Zimbabwe's national parks are the main draw for most drone pilots and filmmakers visiting the country — but flying over them isn't covered by a standard CAAZ permit alone. Here's what to know before you plan a shoot in any of Zimbabwe's protected wildlife areas.
Why national parks are treated differently
National parks fall under additional wildlife and conservation protections on top of standard aviation rules, since drone activity near animals can cause disturbance if it isn't managed carefully. That means flying over a park requires a special permission layered on top of your CAAZ drone permit, rather than the permit alone.
Popular parks for aerial filming
- Hwange National Park — Zimbabwe's largest park, known for large elephant herds and expansive open landscapes that suit wide aerial shots.
- Mana Pools National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site along the Zambezi River, popular for river and floodplain footage.
- Matobo National Park — dramatic granite kopjes and balancing rocks, well suited to landscape and heritage filming.
- Victoria Falls area — while not a park in the traditional sense, this zone has its own strict airspace rules given its proximity to the falls and international border.
What special permission involves
In addition to your CAAZ application, national park filming typically requires notifying the relevant parks authority of your flight plan, intended dates, and filming purpose. Wildlife-sensitive areas may also come with altitude or distance restrictions to avoid disturbing animals.
Flight plan considerations
A good flight plan for park filming should account for wildlife movement patterns, time of day, and any restricted zones near lodges or ranger stations. Early morning and late afternoon tend to offer both better light and calmer wildlife activity.
Getting the right approvals
Our Standard and Premium permit packages include National Parks special permissions and flight plan assistance, so park-specific approvals are handled alongside your CAAZ application rather than as a separate scramble. See our drone permit service page for details.