Drone photos of the Serengeti look spectacular, which is why many travellers ask whether they can bring one. The short answer: flying a drone in Tanzania is regulated, national parks are effectively closed to leisure drones, and bringing one without approvals can mean it is held at the airport. This guide explains the rules as we understand them and what we recommend.
Rules change. Always check current requirements with the Tanzanian authorities before you travel. This article is general guidance, not legal advice.
Who regulates drones in Tanzania
Several bodies are involved:
- Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) regulates drone operations and airspace.
- Other government agencies may need to approve the import and use of drones, particularly for security reasons.
- Park and conservation authorities, such as those for the national parks and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, control what happens inside protected areas.
Approvals can take weeks and may involve fees, a local contact and details of where and when you plan to fly.
National parks and conservation areas
Drones are not allowed in Tanzania’s national parks or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area without special written permission. In practice this is aimed at professional film crews and research, not holiday photography. The reasons are sound: drones stress wildlife, disturb other visitors and can be a safety risk near light aircraft and balloons.
At the airport
Customs officers check for drones. If you arrive without the right paperwork, your drone may be held until you leave the country, and you may have to pay storage fees. It is a disappointing way to start a trip.
Drone rules at a glance
| Situation | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Bringing a drone without permits | Likely to be held at customs |
| Flying in a national park | Not allowed without special written permission |
| Flying in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Not allowed without special written permission |
| Flying near airports or airstrips | Not allowed |
| Flying over people, towns or government sites | Restricted, permits needed |
| Commercial filming | Needs filming permits as well as drone approvals |
Zanzibar
Zanzibar has its own authorities for some matters, and the same caution applies. Stone Town, beaches near hotels and areas near the airport are sensitive. If you want drone footage on the coast, arrange approvals before you travel and ask your hotel before flying.
Professional filming
If you are a filmmaker or content creator working commercially, you need filming permits in addition to drone approvals, and national parks charge filming fees. Start the process several months in advance. We can put you in touch with local fixers who handle these applications.
What we recommend
For almost all holiday travellers, our advice is to leave the drone at home. The time, cost and uncertainty of permits are hard to justify, and you still cannot fly in the parks where most of your safari takes place.
Better ways to get aerial views
- Hot air balloon over the Serengeti. A dawn flight of about an hour, followed by breakfast on the plains. It is the most popular way to see the park from above.
- Light-aircraft flights. Flying between the Serengeti and Arusha, or to Zanzibar, gives excellent views of the plains, the Ngorongoro highlands and the coast.
- Crater rim viewpoints. The view into the Ngorongoro Crater from the rim looks almost aerial in itself.
For better photos from the ground, read our wildlife photography tips. Our Safari & Zanzibar trip includes a light-aircraft flight to the coast, and we can add a balloon flight to any Serengeti itinerary.
Still packing? Check our Tanzania safari packing list and things to know before your first safari.
Frequently asked questions
Not without special written permission from the park authorities, which is rarely granted for leisure use. Treat national parks as no-fly areas.
Only with the right approvals arranged in advance. Drones without paperwork can be held at customs when you arrive.
Yes. A hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti or a scenic light-aircraft flight gives you aerial views without a permit.
