Environment

Infernal nightmare rages on at Etosha as safety concerns raised over tourists

AnyFans 2025-09-27

By Staff Reporter

Staff Reporter

THE fire in the Etosha National Park continues to burn as recent updates have raised concerns over the safety of tourists, with a video showing tourists driving through a road flanked by encroaching fire threatening to close in.

Providing an update, Public Relations Officer within the Environment Ministry, Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, explained that the wildfire in the south-western part of Etosha National Park started on the evening of Monday, 22 September 2025.

Video: Contributed

“It is reported to have originated from nearby charcoal production activities on commercial farms situated along the south-western boundary of the park before spreading into Etosha. On Wednesday, 24 September 2025, a fire broke out near Ombika in the southern part of the park. Ministry staff, together with stakeholders from neighbouring communities, immediately responded and continue to battle the blaze,” Hamunyela said.

She added that as at 26 September 2025, the Ministry confirms that the fire in the south-western part of the park, within the Renotervlei block, was brought under control at around 03:00.

She added that a back-burning exercise around Olifantrus was also successfully completed, preventing further spread in that area.

“A dedicated team has been deployed to Dolomite, where a fire remains active east of the area and is slowly moving westwards. In the southern section of the park, back-burning operations have also proven effective and the fire was brought under control. However, another fire remains active between Olifantbad and the powerline to Halali, where teams are still working tirelessly to contain it. Despite these efforts, it remains challenging to fully suppress the fires due to strong winds and extremely dry vegetation,” Hamunyela said.

She added that thus far no animal casualties have been confirmed.

“All efforts are focused on extinguishing the fires and safeguarding the park’s wildlife, infrastructure, and grazing areas. The Ministry acknowledges and commends the support received from members of the Namibia Defence Force (NDF), members of the Namibian Police (NAMPOL), and volunteers from neighbouring communities and farmers. Their collective efforts are crucial in ensuring the protection of human lives, wildlife, boreholes, patrol camps, and other critical infrastructure. Cut lines have also been established to slow the spread of the fire,” Hamunyela said.