Drones in the Drakensberg Park

More recent drone footage on YouTube..

Messaged him a few weeks ago but was ignored. It is a very beautiful video if you can ignore the drone shots. 



 

Was also conflicted about the whole thing, was hoping he got full permissions with permits etc.

Link to write-up:
harmenhoek.com/post/11/

Totally got the line wrong going up Fangs. A bit hypocritical about his comments of the Basothos and is in contrast to how he portrayed them in the video. 
 

I suggest leaving some comments on youtube about why the drone footage is not appropriate and is illegal without a permit. 

So many drone videos on Youtube and I would guess most if not all are done with out permission. The same with the making of fires in caves - not allowed but loads of videos showing people making fires in the caves.

Yes and now try to explain to a client that they are not allowed fly their drone, but every one else seems to be allowed to do it, as you said a free for all and a problem for us that have to keep to the rules.

EKZN Wildlife, if they were doing their jobs, would have signage at the offices explaining the rules. I don't think there are any "no drone" signs so its hard to blame individuals as they might legitimately not know. The best thing to do is raise awareness and apply social pressure.

It would be awesome if someone with graphic design experience would put together an "infographic" about the Drakensberg rules and then host it online on a free page. It would contain all the relevant info about what is allowed and links to the penalties.

But in a nice polite way, emphasis on social responsibility, hiking community, etc.

We could then post under YouTube videos, in the comments, and link to the campaign website. At least then it wouldn't feel like getting into a personal squabble every time with random individuals. 

 

something like this but specific for EKZN. The main ones I would include are: no fires, no pets, party size limit of 12, no drones, leave no trace, bury waste > Xmeters from water/cave/etc



 

I agree that more needs to be done by EKZN and the likes of Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge especially, because the Amphitheatre on a weekend is like a drone frenzy!

I host landscape photo workshops in the Drakensberg through North Peak Photo Tours and we have a STRICT no drone policy, and its amazing how many people just dont know and raise eye brows when we tell them that no drones are allowed.

The biggest issue is definitely lack of "knowing the rules" but I have had some instances when drone pilots get aggressive when I tell them Drones are illegal, so there is definitely some "I dont care" attitudes amongst some users.

I hope the SAPS and EKZN start charging people and the drone use in the Drakensberg declines. Its super annoying, needless to say potentially harmful for wildlife (Vultures etc).