Namibia Bans All Drones in Etosha National Park
Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has imposed a full ban on drones within Etosha National Park in response to rising security concerns linked to rhino poaching. Previously permitted under strict regulation, drones have been increasingly used without authorisation, prompting the new measure aimed at addressing both visitor disruption and potential poaching activity.
Etosha is home to 72% of Namibia’s black rhino population and has seen a spike in poaching, with 19 rhinos killed in the first quarter of 2024. The ministry stated that drones could be exploited by poachers to locate rhinos, exacerbating conservation risks. Under the new policy, visitors must leave drones at the park gates if brought in, with no exception for usage inside the park. Authorities urge tourists to plan their routes carefully due to limited gate-to-gate drone retrieval logistics. The ban forms part of a wider strategy to protect Etosha’s wildlife and uphold Namibia’s conservation commitments.
Source: WindHoek Observer