Using Drones in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Drones make noise, which can disturb the animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The first rule of a safari is to protect the well-being of wildlife. That is why drones are only allowed in the park under strict rules and with official documents to make sure everyone is safe.
Some tourists wonder why drones are not allowed. The main reason is the noise they make and the problems caused if a drone crashes. It can be very hard and dangerous to retrieve a fallen drone inside the park.
In some countries and parks, drones are completely banned because they are seen as spying tools. If found with one, you could be imprisoned or worse. This is why it is important to check the rules of any country or park before bringing a drone. In Uganda, many documents and approvals are required before you can use a drone in places like Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Here is the process of getting approval to bring a drone into Uganda and use it in the park:
- Write to the responsible ministry in Uganda that manages drone use, requesting permission to bring a drone into the country. This is often called a letter of objection.
- After receiving a response, write a non-objection letter to the Chief of Defense Forces in Uganda and attach the reply from the ministry.
- Once you get clearance from both the ministry and the Chief of Defense Forces, you are allowed to bring the drone into the country.
- At the airport or border, get your drone cleared by customs or the Uganda Revenue Authority.
- Next, contact the Civil Aviation Authority by writing to the Director of Safety, Security, and Economic Regulation. This letter should include all your earlier documents, plus: a valid Class III medical certificate, a certificate of drone piloting, a license from a recognized aviation body, third-party insurance, a map and exact location where you plan to fly the drone and payment of the required fee to the Civil Aviation Authority.
While using the drone in the park, follow these rules:
- Do not fly the drone above people, especially if they are not part of your filming.
- Give way to all aircraft.
- Only fly at 400 feet or lower.
- Keep the drone speed at or below 160 km/h.
For the safety of wildlife and everyone in the park, always follow the rules and regulations for using drones in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
