Fuel Crisis at Namibia’s Iconic Resorts Prompts New Strategies for Regional Safari Tourism
The first half of 2025 has brought significant operational challenges to Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned operator responsible for many of the country’s most celebrated tourism destinations. Persistent fuel shortages have disrupted services at several flagship resorts, including those within Etosha National Park—notably Okaukuejo, Halali, and Namutoni—as well as key outposts at Sesriem (gateway to Sossusvlei), Terrace Bay in the Skeleton Coast National Park, /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs & Spa, and the Waterberg Plateau Park. These developments demand urgent attention from Africa’s travel sector, given Namibia’s status as a top self-drive safari destination for both regional and international visitors.
The current crisis traces its origins to early 2025, when NWR’s contracted fuel supplier, Enercon Namibia, failed to fulfil delivery agreements. Tasked with operating all petrol stations at NWR resorts nationwide, Enercon’s breakdown in logistics quickly created widespread shortages. By March, petrol had run dry at some of Namibia’s most popular wildlife and wilderness hotspots, placing a significant burden on travellers—especially those relying on self-drive itineraries, which remain a hallmark of Namibian tourism.
The situation escalated further in August 2025 when the Namibian High Court issued a final liquidation order against both Enercon Namibia and its affiliate, Erongo Petroleum. The ruling followed a major corruption scandal involving Namcor, Namibia’s national oil company, which exposed deep-rooted supply chain vulnerabilities. With Enercon’s operations brought to a halt, NWR was left scrambling to secure alternative fuel sources to safeguard both its operations and guest experience.
In response to mounting pressure and visitor concerns, NWR announced in July that it is considering terminating its contract with Enercon Namibia. Investigations revealed that the supplier may have delivered smuggled, substandard fuel from Angola, potentially damaging resort generators and vehicles. This revelation has triggered a comprehensive legal review of the contract, as well as an audit of all procurement processes—steps designed to reinforce transparency and accountability within Namibia’s state-run tourism infrastructure.
As a stopgap measure, NWR has approved Eco Fuel as an interim supplier to restore fuel availability at its resorts. However, this arrangement remains under audit as the parastatal aims to strengthen its management and procurement practices in the wake of the Enercon debacle. For Africa’s travel industry observers, the episode underscores the critical importance of robust supply chain management in remote tourism settings, especially where guest safety and the reliability of services are paramount.
For visitors—both domestic and international—these developments have immediate implications. Those planning trips to Namibia’s national parks and NWR-run lodges must adapt their travel strategies:
First and foremost, travellers are advised not to rely on NWR petrol stations for refuelling, as supply uncertainties persist into September 2025. Instead, visitors should make it a priority to refuel at service stations in nearby towns before venturing into protected areas such as Etosha National Park, Namib-Naukluft Park, the Skeleton Coast, /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs, or Waterberg Plateau Park. Carrying extra fuel—using jerry cans—remains prudent when navigating especially remote destinations like Sesriem, Terrace Bay, or the Skeleton Coast, where distances between supply points can be considerable and mobile network coverage limited.
Despite the disruption, Namibia’s appeal as a self-drive safari destination remains undiminished. The country continues to offer world-class wildlife viewing in Etosha, the iconic red dunes of Sossusvlei, and the haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast. Yet, the ongoing fuel supply challenges highlight the need for meticulous trip planning and reaffirm the role of African travel professionals in preparing clients accordingly. Ensuring travellers are well-briefed on the current situation, equipped with route-specific advice, and supported by contingency measures will not only safeguard guest experiences but also uphold Namibia’s reputation as a premier adventure destination.
The wider tourism impact of NWR’s fuel crisis extends beyond guest inconvenience. For many local operators and allied businesses, the disruption has affected logistics, supply chains, and even staffing at remote lodges and camps. Tour operators, DMCs, and the hospitality industry across sub-Saharan Africa are watching closely, as Namibia’s experience offers lessons in risk management, supplier vetting, and operational resilience. With many African safari destinations reliant on similarly complex logistics, robust crisis response protocols are increasingly seen as a business imperative.
Moving forward, NWR’s efforts to finalise new fuel supply arrangements will be a critical test of Namibia’s commitment to maintaining world-class standards in tourism infrastructure. The transition to Eco Fuel—and the accompanying audit—signals a new era of scrutiny and reform in procurement processes, aimed at restoring confidence among travellers and industry partners. For regional tourism leaders, the episode serves as a reminder that operational risks can quickly escalate into reputational challenges, but also as an opportunity to showcase adaptability and commitment to guest safety.
As Namibia navigates these challenges, the travel sector across Africa is encouraged to draw insights from the unfolding situation. Emphasising transparent communication, robust contingency planning, and collaborative problem-solving with suppliers will be vital to sustaining growth and resilience in the years ahead. Namibia’s ability to rebound from the fuel crisis, while continuing to deliver exceptional safari experiences, will reinforce its standing as a model for sustainable and innovative tourism in the sub-Saharan region.
For now, African travel professionals should continue to advise clients to plan ahead, remain vigilant about fuel arrangements, and embrace the spirit of adventure that makes Namibia’s parks and landscapes so alluring. With careful preparation and industry-wide vigilance, the continent’s self-drive tourism segment can emerge even stronger in the wake of these operational tests, setting new benchmarks for service reliability and guest satisfaction across Africa’s iconic wilderness destinations.
