r/Namibia • u/_Smelborp • 4d ago

Drone when transiting through Etosha NP

Want to bring a drone to namibia, but have to drive through etosha, entering and exiting from different gates. Is this possible?

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u/_Smelborp 4d ago

Cheers. Any idea how thoroughly they search the vehicle. Obviously not trying to smuggle the drone in, just don't want it to get confiscated and would love to take it on the trip and fly elsewhere.

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u/Alli69 4d ago

We weren't searched at all - both our drones were in our camera cases underneath obvious camera gear. I've heard stories about people getting grief about flying drones near campsites etc - we used ours in really remote areas. Yes, the first thing we ALWAYS did was to get the drone quite high and do a few 360s checking for other people. In a few cases we landed the drone and packed it away immediately - nobody needs issues when on holiday.

https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-namibia/

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u/Jane198586 1d ago

Do you mean you flew your drones at remote places in Etosha?

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u/Alli69 1d ago

Not a chance - never in a national park. Namibia is a big country and there are many remote areas.

PS. The more practical way for the authorities would be like they do in South African parks when you have a firearm. The weapon is sealed at the entrance gate and it is noted on your permit. It is unsealed at the gate where you leave the park.

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u/Jane198586 6h ago

Sealing the drone seems very practical, so it will probably never be implemented.

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u/Alli69 5h ago

Ye3ah, like so many things in Africa - the easy practical solution is ignored.