A New Drone, New Rules… and a Slightly Nervous Flyer

A New Toy, New Rules… and a Slightly Nervous Drone Flyer

For my January 2026 visit to The Gambia and Senegal, I travelled with my very latest (and, at this point, only twice used) toy: a DJI Mini 5 Pro drone.

The plan was simple enough – capture some beautiful aerial footage of the places, people and projects connected to Building Futures in The Gambia. The reality? Slightly more complicated.

In January 2026, new drone regulations were introduced in The Gambia. Perfect timing… 🙃
While drones had previously passed through West African airports without much fuss (especially for recreational use), this felt like the moment when customs might finally say: “Ah. What’s this then?”

Just like in the UK, the rules are clear:
🚫 No flying near airports
🚫 No government buildings
🚫 No military installations

All very sensible. But first, I needed to actually get the drone into the country.

A photo of Banjul International Airport in The Gambia.

When Emails Go Unanswered…

I made several attempts to contact the Gambian Civil Aviation Authority, hoping to get formal permission in advance. Unfortunately, those emails went unanswered, they weren’t answering my phone calls, and departure day was getting closer.

At that point, I turned to my Gambian brother, School Manager Lamin Barrow, for advice. If anyone would have an idea, it would be Lamin.

I wasn’t wrong.

Enter Lamin Darboe (and the Power of Gambian Connections)

Lamin Barrow has a brother – or cousin, in U.K. terms – called Lamin Darboe, who lives in England with his wife Michelle and their two children (Lamin Darboe can be seen waving in the drone photo below).

It’s Lamin Darboe’s house where I stay when I’m in The Gambia (and yes, it’s available to rent if you ever fancy avoiding hotels and living comfortably without cleaners appearing at awkward moments!).

Lamin Darboe was actually in The Gambia at the same time, visiting family and spending time with Lamin Barrow. We got chatting on the phone, and I explained my drone dilemma.

This is where one of the joys of The Gambia being a small country really comes into play.

A drone shot of the security building at Lisa's Legacy Farm in Sankandi in The Gambia.

Why Names Matter in The Gambia

If you’ve ever spent time in The Gambia, you’ll know that greetings aren’t rushed. Names are exchanged. Then surnames. Then villages.

Surnames, in particular, are important – they often reveal where someone comes from, who they’re related to, and which families or communities might overlap. In a country of roughly two million people, those connections run deep.

And as luck would have it…

“I Know a Man…”

Lamin Darboe casually mentioned that he had a friend who used to work for the Gambian Civil Aviation Authority.

Even better, he also had a family member working at Banjul Airport.

At that point, I stopped worrying.

Royal Treatment at Banjul Airport

And so, to cut a long story short…

When I arrived at Banjul Airport, I was met and escorted through customs. Officials had already been made aware that I was arriving with a drone, that it was for charitable use, and that there would be no problem with my entry.

I can only imagine what the other passengers thought as they stood patiently in the queue while I was gently ushered through a process that normally tests even the calmest traveller.

I thanked Lamin Darboe’s relative in the customary Gambian manner (if you’ve been, you’ll know exactly what that involves). And, in a final perfect twist, he shared a name with our wonderful School Manager…

Yes. Another Lamin Barrow.

The Perfect Start to the Trip

This unexpected but beautifully Gambian chain of events gave me the best possible start to my time in The Gambia – relaxed, smiling, and feeling once again how powerful community, family and connections can be.

As for actually flying the drone at BFiG Busumbala Nursery School?

Well… that came with a whole new set of challenges.

But that’s a story for another time. 🚁✨

Here are a few aerial photos of BFiG Busumbala Nursery School along with the video. Lamin Barrow also grabbed some video of the children waving at the drone. Enjoy!