Bushfires in Etosha Park quickly contained

Major alert in Etosha National Park in northern Namibia. Lightning strikes from the first thunderstorms following a months-long dry season ignited the bone-dry vegetation. That was five days ago. After days and nights of firefighting efforts, the welcome news arrived today: everything is under control.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) had already reported the bushfires on its WhatsApp channel two days ago. According to the report, there were three fires in the Halali, Kamaseb, and Tsam areas.

"Firefighting teams have managed to keep the blaze under control," stated MEFT, adding that well-maintained firebreaks had aided their efforts. These breaks prevent or slow the further spread of the fire.

At the same time, the Ministry announced plans to dispatch an additional fire truck and further firefighting equipment to Etosha National Park. They also intended to reinforce the firefighting teams.

Today, the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and the online newspaper Informanté reported on four fires. Three have reportedly been extinguished, while a fourth is under control. Soldiers, farmers, and staff from nearby lodges assisted in the firefighting efforts.

Major operation to combat bushfires in Etosha National Park, northern Namibia.  Photo: Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT)

No information was yet available regarding the extent of the damage, such as the size of the area affected by the fire. So far, no animals have been found injured or killed by the flames.

Devastating bushfires in 2025: Nature recovered quickly

In September 2025, bushfires in Etosha destroyed vegetation across an area of 7,750 km² (see report by Namibian.org). That represented more than a third of the park's total area of 22,270 km². At the time, MEFT faced criticism for apparently having failed to adequately maintain several firebreaks.

There were concerns within the travel industry that many Namibia visitors would stay away due to the burn scars visible in Etosha Park for an extended period. However, nature had already recovered just a few weeks after the subsequent rains (see the report by Namiban.org).