Auleria Wakudumo

The tourism ministry has raised concern over ongoing violations and disregard of applicable laws as well as the park rules and regulations by visitors to the country’s national parks.

Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says they have observed significant violations of various issues in accordance with the relevant laws and park regulations.

“The use of drones is not allowed in Namibia’s National Parks without a permit. Despite the restriction of drones, we have observed a significant amount of visitors attempting to enter and fly drones in our national parks. Visitors arriving with drones must declare and register them at the park’s entry gates,” Muyunda said.

Muyunda added off-road and parking in unauthorised areas continue to pose a significant challenge, as it degrades the parks’ ecosystem and diminishes their reputation as well managed conservation areas. 

The ministry appeals to all visitors to strictly adhere to designated roads and viewing areas to protect the environment and ensure safety.

“Members of the public and tourists are also reminded that the ministry has placed a restriction on plastic bags in all our national parks. The restriction is for single-use carry bags from retail shops, plastic use in packaging items such as bread or rice bags is permitted,” Muyunda said.

The ministry is encouraging visitors to avoid littering and dispose of their waste in designated refuse bins to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

It also wishes to clarify to the public regarding the handling and transportation of meat in and out of the Etosha National Park in accordance with the Animal Disease and Parasite Act. 

“Under this law, it is prohibited to exit the park with raw meat at the Anderson, Galtone and Von Lindquist gates. 

Any raw meat that will be found will be confiscated and discarded by veterinarian officials at the gate,” Muyunda said. Muyunda further added that this restriction is only for exiting, and there is no prohibition for entering the park with raw meat. Equally so, there is no restriction for exiting with the meat at the King Nehale Gate.

Moreover, Muyunda expressed disappointment in some tour operators who aid tourists in carrying out serious disregard of the park rules and laws. “We call upon tour operators to assist us in maintaining law and order in Namibia’s national parks to ensure that collectively, we are able to create an exciting experience for our visitors,” Muyunda said.

The ministry’s spokesperson also encouraged visitors to comply with these regulations, to ensure the country’s national parks remain safe and pristine for all. -wakudumoauleria@gmail.com