Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) strictly prohibits the use of drones within the park premises. However, individuals may be granted permission to operate drones inside the park under specific conditions, which require obtaining permits from the following authorities:
Permits
To operate a drone within the national parks, you are required to obtain permits from the following entities:
Filming Board of Tanzania
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense
Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA)
Conservation Commissioner, Tanzania National Parks
TANAPA Conditions for Drone Operations in the Parks
Application
Applicants must submit their requests to the Conservation Commissioner, along with copies of the permits obtained from the Ministry of Defense, Filming Board, and TCAA.
Validity of Permit
The permit remains valid as long as all other specified conditions are observed. Park management reserves the right to revoke the permit.
Flying Drones in the Park
Drones must be operated at an altitude not lower than 50 meters from the ground. Drones must not be operated in the presence of unrelated tourists. Operators must inform the Chief Park Warden before commencing any drone activity. Drones must be operated under the supervision of park personnel. In addition to other applicable park fees, operators are required to pay a ranger service fee. Operators shall provide transportation for park personnel (ranger) to and from authorized points (office, ranger post, residential area, gate). In Serengeti, drones are prohibited from flying during wildlife crossings. Drones must not be operated near properties within the park unless approved by the facility’s owners.
Final Product
Operators must unconditionally provide a copy of the final film to the Office of the Conservation Commissioner for non-commercial use.
Penalty
Violation of park rules and the conditions outlined herein will result in penalties of no less than TZS 100,000 (or 100 US$) per offense and confiscation of the drone.