Etosha National Park, one of Namibia’s most treasured wildlife sanctuaries, is facing a disaster of heartbreaking proportions.
A massive wildfire has been tearing through the park, leaving behind scorched landscapes, dead wildlife, and shaken communities.
What began as a small fire outside the reserve has now become one of the most destructive blazes in the park’s history.
How the Fire Started
Authorities believe the blaze first sparked last Monday at a charcoal production site just outside Etosha.
What might have been a contained incident quickly spread across dry terrain, fueled by strong winds and Namibia’s arid conditions.
Within days, nearly a third of the park’s vast 22,935 square kilometres was engulfed.
Soldiers and Helicopters Join the Fight
To keep the fire from spreading further, Namibia has called in heavy reinforcements.
The Namibian Defence Force has deployed 500 soldiers, along with helicopters, to support exhausted firefighters, police officers, and local volunteers who have been battling flames around the clock.
Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare confirmed the emergency measures after holding a high-level crisis meeting.
“We are acting swiftly to contain the fire, protect wildlife, and support communities in affected regions,” Ngurare assured citizens.
Wildlife and Tourism Under Severe Threat
The fire’s toll on nature has already been devastating.
At least nine antelope have been killed, and large tracts of grazing land in Omusati and Oshana—regions that border Angola—have been destroyed.
Conservationists worry that endangered species such as black rhinos may also be in danger.
Etosha is home to more than 100 species of mammals and hundreds of bird species, making it a crown jewel of African wildlife tourism.
Each year, nearly 200,000 visitors travel to the park. For now, however, large parts of the park are closed to tourists.
Political Backlash Over Response Time
The government’s handling of the crisis has not gone unchallenged.
Opposition MP Likando Rodrick has sharply criticized leaders for being unprepared despite knowing that wildfires strike almost every dry season.
“We need a long-term fire management strategy.
Wildfires in the dry season are not new – this level of unpreparedness is unacceptable,” he said.
Nature vs Negligence
Experts point out that wildfires are a natural part of Namibia’s savannah ecosystem.
Still, poor fire management and human negligence, such as risky industrial activity near conservation areas, often push these fires out of control.
Government officials have promised to investigate the cause and look into tighter regulations for charcoal production close to protected land.
Looking Ahead
As firefighters continue battling the flames, attention is turning to what comes next.
The Environment Ministry says recovery will focus on restoring habitats, protecting remaining wildlife, and helping communities who have lost grazing land for their livestock.
Authorities have also urged people living near the park to remain vigilant as conditions remain risky.
In a statement, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism expressed deep concern over the destruction and sent condolences to those directly impacted.
For now, the fate of many animals and ecosystems inside Etosha hangs in the balance.