All is set for the Etosha Centenary Celebrations, which will be held on 28 September at the Namutoni Lodge. President Hifikepunye Pohamba will officially launch the celebrations along side Founding Father Sam Nujoma.
The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has instructed that it is closing off the Namutoni Camp for the entire weekend to visitors.
Visitors may however enter the Etosha National Park including Okaukuejo and Halali, but will not be able to enter the camp for petrol, drinks, meals or any other supplies or services.

“They (visitors) should make the necessary arrangements to ensure that they are able to reach their destination in comfort,” NWR said this week.
A number of activities marked the road to Etosha’s 100 years. These included a special symposium held two months ago which was attended by more than 100 environmental scientists and researchers who, in the past, conducted researches on Etosha.
There was also the commissioning of an exhibition by Namibian artists that reflected the symbolism of Etosha.
For the first time, Etosha has also started offering night drives and hiking under the stars in this majestic animal kingdom.
Visitors will be able to hike under the stars before camping overnight on the edge of the pan, the ministry said in a statement this week.
A maximum of 20 people per group, leaving from each of the three resorts on each of the three evenings, will be accompanied on the hike by an area warden and at least two armed tourism ministry staff to ensure safety.
Visitors can pre-book a 12 km hike departing from Okaukuejo, a six-kilometre hike from Halali or an eight-kilometre hike from Namutoni. Participants will be responsible for the cost of their park fees on arrival in the park, which will be an additional fee to the cost of the hike, which is N$250 per person.
Hikers should be self-sufficient, providing their own transport, food, water, bedding and camping equipment. They will be permitted to camp under the stars without tents if desired to maximise the moonlit experience.
Staff will provide cooking fires and long-drop toilets, and care will be taken to ensure that no environmental scars are left as a result of the activities.
During the night, the armed staff from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism will be at hand to ensure visitor safety.
This is the first time that such activities have been offered, with initial preference given to Namibian citizens and permanent residents.
These activities are offered to persons older than 18 years of age. Reservations will only be confirmed on payment and once proof of citizenship/ permanent residence and age has been provided.