Last verified: February 2026
The ongoing NWR fuel shortage continues to affect internal petrol stations operated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) across several national parks and remote resort locations.
For self-drive travellers, overlanders, and safari visitors, this is not a minor inconvenience - it is a route-planning issue that must be factored into every Namibia itinerary.
This February 2026 update summarises the current situation and provides practical fuel-planning guidance to help you travel safely and confidently.
Current Status: NWR internal fuel stations
Since first reporting on this issue in September 2025, fuel availability at many NWR-operated pumps has remained inconsistent.
Key patterns observed:
- Fuel deliveries to several internal NWR stations remain irregular.
- Some locations report no stock for extended periods.
- Both petrol and diesel have been affected.
- Reliable timelines for full restoration have not been clearly communicated.
Travellers should therefore not factor NWR camp fuel stations into their route calculations.
Fuel Availability by Region (February 2026)
Below is a practical regional overview based on consistent traveller reports and route observations.
Etosha National Park
Affected stations:
Status: No consistently reliable fuel availability.
Important: If driving the classic Etosha loop (Anderson Gate ? Okaukuejo ? Halali ? Namutoni ? Von Lindequist Gate), you should enter the park with sufficient range to complete the circuit without refuelling inside the park.
Recommended refuel towns before entry:
Sesriem / Sossusvlei (Namib-Naukluft Region)Status: Fuel at Sesriem is frequently unavailable or inconsistent.
Recommended refuel points:
Do not assume fuel will be available at the campsite pump.
Skeleton Coast / Terrace BayStatus: Terrace Bay fuel availability remains unreliable.
This region requires conservative fuel planning due to long distances between towns.
Refuel before departure in:
/Ai-/Ais Hot Springs AreaStatus: Fuel supply remains inconsistent.
Refuel in:
Southern Namibia distances require careful range calculations.
Waterberg Plateau ParkStatus: Internal fuel availability remains uncertain.
Refuel in:
- Otjiwarongo
- Along the B1 corridor before turning off toward the park
Why the NWR Fuel Shortage Continues
The ongoing fuel shortage appears linked to supply chain disruptions and contractual complications affecting deliveries to internal park fuel stations.
While larger towns and private service stations across Namibia generally operate normally, internal NWR pumps in remote parks continue to experience irregular supply.
This is not a short-term weekend outage. It is a structural supply issue that has persisted for months.
Practical Fuel Planning Advice for Namibia (2026)
If you are planning a Namibia self-drive trip, adjust your fuel strategy accordingly.
Refuel at major towns - not inside parks
Build your route around dependable fuel hubs:
- Windhoek
- Swakopmund
- Walvis Bay
- Tsumeb
- Outjo
- Otjiwarongo
- Keetmanshoop
- Maltahöhe
Assume internal NWR pumps may not have stock.
Carry extra fuel in remote regionsIf travelling through:
- Skeleton Coast
- Damaraland
- Etosha circuit
- Southern Namibia between towns
Carry approved jerry cans and secure them properly.
Always calculate realistic fuel range, especially when driving gravel routes or 4x4 tracks.
Verify locally — but don’t depend on ItBefore leaving a lodge or campsite, ask reception about:
- Current fuel availability
- Expected delivery schedules
- Nearest confirmed working stations
However, treat this information as advisory rather than guaranteed.
Use apps carefully
Google Maps, Maps.me and Waze can help locate petrol stations — but they do not confirm stock levels at NWR internal pumps.
Always combine app data with local confirmation.
What This Means for Travellers
Until supply stability is restored, travellers should operate under one simple rule:
Enter Namibia's national parks with a full tank and sufficient range to exit without refuelling inside the park.
This approach removes uncertainty and reduces risk in remote areas where distances are significant and assistance can be limited.
Final Thoughts
As of February 2026, the NWR fuel shortage remains an operational reality for travellers visiting Namibia's national parks.
With proper planning, the situation is manageable - but it requires conscious route design and proactive refuelling strategy.
Namibia remains one of Africa’s most rewarding self-drive destinations. Smart preparation ensures that fuel logistics do not disrupt your experience.
If you would like assistance with route-specific fuel planning for your Namibia itinerary, feel free to get in touch.
---------
Have you recently travelled through Etosha, Sossusvlei or the Skeleton Coast?
Share updated fuel information in the comments to help fellow travellers plan safely.
Subscribe for updates:
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa.
