Starting April 1, 2026, Namibia will implement a substantial revision to its national park entrance and conservation fee structure, marking the first major update since 2021. This adjustment, announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), primarily targets international visitors from outside Namibia and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The strategic move aims to enhance funding for conservation and park management, aligning the country’s charges more closely with those of neighboring Southern African destinations. This harmonization is crucial for sustaining the long-term protection of Namibia’s vast and diverse protected areas, which are vital for both biodiversity and tourism appeal.

The revised fee schedule introduces notable increases, particularly in Namibia’s flagship and premium parks. For iconic destinations such as Etosha National Park, Ai-/Ais Game Park, Namib-Naukluft National Park (excluding Sandwich Harbour), Skeleton Coast National Park, Cape Cross Seal Reserve, Dorob National Park, Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park, and Waterberg Plateau Park, the daily entrance fee for international adult visitors will rise sharply from N$150 to N$280 per person. This fee encompasses both the park entrance and a conservation levy, reflecting the increased costs associated with maintaining these destinations. Namibian citizens will continue to benefit from significantly lower fees, paying N$60 per day (N$30 entrance plus N$30 conservation), while SADC nationals will be charged N$180 daily. Children aged 9 to 15 will pay reduced rates, with Namibian children entering free of charge. Vehicle fees will remain consistent with the current structure, ranging from N$60 for small vehicles to N$1,000 for large buses. To illustrate the impact, a typical visit to Etosha National Park for two international adults in a standard vehicle will see daily costs increase from N$350 to N$620.

Fees at standard national parks and smaller reserves will also double. Parks including Bwabwata, Mudumu, Khaudum, Nkasa Rupara, Mangetti, Popa Falls, Daan Viljoen, Hardap, Naute, Von Bach, and South West Nature Reserve will see international adult fees increase from N$100 to N$200 per day. In these parks, Namibians will pay N$40, and SADC nationals N$130, maintaining the tiered pricing system that supports regional visitors. Vehicle fees for these parks will mirror those of the premium parks, ensuring consistency across the board. Notably, Sandwich Harbour, although part of Namib-Naukluft National Park, will be exempt from these increases due to its designation as a concession area, with access regulated through licensed tour operators rather than standard park fees.

This fee revision comes after a five-year interval since the last increase in 2021, during which Namibia’s park fees remained among the lowest in the SADC region. The new structure is designed not only to keep pace with regional standards but also to address critical funding shortfalls for wildlife conservation, infrastructure upkeep, and enhanced visitor experiences. For Africa’s tourism industry, particularly those involved in outbound travel facilitation, these changes signal a shift towards more sustainable tourism financing in Namibia. The increased fees reflect a broader continental trend where conservation funding is prioritized amid growing environmental pressures and rising visitor numbers. Travel professionals should prepare to advise clients accordingly, emphasizing the enhanced value that these fees provide, including improved park facilities, better wildlife protection, and a more sustainable tourism model benefiting local communities and ecosystems alike. As Namibia continues to position itself as a premier safari destination, these adjustments underscore the importance of balancing accessibility with responsible stewardship, sending a clear message that conservation and quality visitor experiences are intrinsically linked, offering long-term benefits for both the environment and the tourism sector.