Namibia to increase National Park entrance fees from 01 April 2026: What visitors need to know!

last updated 29 January 2026 

Namibia will introduce a revised national park entrance and conservation fee structure from 01 April 2026, marking the first major adjustment to park fees since 2021. The updated fees apply across most national parks and reserves managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) and will primarily affect international (non-Namibian, non-SADC) visitors.

According to the newly published fee schedule, Namibia's flagship and premium national parks will see the most significant increases. These changes align Namibia's conservation fees more closely with those charged in neighbouring Southern African destinations and are intended to support long-term conservation funding.

Premium National Parks: New Fees from 01 April 2026

For premium national parks, the total daily park fee for international adult visitors will increase from N$150 to N$280 per person per day.

Parks affected include:

• Etosha National Park
• Ai-/Ais Game Park
• Namib-Naukluft National Park (excluding Sandwich Harbour)
• Skeleton Coast National Park
• Cape Cross Seal Reserve
• Dorob National Park
• Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park
• Waterberg Plateau Park

Adult visitors (16 years and older)

• Namibians: N$30 park entrance + N$30 conservation = N$60
• SADC nationals: N$90 + N$90 = N$180
• Other foreign nationals: N$140 + N$140 = N$280

Children (9–15 years)

• Namibians: No fee
• SADC nationals: N$50 + N$50 = N$100
• Other foreign nationals: N$90 + N$90 = N$180

Children under 8 years of age enter free of charge.

Vehicle fees (per day)

• Vehicles with 10 seats or less: N$60
• 11–25 seats: N$150
• 26–50 seats: N$600
• 51+ seats: N$1,000

Example:
A visit to Etosha National Park for two international adults in a standard vehicle will increase from N$350 to N$620 per day from April 2026.

Standard National Parks: Fees Also Doubling

Namibia  will also double entrance fees at remaining national parks and smaller reserves, with international adult rates rising from N$100 to N$200 per day.

Parks affected include:

• Bwabwata National Park
• Mudumu National Park
• Khaudum National Park
• Nkasa Rupara National Park
• Mangetti National Park
• Popa Falls Game Park
• Daan Viljoen Game Park
• Hardap Game Park
• Naute Game Park
• Von Bach Game Park
• South West Nature Reserve

Adult visitors (16 years and older)

• Namibians: N$20 + N$20 = N$40
• SADC nationals: N$65 + N$65 = N$130
• Other foreign nationals: N$100 + N$100 = N$200

Children (9–15 years)

• Namibians: No fee
• SADC nationals: N$40 + N$40 = N$80
• Other foreign nationals: N$75 + N$75 = N$150

Children under 8 years remain free of charge.

Vehicle fees for these parks remain identical to the premium park structure.

Sandwich Harbour exempt from fee increases

According to a report by the Windhoek Express (August 2025), Sandwich Harbour, although geographically part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, will be exempt from the new park fee increases. The area is set to be formally designated as a concession area, meaning access will continue to be regulated through licensed tour operators rather than standard park entrance fees.

Context: Why the Increase Matters

While the new fees represent a notable rise - particularly for international visitors - it is important to note that:

• The previous fee increase occurred in 2021, five years earlier.
• Even after the adjustment, Namibia's  park fees remain competitive within the Southern African region.
• The revised structure supports conservation funding, park management, and infrastructure maintenance in one of Africa’s most extensive protected-area networks.