Namibia raises park fees by 80 to 100 percent

On 1 April 2026 national park fees in Namibia will increase by 80 to 100 percent. This is according to a new fee schedule published by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT). However, the last fee increase took place in 2021, five years ago.

European tourists visiting Etosha National Park will pay 280 Namibian dollars per person per day, up from N$ 150. N$ 280 is approximately 14.65 euros (amount at current exchange rate, 1 ZAR = 1 N$). With a vehicle (maximum 10 seats), the park visit for two people will then cost N$ 620 instead of N$ 350. Each child under 16 years of age will be charged N$ 180 N$. Children under 8 years of age are free.

The same applies to Waterberg Plateau Park, Namib-Naukluft Park, Ai |Ais Game Park at Fish River Canyon and Tsau ǁKhaeb (Sperrgebiet) Park. Dorob Park, Cape Cross Seal Reserve, and Skeleton Coast Park on the coast south and north of Swakopmund also fall into this fee category.

Even steeper fee increase for other parks in Namibia

MEFT has doubled the fees for the remaining parks. From 1 April a visit will cost N$ 200 instead of N$ 100 per day. Children under 16 will pay N$ 150. This includes the parks in the Zambezi and Kavango East regions, as well as Daan Viljoen Park near Windhoek, Hardap Game Park near Mariental, and Naute Game Park near Keetmanshoop.

Stratified discounts are available for SADC citizens and Namibians. A large proportion of foreign tourists in Namibia come from South Africa.

The Namibian tourism industry criticised the extent of the increase. Some emphasised that Namibia was already considered a relatively expensive travel destination. The short notice of the announcement also drew criticism. Many tours that will take place after 1 April were already booked months ago.

Experiences like this one at the Okondeka spring in Etosha National Park are about to get considerably more expensive. On 1 April 2026 Namibia will raise its national park fees by 80 to 100 percent. Photo: Sven-Eric Stender