Fuel availability at Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR): What travellers need to know (September 2025)! (update #3)

update (20 November 2025): List of petrol stations around Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR)
Important: Fuel availability at NWR resorts remains unreliable. Always refuel before entering parks and carry extra fuel where possible.

• Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni)
• Etosha Trading Post (outside Andersson Gate)
• Outjo
• Tsumeb
• Oshivelo
• Omuthiya
• Notes: Fuel inside Etosha is frequently unavailable. Top up in nearby towns before entering the park.
• Namib-Naukluft / Sossusvlei (Sesriem)
• Sossus Oasis Service Station (Sesriem Gate)
• Solitaire
• Maltahöhe
• Helmeringhausen
• Notes: Solitaire and Maltahöhe are the primary reliable stops. Fuel at Sesriem is not guaranteed.
• /Ai-/Ais – Fish River Canyon
• Canyon Roadhouse / Canyon Roadside Lodge
• Keetmanshoop
• Grünau
• Noordoewer
• (Optional alternative: Karasburg)
• Notes: Canyon Roadhouse is the closest practical refuel point. Always fill up before driving into Fish River Canyon and /Ai-/Ais.
• Waterberg Plateau Park
• Otjiwarongo
• Grootfontein
• Notes: No reliable fuel supply at or near the park itself.
• Skeleton Coast & Terrace Bay Area
• Henties Bay
• Palmwag (fuel can be unreliable)
• Notes: Fuel along the Skeleton Coast is limited. Plan well in advance and carry extra fuel when travelling to Terrace Bay or Palmwag.

General Advice for all parks:

• Do not rely on NWR fuel pumps; availability is inconsistent.
• Always refuel in towns and settlements before entering remote areas.
• Carry extra fuel (jerry cans) if possible.
• Some rural stations may only accept cash.
• Confirm fuel availability with lodges or reception during your trip. 

update (20 November 2025): As of today, there is no change in the fuel situation at Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR): fuel remains unavailable at all NWR-operated rest camp petrol stations across Namibia’s major parks. Travellers must continue to refuel in nearby towns or villages before entering these parks, and should not rely on receiving petrol or diesel at NWR camps during their visits. 

update (23 October 2025): As of late October 2025, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) petrol stations at several flagship parks remain unreliable. Key sites affected include Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni), Sesriem (gateway to Sossusvlei), Terrace Bay (Skeleton Coast), /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs & Spa and Waterberg Plateau Park - many on-site pumps have been out of fuel since early 2025 after NWR’s contracted supplier failed to deliver. Travellers should refuel in towns before entering national parks, carry extra jerry cans for remote stretches, and confirm local fuel availability with their lodge or camp reception before setting off.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned operator of tourism facilities within Namibia’s protected areas, has been facing ongoing fuel shortages at several of its resorts since early 2025. The affected locations include several of its key resorts in Etosha National Park (Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni) a well as Sesriem (gateway to Sossusvlei), Terrace Bay in the Skeleton Coast National Park, /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs & Spa, and the Waterberg Plateau Park.

The shortages began in January 2025 after NWR’s contracted fuel supplier, Enercon Namibia, failed to deliver supplies as agreed. The contract covered the operation of all petrol stations at NWR resorts across Namibia. By March 2025, NWR confirmed that fuel was no longer available at several of its flagship destinations, creating significant challenges for self-drive travellers.
In August 2025, the Namibian High Court issued the final liquidation order against Enercon Namibia and its affiliate Erongo Petroleum, following their involvement in the high-profile Namcor corruption scandal. This legal development effectively ended the company’s ability to supply fuel.

To protect its operations and visitors, NWR announced in July 2025 that it is considering terminating its contract with Enercon Namibia. Allegations had surfaced that Enercon Namibia delivered smuggled low-quality fuel from Angola, which may have damaged NWR’s generators and vehicles.
NWR further confirmed that the contract is under legal review. As a contingency, the parastatal approved an alternative supplier, Eco Fuel, to ensure continued operations. This approval, however, is currently being audited to strengthen procurement and management practices.

What this means for travellers:
For now, travellers to Namibia’s national parks and NWR resorts should plan ahead carefully:

• Do not rely on NWR petrol stations for fuel - supplies remain uncertain in September 2025.
• Refuel in nearby towns before entering Etosha National Park, Namib-Naukluft Park, Skeleton Coast National Park, /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs & Spa, or Waterberg Plateau Park.
• Carry extra fuel (jerry cans) when travelling to remote destinations like Sesriem, Terrace Bay, or the Skeleton Coast.

Tourism impact
Namibia remains a world-class self-drive safari destination, but fuel access is a critical part of trip planning. Until NWR finalises new fuel supply arrangements, visitors should expect to rely on external filling stations. With preparation, travellers can still enjoy seamless access to Namibia’s  highlights - from the wildlife of Etosha National Park to the dunes of Sossusvlei and the desolate beauty of the Skeleton Coast.

Travel Tip: Always keep your tank topped up and consult your lodge or camp reception about the nearest reliable filling station before setting off on game drives or long routes between parks.

 

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