Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has announced a complete ban on drones within Etosha National Park, citing escalating security concerns linked to rhino poaching.
Colgar Sikopo, the ministry’s deputy executive director of Natural Resource Management, stated that while drones were previously permitted under strict conditions, the increasing misuse by visitors has necessitated a stricter approach.
“Many visitors have been entering the park and using drones with no such permission. This situation created some security risks and a disturbance to other visitors to the park,” Sikopo explained.
He added that drones can be exploited by poachers to locate endangered species, particularly black rhinos.
Etosha National Park is home to approximately 72% of Namibia’s black rhino population, making it a critical area for conservation efforts.
However, the park has experienced a surge in poaching incidents, with 19 rhinos poached in the first quarter of 2024 alone.
This alarming trend has prompted authorities to implement more stringent measures to protect the remaining population.
Namibia has been proactive in its rhino conservation efforts, including initiatives like the Save the Rhino Project, which has achieved a 98% reduction in poaching incidents since its inception.
Despite these successes, the recent uptick in poaching underscores the ongoing threats faced by these endangered animals.
Under the new policy, visitors are prohibited from bringing drones into the park.
Should a visitor arrive with a drone, it must be left at the entry gate and collected upon departure.
Sikopo advised tourists to plan accordingly, noting the logistical challenges of retrieving drones if entering the park through one gate and exiting through a different gate.
He added that the drone ban is part of a broader strategy to enhance security within Etosha National Park and safeguard its wildlife.
He urged visitors to respect the new regulations and, by doing so, contribute to the preservation of Namibia’s natural heritage.
