Photography & Drones

Namibia can make even fairly disciplined photographers behave badly.

There is always another dune, another storm cloud, another oryx standing exactly where an oryx ought to stand and another sunset that apparently needs 140 photographs.

Photography itself is generally straightforward. Drones are a very different matter.

Photographing people

Ask before taking close-up photographs of people, particularly in rural communities, markets, villages and cultural settings.

Someone wearing traditional clothing is still a person, not a public exhibit.

Some people may be happy to be photographed, some may ask for payment and others may simply prefer not to be photographed at all.

Respect the answer.

Wildlife photography

Do not change an animal’s behaviour for the sake of an image.

Use a longer lens rather than driving too close, keep noise down and avoid calling, baiting or otherwise provoking wildlife into looking at the camera.

If an animal repeatedly moves away from you, allow it to do so.

Protected areas

Normal personal photography is widely enjoyed in Namibia’s national parks, but commercial filming and professional photographic activity may require separate authorisation.

Namibia has a formal policy governing filming and photography in protected areas, so productions, advertising shoots and other commercial work should obtain the necessary permissions before travelling.

Drones in national parks

Drones may not be flown in Namibia’s national parks without official permission.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has specifically warned visitors that drones must be declared and registered at park entry gates and may not be flown without an official permit.

Do not assume that owning a small recreational drone or staying at a lodge inside a park makes it exempt.

Outside national parks

Drone operations elsewhere in Namibia are also subject to aviation rules.

Requirements can depend on the aircraft, purpose of the flight, location and whether the operation is recreational or commercial.

Airports, controlled airspace, populated areas, private property and other sensitive locations may carry additional restrictions.

Because drone regulations and permit processes can change, check the current requirements with the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority before bringing or operating a drone.

Commercial filming

Professional productions may require permits beyond ordinary drone authorisation, particularly when filming in protected areas, using large crews or working for commercial distribution.

Arrange these permissions before arrival rather than trying to negotiate them once the production is already on location.

Private property

Ask permission before photographing or filming on private property where access itself is not public.

A lodge, farm or private reserve may also have its own restrictions regarding drones, commercial filming and photography of staff or guests.

Archaeological and culturally sensitive sites

Some heritage and cultural locations may have restrictions on photography or filming.

Follow signage and the instructions of site custodians or guides.

The absence of a “no photography” sign is not always the same thing as permission to photograph a ceremony or culturally sensitive activity.

Dust and camera equipment

Namibia’s dust is extremely accomplished at entering places that appear physically impossible.

Keep camera bags closed when not in use, avoid unnecessary lens changes in windy or dusty conditions and carry suitable cleaning equipment.

Sand dunes are particularly efficient at reminding photographers how expensive camera repairs can be.

Batteries and storage

Carry spare batteries and more storage than you think you need.

Remote lodges increasingly have good charging facilities, but power may still be limited in some locations.

Back up important photographs whenever possible rather than trusting the entire holiday to one memory card.

Sunrise and sunset

The best light often arrives at inconvenient hours.

If you are photographing inside a national park, remember that park gate times still apply. A beautiful sunset does not give you permission to arrive back after the gate has closed.

The useful rule

With a camera, be respectful.

With a drone, check the rules first.

And with either one, occasionally put it down and actually look at Namibia.