Would You Take your Mini 4 Pro to Zimbabwe next week?

[Dale D]

As I write this, on Labor Day (USA) September 1,2025, I am embarking on a 21 day safari to Zimbabwe September 11th, 10 days from now.

After weeks of back and forth correspondence (many mails) last November,2024, I was finally able to achieve this document, but the sender put in the (wrong) November dates (current time at that time), not the September 2025 days Sept 11-29. dates, I just noticed this yesterday in preparing and packing.

Many of you already know my story of my Mini 2 being confiscated at the Nairobi airport scanner , and the hours it took to retrieve it at the end of the trip. I only plan to fly over the two camps I am staying at and a run down the adjoining river. I have no plans to fly during the game drive, or over animals.

I am now considering putting the drone in my cargo pants instead of letting it go through the scanner on the entry to Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls Airport. I am extremely nervous about this.

Read this letter. from the CAAZ. Would you take the drone or leave it home? I am also bringing my Trust certificate, my EASA (European) certificate, all proof of ownership papers, and proof of insurance with me.

 

[Landshark99]

If that is all you will be using it for I would leave it at home.
My only trip to Kenya many years ago to do some special photography on a film, out in the Maasai Mara. When my assistant and I arrived at Nairobi airport we almost had all of camera equipment impounded, even though I had a carnet, a work permit and all the docs, the only thing that saved the day was I had arraigned for a customs broker who talked them out of it. I know people bring in cameras all the time, you just never know who you will get at entry. I used to travel all around the world for work and this was the first and only time anybody threatened to keep my equipment
Even stranger was when we left, I was shooting film back then, a few hundred rolls , the TSA like guy, at first refused to hand check my film, insisted it go on the belt. He finally consented and checked my film by putting one roll in each hand to see if there was any difference in weight for any of them.

 

[mavic3usa]

Hard to say but if it's only the drone you could lose as opposed to being detained or jailed then I would risk it. Would give you a good excuse to get a Mini 5 Pro.

 

[MS Coast]

I am now considering putting the drone in my cargo pants instead of letting it go through the scanner on the entry to Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls Airport. I am extremely nervous about this.

I can see no way that going through airport security with a drone in your pants could possibly end well.

If you want only photos and video around the camp, I suggest a DJI Neo. It will shoot video good enough for all social media uses and most common web uses. It's tiny, flies well at short range with a phone, and losing it is a relatively minor financial bite compared to the Mini 4 Pro.

 

[Johnmcl7]

Your full name is in the letter in case that concerns you.

I'm quite a risk averse person and given your minor planned use of the drone if it was me I'd leave it at home. You say you're nervous about it and I know I would be too so it's one less issue to worry about.