Dorob National Park regulations expected to be announced in January 2011

The regulations for the newly proclaimed Dorob National Park are expected to be announced in the first week of January 2011.

Following the park’s proclamation on 1 December 2010, holidaymakers in the former National West Coast Recreation Area (which forms the core of the park) complained bitterly about the enforcement of the regulations – which were never publicized.
The coastal office of the Afrikaans daily, Republikein, reports that the park regulations will differ from those in other conservation areas in the interior. Provision will be made for recreation activities such as walking along the beach and in the Swakop River, as well as the walking of pets in certain areas such as the Swakop River Valley.
According to Republikein most of the problems were reported from Mile 72 where spot fines were issued to visitors who did not pass through the gate of the popular campsite on their way to fishing spots along this stretch of coast. Reports were also received of horse-riders and people walking their dogs in the Swakop River being ordered to leave the area by over-zealous Ministry of Environment and Tourism officials.
The proclamation of the Dorob National Park has also raised questions about the status of the Messum Crater – a popular destination with 4x4 enthusiasts. Republikein’s office at the coast has since established that the inland boundary of the Dorob National Park follows the original boundary of the National West Coast Recreation Area. The boundary cuts through the centre of the crater and the western half of the crater, therefore, now falls in the Dorob National Park.
Off-road enthusiasts are advised to familiarise themselves with the new regulations (when they are made public) – especially with regard to off-road travel.

Derived from TourNamibia