee depends on the weight of the drone and can range from USD 100 to USD 300. The permit fee is a per day/month/year fee and ranges from USD 10 to USD 20 per day, with options for monthly or annual permits as well. For the latest fee details, please refer to the Drone Import Procedures.

Step 4: Pay Park Filming Fees to TANAPA

Finally, if you plan to use your drone in Tanzania’s national parks, you’ll need to pay daily filming fees to the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). TANAPA oversees all the National Parks of Tanzania, like the Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and dozens more. Normally, your safari operator can process these for you. The park fees can range from USD 180 per day to USD 300 per day, depending on which National Park you intend to film in. Note that this only covers National Parks, and does not include other Wildlife Management Areas, Game Reserves, Game Controlled Areas, Private Concessions or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which is a separate special zone.

Park Conditions for Drone Usage

• Permits Required: You must attach copies of your approvals from the Film Board, Ministry of Defence, and TCAA when applying to TANAPA.

• Operational Guidelines:

  • Fly drones at least 50 meters above the ground.

  • Do not fly near unrelated tourists or during sensitive wildlife activities like river crossings in the Serengeti.

  • Report to the Chief Park Warden before flying.

  • Drones must be operated under park personnel supervision, and you’ll also need to pay a ranger service fee.

Fees vary depending on the park, so it’s best to check directly with TANAPA. More details are available in their drone usage guidelines.

What About Flying Drones in Cities and Towns?

The steps above cover drone usage on a wildlife safari in National Parks, but flying drones in cities or towns comes with its own set of rules.

• Local Authority approvals: You may need to get approval from local municipal authorities.

• Blackout Zones: Drones are prohibited near key government buildings, religious sites, and other locations of national significance.

• Always check for restricted airspaces and follow any local guidelines to avoid penalties.

Important Disclaimer

We’ve included links to official guidelines and documents, but regulations can change without notice. Always check the following websites for the most up-to-date information:

• Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA)

• Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA)

• Tanzania Film Board

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA)

Or seek clarity from your safari operator to avoid any surprises.

Conclusion

Drones can help you capture your Tanzania safari memories and breathtaking moments however they come with some bit requirements for permits and fees, and responsibilities. It will be a personal decision whether you deem it important enough to go through all the processes to get those perfect drone shots since costs can add up pretty quickly. For assistance, always reach out to your safari operator – they will always be able to guide you through the web of requirements to use drones on a Tanzania Safari.