Etosha National Park wildfires contained in Namibia

Authorities have successfully contained all threatening wildfires within Namibia’s Etosha National Park. A joint suppression effort involving the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the Namibian Defence Force, and personnel from neighboring conservancies and local farms achieved containment as of Saturday evening, 24 October 2026.

Satellite mapping and ministry reports indicate that the blazes have affected between 3,513 and 3,746 square kilometers, representing approximately 16% of the park’s total land area. While primary fire fronts at Oberland and Gemsbokvlakte have been extinguished, officials remain on high alert due to extreme weather conditions.

A heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 45°C and wind speeds of 22 km/h poses a risk of reigniting smoldering areas. No human or wildlife casualties have been reported. The cause of the outbreaks remains under investigation.