N$47.9m facelift underway at Etosha, Hardap
Renovations aimed at enhanced visitor experience
Visitors to Etosha National Park can expect comfort stop areas, which will consist of picnic areas, safe viewing platforms and bathrooms.
A total of N$47.9 million will be spent to upgrade entrance gates and tourist facilities at Etosha and Hardap National Parks.Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said renovations are currently underway at Etosha.
“The current entrance gates of Anderson, Von Lindqeuist and King Nehale Lya Mpingana will receive a total facelift.”
He said work has already begun at the Anderson gate.
Muyunda said travellers using these gates should expect disruptions and caution must be observed where required, adding that safety protocols will be put in place by the contractors.
In addition to the entrance gates, some sanitation facilities in Etosha National Park will be upgraded to “comfort stops", consisting of toilets, picnic areas, information displays, viewing platforms and adequate parking areas, all safely enclosed.
“The objective is to invite visitors travelling from one part of the park to another, to take a rest on the long journey, to access the information displays and to enjoy the tranquillity of nature in a safe and appealing environment,” said Muyunda.
Sanitation facilities will be upgraded at Olifantsbad, Homob, Thatch Roof, Okerfontein, Andoni, Sprokieswood, Springbokfontein, and Sonderkop.
“We will also construct two new comfort stops at M’Bari between Okaukuejo and Olifantsrus.”
The entire project is expected to be completed by July 2025 and cost N$40.7 million.
Similarly, the ministry will upgrade facilities and infrastructure in Hardap National Park for N$7.2 million.
This will include the upgrading of three existing gates, two ablution facilities or picnic spots and the construction of four new ablution facilities and picnic spots.
The upgrades are financed through the government's NamParks V project, which is co-financed by Germany.