Understanding Etosha Park Entry Fees
Entry fees are charged at all Etosha National Park gates for both people and vehicles. Understanding how they work prevents confusion at the gate and ensures you have the right payment ready.
2026 Fee Schedule
| Category | Rate (NAD, per day) |
|---|---|
| International adult | NAD 280 |
| International child (aged 9–16) | NAD 180 |
| SADC national (adult) | NAD 180 |
| SADC national (child aged 9–16) | NAD 100 |
| Namibian citizen (adult) | NAD 60 |
| Namibian citizen (child under 16) | Free |
| Vehicle (under 3.5 tonnes) | NAD 60/day |
| Vehicle (3.5–12 tonnes) | NAD 150/day |
How Fees Are Calculated
- Fees are charged per person per day, not per night
- A “day” in the park counts from gate entry to gate exit on any given calendar day
- If you enter on Day 1 and exit on Day 4, you are charged for 4 days per person (not 3)
- Vehicle fee is charged per day the vehicle is inside the park
Example: 2 International Adults, 3 Nights
Entering Day 1, exiting Day 4 = 4 park days per person
- Park entry: 2 adults × 4 days × NAD 280 = NAD 2,240
- Vehicle: 4 days × NAD 60 = NAD 240
- Total gate fees: NAD 2,480
Payment Methods
- Cash (NAD preferred; also USD and ZAR accepted at many gates)
- Credit/debit card accepted at Anderson and Von Lindequist gates (not always reliable — carry cash backup)
- No online pre-payment for gate fees (accommodation is separate)
Receipt Management
- Keep your gate receipt(s) accessible throughout your stay
- Receipts are checked at accommodation check-in
- Rangers may request receipt verification on park roads
- If exiting and re-entering the same trip, you pay again on re-entry
SADC Rate Eligibility
SADC (Southern African Development Community) national rates apply to citizens of: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, DRC, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Passport proof of citizenship required at gate.
Children and Family Fees
- Children under 16 pay a reduced daily rate
- Children under 6: confirm with NWR — some categories may be free
- Family totals add up quickly in peak season — factor this into your budget planning