27 Jun 2025
Holidaymakers in Namibia who are driving themselves should not rely on the petrol stations in the national parks when planning their tour. This is because there has been no petrol or diesel there for months. According to a court ruling, the fuel supplier Enercon Namibia is now to be liquidated.
The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) had filed an application with the High Court for the liquidation of Enercon. The reason given was unpaid bills for fuel deliveries amounting to 114 million Namibian Dollar (currently around 5.45 million Euro; amount according to the current exchange rate; 1 N$ = 1 ZAR). The High Court granted the application, reported the online newspaper Informanté).
The state-owned rest camp operator Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has signed a contract with Enercon Namibia for the supply of fuel. According to a report in The Namibian, the contract covers petrol stations at all NWR locations in Namibia. It has a term of ten years.
After the petrol stations were repeatedly left without fuel, NWR finally issued an official statement on the matter in March (see NWR Facebook page). In response to questions of the media, NWR referred to missing deliveries from its contractual partner Enercon. Why it is not possible to change suppliers remains unclear.
The Tour & Safari Association (TASA) has raised the issue with NWR, according to a circular letter to the travel industry. NWR had assured the association "that they are actively pursuing temporary, legally compliant solutions to restore onsite fuel supply."
The Tour & Safari Association (TASA) has raised the issue with NWR, according to a circular letter to the travel industry. NWR had assured the association "that they are actively pursuing temporary, legally compliant solutions to restore onsite fuel supply."
The most frequently visited petrol stations include those at the Okaukeujo, Halali and Namutoni rest camps in Etosha National Park . Tour guides recommend alternatives depending on the approach to the park:
Galton Gate - Kamanjab or Opuwo;
Andersson Gate - Outjo or Etosha Trading Post (just before the gate)
From Lindequist Gate - Tsumeb or Oshivelo
King Nehale Gate - Omuthiya
And for the other NWR locations with petrol stations:
Terrace Bay - Henties Bay or Palmwag [https://gondwana-collection.com/accommodation/palmwag-lodge]
Rest camp at Waterberg - Otjiwarongo or Grootfontein
Sesriem (access to Sossusvlei) - Private petrol station in front of the park gate
/Ai /Ais (Fish River Canyon) - Canyon Roadhouse, Grünau, Keetmanshoop or Noordoewer.
Sven-Eric Stender
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