The government of Namibia is revamping and upgrading facilities and infrastructure at Dorob National Park, co-funded by the Game Products Trust Fund (GPTF).

The government-driven fund was established through the Game Products Trust Fund Act (Act No. 7 of 1997) as a mechanism for ensuring that revenue obtained from the sale of wildlife products could be used exclusively towards wildlife conservation and community conservation and development programmes.

According to Romeo Muyunda, Chief Public Relations Officer at the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the project will include refurbishment of the existing ablution facilities and the addition of two more. The current barbecue facilities will also be renovated, with five facilities added. A reception office will also be built.

Dorob National Park in Erongo, on the central Namibian coast, is home to Dune 7, a popular tourist attraction. Muyunda said the upgrades of facilities and infrastructure would enable the government to start charging park entry fees from December 1.

Namibian visitors under the age of 16 and all nationals under the age of eight will not be charged. However, Namibians over 16 and visitors from SADC countries aged from eight to below 16 will be charged N$50 (€3). Visitors from other countries over the age of eight and not exceeding 16 years, and visitors from SADC countries aged 16 and above will be charged N$100 (€6). Visitors from other countries over the age of 16 will be charged N$150 (€9).

The entry fees will be used to maintain the facilities and infrastructure.

Muyunda said there were plans to offer the recreational area in the park as a tourism concession. Through this, he said, more tourism products and services would be developed to enhance visitors’ experience.