Swakopmund's National Marine Aquarium has remained closed since October 2023, when it shut its doors because of structural damage caused by years of seawater corrosion. Although the renovation project has been included in Namibia's multi-year development budget, physical renovation work has not yet started, and the project is still in the planning stage.
Namibia's latest development budget provides further details about the project, including additional funding and plans to refurbish the adjacent Namibia Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (NATMIRC). Even so, no reopening date has been announced, and travellers should not expect the aquarium to reopen before an official announcement.
Renovation funding extended to 2028
According to Namibia's 2025/26–2027/28 Development Budget Book, the government has allocated an estimated N$27.12 million for the renovation and upgrading of the National Marine Aquarium. The funding is spread across four financial years, with N$10 million earmarked for 2025/26, N$8.5 million for 2026/27 and a further N$7.55 million for 2027/28. The budget also includes N$1.07 million for 2024/25.
The latest figures are higher than the provisional N$20 million budget reported in June 2025. However, the government has not published a final project cost or a detailed breakdown of actual expenditure.
The renovation is being managed by Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform. In addition to repairing the aquarium, the project includes the refurbishment of the neighbouring Namibia Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (NATMIRC), which supports the country’s marine research activities.
No confirmed reopening date
The renovation has experienced considerable delays since the aquarium closed in October 2023 because of structural damage caused by prolonged exposure to seawater. In June 2025, the ministry confirmed that physical renovation work on the aquarium had not yet started. The delays were attributed partly to administrative restructuring and the need for detailed engineering assessments to determine the full extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.
The government’s latest budget schedules the project’s completion for March 2028. However, this is the planned end of the renovation programme and does not necessarily mean that the aquarium will reopen to visitors by then. As of September 2026, the aquarium remains closed, and no official reopening date has been announced.
For travellers planning a visit to Swakopmund, the continued closure means that one of the town’s established indoor attractions remains unavailable. The aquarium is particularly popular with families and visitors interested in Namibia's marine wildlife, making its absence worth considering when planning an itinerary.
Until further notice, travellers should check the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform for updates and should not include the National Marine Aquarium in their travel plans without first confirming that it has reopened.
Subscribe for updates:
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa.
No comments:
Post a Comment