Namibia, a country deeply committed to conserving its natural resources, requires entry permits for all national parks, state-operated nature reserves, protected areas, and national heritage sites. This includes the Namib Naukluft National Park, a stunning expanse of desert dunes and rugged mountain terrain.
Please note, if you are taking our Guided Day Trip to Sossusvlei, all your park entrance fees are included.
Key Takeaways
1. Permit Requirements: If you’re planning to explore areas like Welwitschia Drive, Sandwich Harbour, and other parts of Namib-Naukluft Park, you’ll need to secure a permit from the Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism, (MEFT). However, if your journey only involves the main road through the park, no permit is required.
2. Permit Fees and Payments: Permit fees and payment methods can be checked on the Namibia Wildlife Resorts website. Payments can be made by credit or debit card, but it’s also recommended to have cash on hand in Namibian Dollars (N$) or South African Rand (ZAR). In 2023, the NWR park fees are expected to increase due to rising maintenance costs and growing visitor demand. The latest fees can be found here.
3. Applying for a Permit: You can get a permit from the gate at Sesriem, the entrance to Sossusvlei. Permits can also be obtained in advance at the Swakopmund and Windhoek offices of MET. It’s important to carry the permit with you during your visit to the park as you may be asked to produce it at any given time by park authorities.
4. Types of Permits: There are several types of permits, most people will only need the regular tourism option, but activities like commercial filming and photography, scientific research, and group events, will require special permits.
What Do the Permits Entail?
The exact requirements for permits will depend on the specific area you wish to visit and the type of activity you wish to engage in. Here are some general restrictions for national parks and protected areas:
– Vehicles may only drive on clearly marked paths; off-road driving is not allowed.
– Speed limits may be enforced; this is usually between 40 and 60 km/hr.
– You are not allowed to remove, destroy, or damage any floral species within the areas.
– You are not allowed to remove, kill, or maim any faunal species within the areas.
– Fires can only be kindled in designated areas.
– All rubbish must be collected and disposed of in the designated rubbish bins.
– Entering these areas is done at your own risk.
– Entry and exit are strictly enforced from sunrise to sunset.
Contact Information
For more information about Namib-Naukluft national park tickets, you can contact the Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism’s offices in either Windhoek or Swakopmund:
Windhoek Office:
Levinson Arcade
Capital Centre Building, 4th floor
Tel: +264 61 284 2178
Swakopmund Office:
Bismarck Street
Tel: +264 64 404 576
Please be aware that permits are not actually issued by NWR (Namibia Wildlife Resorts), but rather by The Ministry Of Environment Forestry and Tourism, however, they can be obtained at the NWR offices!
Remember, a well-planned trip is a successful trip. So, ensure you have the correct permit for your visit to the Namib-Naukluft Park. Start the application process early to avoid any surprises during your adventure in this stunning natural reserve. Happy exploring!