Semuliki National Park is known for its rich wildlife and natural beauty. It is the newest national park in Uganda, located in the western part of the country. Just like in other national parks, the use of drones is not allowed because they disturb sensitive animals, making them hide or stop looking for food.
Drones also produce noise and may cause accidents in the park, which can put tourists at risk. For this reason, you must seek permission before flying a drone and have full knowledge of how to operate it. While drones can give a special view and are useful for documentaries, using them without the right documents may lead to penalties. In some cases, you may even be suspected of spying. Regulations are strict to ensure drone flights are safe, responsible, and do not harm Semuliki National Park or nearby communities.
If you plan to bring a drone into Uganda, you must go through the importation process. Permission has to be obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Uganda People’s Defense Force, who will issue a permit after checking the security risks of your flight. The clearance process can take time, so it is best to plan early.
When applying for an operational permit, you must provide detailed flight plans, proof of insurance, drone specifications, pilot qualifications, and pay an authorization fee of about two million Uganda shillings plus VAT.
Once inside Semuliki National Park, you must follow these rules:
- Keep your drone within sight while flying.
- Do not fly higher than 400 feet above the ground.
- Do not fly at night.
- Respect people’s privacy and only film those who agree.
- Avoid flying drones over crowds of people.
Drones are also not allowed near protected areas such as military bases or government buildings. Breaking these rules may cause serious problems and can even ruin your trip.
Because of the long process and high fees, only a few tourists attempt drone use. If you want to include it in your safari, make sure you plan ahead and book with a trusted company to guide you.
Use your drone responsibly once in Uganda to avoid trouble and protect both people and wildlife.
