Wildfires in Etosha National Park under control

Despite a heatwave and winds that fanned the flames, firefighting teams have brought the recent wildfires in Etosha National Park under control. This was announced yesterday by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT). The battle against the blaze began on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

"Aerial observations confirmed that there were no active fires at Oberland and Gemsbokvlakte," MEFT stated. Bushfires in other sectors, such as Olifantsbad, had also been brought under control and no longer posed a threat to the park.

According to MEFT, approximately 80 personnel were deployed. They are currently resting but remain on standby. The firefighting teams consist of park officials, soldiers and staff from surrounding private nature reserves, communal conservancies and farms.

In its statement, the MEFT provided an initial assessment of the veld fires that occurred in September (see report of Namibian.org) and October. A total area of approximately 3,746 square kilometers or 16.3 percent of the park was affected. According to Wikipedia, the total area of Etosha National Park is 22,270 km².

The cause of the fires has not yet been determined. Toward the end of the dry season, the arrival of the first thunderstorms often triggers bushfires, as the grasses and shrubs are tinder-dry.

Last year, unusually severe veld fires swept through approximately 37 percent of the park's area. However, nature recovered from this with surprising speed (see report on Namibian.org). Etosha National Park is one of Namibia's main attractions, alongside Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert and the Fish River Canyon. There, you can encounter wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and lions in their natural habitat.

Wildfire in Etosha National Park in October 2026.  Photo: Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT).