Etosha Gates: Times & Fees (2026 Guide)
Etosha Gate Times and Entry Fees (2026)
All entry into Etosha National Park is through NWR-controlled gates. Gates have strict opening and closing times that vary by month. You must be inside your camp before closing time — there is no late entry, and driving after dark outside your camp is not permitted except on authorised night drives.
Etosha Gate Opening and Closing Times by Month
| Month | Gate Opens | Gate Closes |
|---|---|---|
| January | 06:00 | 19:30 |
| February | 06:00 | 19:30 |
| March | 06:00 | 19:00 |
| April | 06:00 | 18:30 |
| May | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| June | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| July | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| August | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| September | 06:00 | 18:30 |
| October | 06:00 | 19:00 |
| November | 06:00 | 19:30 |
| December | 06:00 | 19:30 |
Note: Times are approximate and can vary slightly. Always confirm with your camp on arrival. Gates typically open at sunrise and close at or after sunset.
Etosha Entry Gates
| Gate | Location | Closest Camp | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson Gate | South (Outjo road) | Okaukuejo (12 km) | Most popular; main route from Windhoek |
| Von Lindequist Gate (Namutoni) | East (Tsumeb road) | Namutoni (1 km) | Entry from Etosha Village, east circuit |
| King Nehale Gate | Northeast | Halali / Namutoni | Entry from Oshakati/northern Namibia |
| Galton Gate | West | Olifantsrus (50 km) | Western circuit only; remote |
Etosha Entry Fees (2026/2027 Rates)
Fees were revised from 1 April 2026 by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. All amounts shown are the combined park entrance fee plus conservation fee, quoted in Namibian Dollars (NAD). Exchange rates fluctuate — check with NWR or your operator for current USD/EUR equivalents.
Children aged 8 and under
Free entry — all nationalities.
Persons (per person per day)
| Category | Fee (NAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Namibian adult | NAD 60 | Namibian ID required |
| SADC adult | NAD 180 | Proof of SADC citizenship required |
| International adult | NAD 280 | Standard rate for most visitors |
| Namibian child (aged 9–16) | Free | Namibian ID required |
| SADC child (aged 9–16) | NAD 100 | Proof of SADC citizenship required |
| International child (aged 9–16) | NAD 180 |
Vehicles (per entry)
| Vehicle size | Fee (NAD) |
|---|---|
| 10 seats or fewer | NAD 60 |
| 11–25 seats | NAD 150 |
| 26–50 seats | NAD 600 |
| 51+ seats | NAD 1,000 |
Conservation levies are included in accommodation rates when booking NWR camps. Day visitor fees are separate and payable at the gate.
Planning Tips
- Build in buffer time — plan to be at your destination camp at least 30 minutes before closing time. Gate-to-camp distances vary significantly (Galton Gate to Olifantsrus is approximately 50 km of gravel road).
- Anderson Gate is busiest in peak season (July–September). Allow 20–30 minutes for queuing during school holidays.
- If you are arriving via Von Lindequist Gate and staying at Namutoni, you can be inside the camp within 5 minutes of entry.
- Night drives (where available) depart from inside camps and are authorised to operate after gate closing. You do not need to leave and re-enter the park.
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