Etosha Fires Spark Concern – But Tourism Remains Open

An image of an elephant with severe burns at Charl Marais Dam at Etosha National Park has ignited fierce debate. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism initially labelled the photo “fake,” but it has since been confirmed that it was taken with a Nikon Coolpix P1000 camera on 28 September by photographer Koos Reyneke.

Etosha Fires: What’s Happening and What Tourists Should Know

Wildfires recently swept through parts of Etosha National Park, and while that sounds alarming, here’s the good news: the fires are now under control, and Etosha is still open for visitors.

Yes, some areas were affected—habitats, grazing lands, and even nearby villages—but the government and park teams acted fast. Over 300 defence force members and dozens of officials have been working hard to contain the flames and protect this iconic destination.

There’s been a bit of confusion online, especially with dramatic photos and videos making the rounds. Some of them aren’t accurate, and officials are urging travelers to stay informed through reliable sources.

Gitta Paetzold from the Hospitality Association of Namibia says communication could’ve been better from the start, but the key message now is: don’t cancel your trip. Wildlife is still being spotted, especially on the eastern side of the park, and the famous Etosha Pan is accessible.

Visitors are asked to be respectful and cautious—this is a natural disaster, after all. Keep a safe distance from any affected areas, follow park guidelines, and enjoy the beauty of Etosha responsibly.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called Etosha a “lifeline” of Namibia’s tourism industry, and the government is fully committed to protecting it. So while the fires were serious, the response has been strong, and the park is bouncing back.

Bottom line? Etosha is still here, still wild, and still worth the visit.