How to Secure Your Booking and Permits for Namibia’s National Parks

Booking campsites and obtaining permits for Namibia’s National Parks may seem complicated, but fear not! I’ve gathered a few tips that will help you navigate this process with ease. Here’s what you need to know about reserving National Park accommodations and securing the necessary permits. Let’s dive in and simplify your trip planning!

A great starting point is the Ugab River Gate in Skeleton Coast National Park. It’s worth noting that you don’t need a permit to travel between the Ugab and Springbokwasser gates. However, if you want to explore Torra and Terrace Bay – the two accommodation options inside the park – you must have a valid permit. Keep in mind that Torra Bay campsite is only open in December and January. On the other hand, Terrace Bay is open year round, but it does not offer camping facilities; instead, you’ll find comfortable chalets.

Discover the Beauty of Namibia’s National Parks with Namibian Wildlife Resorts and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism

Planning an unforgettable adventure in Namibia’s spectacular national parks? Look no further than Namibian Wildlife Resorts (NWR) and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET)! Let me tell you all about it.

• Namibian Wildlife Resorts is the organization responsible for managing accommodation bookings for all the public rest camps in Namibia’s National Parks. With NWR, you can find the perfect place to stay and experience the wonders of nature up close.
• The Ministry of Environment and Tourism takes care of the conservation and administration of the National Parks. They are the ones who issue permits to enter all of Namibia’s state-run parks and reserves, ensuring the protection of these precious environments.

Now, let’s talk about booking your stay. To spend a night in any of Namibian Wildlife Resorts’ camps or lodges, you’ll need to follow two simple steps:

1. Make a booking with NWR – Start by contacting Namibian Wildlife Resorts to secure your desired accommodation. Their friendly staff will assist you in finding the perfect spot for your adventure.
2. Obtain a permit to enter the park from the MET – Once you have your NWR booking confirmation, you’ll need to separately obtain a permit from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. This permit allows you to enter and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia’s national parks.

Keep in mind, if you’re planning to stay at a private lodge instead of an NWR camp, it’s best to check with them beforehand to see if the MET permit fees are already included in your booking.

Embarking on an incredible journey through Namibia’s national parks is an experience like no other. Together, Namibian Wildlife Resorts and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism are here to make your adventure safe, memorable, and truly unforgettable. Get ready to explore the wonders of nature and create lifelong memories in the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia!

Book Your Namibian Wildlife Resorts Adventure Today

If you want to book a stay at Namibian Wildlife Resorts, you have a couple of options. You can make a booking by phone or email, or if there’s space available, you can book when you arrive at the camps. However, please note that for camps without permanent staff, such as those in the Kuiseb and Tinkas regions, you must book in advance either through the NWR central reservations office or at an NWR office in Namibia. This is important because you’ll need to get a MET permit for these areas, and you can only obtain it inside Namibia. It’s more convenient to get it all sorted out while you’re there.

NWR Central Reservations

If you have any questions or want to make a booking, you can reach out to the NWR Central Reservations. Here are their contact details:

E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: +264 61 2857200
Fax: +264 61 224900
Address: Erkraht Building, 189 Independence Avenue, Windhoek, Namibia

NWR Cape Town Office

Contact us: Email us at [email protected], give us a ring at +27 21 4223761, or send us a fax at +27 21 4225148. We are located on the Ground Floor of the Pinnacle Building, on Burg Street in Cape Town.

Permits from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism

If you’re planning a trip to Namibia and need permits from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, it’s important to note that you can only obtain them once you arrive in the country. Unfortunately, these permits cannot be purchased over the phone in advance. Although Sesriem camp at Sossusvlei does accept card payments (if their connection is working), keep in mind that most of the smaller camps only accept cash.

When you arrive at the park gates, you’ll find the MET offices where the friendly staff can assist you with obtaining permits. They are usually located near their NWR colleagues, providing a convenient and efficient process. You’ll start by getting your camp booking from one person, and then you can simply walk over to the next desk or adjacent office to obtain your MET permit. It’s much easier than it may sound!

In addition to the park gates, there are also MET offices available in Windhoek and Swakopmund. These offices provide permits, as well as brochures and useful information about all of Namibia’s National Parks.

MET Office Windhoek

Visit the MET Office Windhoek at Levinson Arcade, Capital Centre Building, 4th floor, Windhoek.

MET/NWR Office Swakopmund

MET permit costs (all prices SADC)

If you want to visit some of Namibia’s incredible national parks, you’ll need to get a permit. The prices vary depending on where you want to go. Let me break it down for you:

• Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: It will cost you N$60 per person and N$10 per vehicle, per day.
• Skeleton Coast National Park: The same rates apply here – N$60 per person and N$10 per vehicle, per day.
• Sossusvlei region of Namib-Naukluft National Park: You’ll also need to pay N$60 per person and N$10 per vehicle, per day.
• Etosha National Park: Again, the cost for permits is N$60 per person and N$10 per vehicle, per day.

Now, if you’re planning to explore the Kuiseb and Tinkas regions in the northern part of Namib-Naukluft National Park, it’s a bit cheaper. Permits for these areas go for N$30 per person and N$10 per vehicle, per day. However, you won’t be able to buy these permits at a gate or from camp staff. You’ll need to get them in advance from a MET office. There are a few places where you can purchase these permits:

MET office at Sesriem/Sossusvlei

MET office in Swakopmund

Koedoesrus campsite in the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park

So, make sure you’ve got your permit sorted out before you head off on your adventure. Happy exploring!

Hey there! So, guess what? The Dorob National Park permit is absolutely free, and you can have it for three whole months! How awesome is that? This permit gives you the green light to drive along the 4×4 routes that link the coast and the interior from Swakopmund to the Ugab River. Oh, and guess what else? You can also explore certain areas along the dune belt from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay. Just swing by the MET office in Swakopmund to grab your permit. No need for one along the C34 between Swakop and the Skeleton Coast National Park, so it’s free sailing!

If you head up north in Namibia, you’re in for a treat. A lot of the areas are just breathtaking wilderness, and the best part? No permits needed! You’re free to roam and explore places like Mahango, Susuwe Triangle, Nkasa Rupara, Khaudum, and Waterberg. It only costs N$30 per person per day and N$10 per vehicle per day. Such a bargain for all the beauty you get to soak in!

If you want to explore the Namib Desert or venture into the Skeleton Coast, you’ll need to join a guided tour. These tours are organized by private operators who have exclusive access to these protected areas. They offer single or multi-day, self-drive 4×4 tours into the desert. Please note that you must book these tours in advance, and there may be a minimum number of participants required.

• If you’re interested in guided tours and day trips to Sandwich Harbour, south of Walvis Bay, or into the northern Namib Desert, you can contact Live The Journey. They also offer multi-day trips along the Skeleton Coast to the Kunene River, as well as trips from Lüderitz to Walvis Bay. They have a variety of other tour options available too.

I’m excited to tell you about an amazing tour company called Coastways Tours. They offer fantastic day trips from Lüderitz to places like Walvis Bay in Namibia. If you’re interested in exploring the diamond fields south of Lüderitz, they have you covered with affordable tours starting at N$1,450 per person. And if you’re ready for a longer adventure, their five-night tours to Walvis Bay start at N$7,750 per person.

Now, let me give you some other helpful information about traveling to Namibia. When crossing the border, make sure to follow all the necessary procedures at the border control. Take note of any requirements or documents you may need to have handy. This will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience throughout your trip.

When I crossed the border from South Africa to Namibia, I was relieved to find that the two main border posts, Vioolsdrift/Noordoewer and Nakop/Ariamsvlei, were open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This meant that no matter when I arrived, there would always be an opportunity to enter Namibia.

Of course, before crossing the border, it was crucial to ensure that my passport was valid for at least six months from the date of entry. This is a common requirement for many countries, as it allows for enough time for any potential delays or extended stays.

In addition to the passport, there was another requirement that needed to be fulfilled. I needed to pay the Namibian Road Fund Administration fees at the border. These fees amounted to R220 for a car and R140 for a trailer. It was a small price to pay for the convenience and privilege of accessing Namibia by road.

If the vehicle I was driving belonged to me, I had to remember to bring along the registration paper as proof of ownership. Although this document was not always asked for, it was better to be safe than sorry. Carrying it with me provided peace of mind and reassurance that I was fully prepared for any scenario.

On the other hand, if I was driving a vehicle that did not belong to me, I had to take extra steps to ensure smooth border crossing. It was essential to have a certified letter from the owner of the vehicle, granting me permission to take the vehicle across the border. This letter needed to include my full name, as well as my ID or passport number. Furthermore, it was also advised to have some form of photo identification as an extra layer of verification.

Lastly, regardless of the ownership of the vehicle, I knew it was important to have my valid driver’s license with me at all times. This was not only a legal requirement but also ensured that I could drive confidently and responsibly in Namibia.

Money matters

If you’re planning a trip to Namibia, make sure to bring some cash with you. Credit cards are not widely accepted in the country, so it’s important to be prepared. You’ll need cash for things like fuel, park entrance fees, and campsites, even in larger towns.

In Namibia, the currency is the Namibian dollar, which is equivalent to the South African rand. This means that you can use rands for cash transactions throughout the country. However, keep in mind that some places may only accept Namibian dollars, so it’s a good idea to have some on hand.

If you need to withdraw cash, you can use your South African or international bank cards at Namibian ATMs. Just be aware that your bank may charge you a forex handling fee for the transaction, even though the exchange rate is the same for rands and Namibian dollars.

Paying for Fuel

When it comes to fuel, most service stations in Namibia only accept cash. So if you need to fill up your tank, make sure you have enough cash on hand to cover the cost.

Vet Fences

Another thing to keep in mind when traveling in Namibia is the presence of vet fences. These are structures designed to prevent the spread of livestock diseases. You may encounter these fences when driving through certain areas, and it’s important to follow any instructions or guidelines regarding the vet fences.

In order to control the spread of infectious animal diseases like foot and mouth, Namibia has implemented a veterinary control fence that restricts the movement of animals from north to south. This means that you are allowed to take meat in a south-to-north direction, but you are not allowed to take any uncooked meat products from north to south, including frozen meat from cloven-hoof animals. However, chicken is allowed.

Taking care of your tyres

Driving with the proper tyre pressure is important for several reasons. It helps to extend the lifespan of your tyres, reduces the risk of punctures, and can make a significant difference when navigating different types of terrain. While experts may have differing opinions on the exact pressure for different situations, it is crucial to adjust the pressure according to the terrain you are driving on. For sand and mud, lower pressure is recommended as it allows more of the tyre tread to come into contact with the surface, providing better traction. On the other hand, higher pressures are advisable for rocky and dirt surfaces, including Namibia’s coastal “salt roads.” Tar roads usually require the highest certified pressures. Softer tyres, typically around 2 bar, are better suited for sharp rocks and loose surfaces, but offer less protection for your wheel rim. It’s important to note that aggressive turns with pressures below 1 bar can cause tyres to completely come off the rim. Given Namibia’s ever-changing conditions, it is essential to have a compressor on hand as you may need to inflate or deflate your tyres multiple times throughout the day. If possible, check the tyre pressures when the tyres are cold, as hot tyres can lead to a relative increase in pressure by about half a bar.