Ministry insists self-drive access at Sossusvlei remains open

Amid mounting public debate and industry concern, the tourism ministry has strongly rejected claims that the Sossusvlei shuttle concession is shutting out self-drive tourists, stressing that independent travellers remain welcome and can access one of Namibia’s most treasured destinations without restriction.The ministry stated that the concession operating within the Namib-Naukluft Park does not prohibit self-drive visitors, nor does it prevent Namibia Tourism Board (NTB)-registered tour operators and lodges from conducting business at Sossusvlei.According to the ministry, the purpose of the concession is being widely misunderstood.Rather than limiting the tour, the aim is to regulate activities that pose a risk to the fragile desert environment. Restrictions apply only to unregistered operators, environmentally damaging vehicles such as busses and trucks, and unsuitable 2x4 vehicles that cannot safely navigate the terrain.“These measures are necessary to protect the integrity of Sossusvlei as a World Heritage Site,” the ministry said, noting that unmanaged traffic and inappropriate vehicles threaten both the ecosystem and visitor safety.The ministry further clarified that the concession does not stop other operators from working in the area.However, the ministry said that only the concession holder is authorised to collect visitors from the designated 2x4 parking area — a system designed to reduce congestion, control vehicle movement and limit environmental impact along the sensitive dune corridor.The renewed assurances came as About Africa Co., through Adelt Sossusvlei Concession Management, said it is starting to implement the next phase of its concession agreement with the ministry.It said that under this phase, self-drive vehicles will no longer be permitted to enter the 4x4 section of the Sossusvlei Concession Area from 15 December 2025 (yesterday), ending decades of unrestricted access to the final stretch leading to Deadvlei, Big Daddy and Sossusvlei.Despite this shift, the ministry insists that self-drive tourism is not being curtailed, but rather managed more sustainably.Reaffirming its stance, the ministry said it remains committed to tourism growth, fair access and the long-term protection of Namibia’s natural heritage, stressing that conservation and visitor access must go hand in hand to safeguard Sossusvlei for generations to come.About Africa has neither rectified nor responded to the ministry's statement. The confusion between the two entities is whether they have a non-exclusive or exclusive concession. According to the original notice to bidders published in the newspapers in 2023, the concession consists of developing rights that include the exclusive right to develop and operate a campsite with associated support infrastructure at Farm Arbeid Delt inside the Namib Naukluft Park. It further consists of the non-exclusive right to conduct a shuttle service from the Sossusvlei 2x4 parking area to Deadvlei.It also includes an exclusive right to develop and operate a small kiosk at the Sossusvlei parking area. The company also announced future premium offerings, including fly-in day trips, concierge-style transfers and curated overnight excursions.However spokesperson of the tourism ministry, Vilho Hangula, told Network Media Hub that it is not possible to do an overnight excursion or camp in Sossusvlei. He specifically referred to overnight for photographic purposes.“It is not permissible to stay overnight there for photography purposes. There have been a few occasions where some visitors left their cameras on auto there in the hopes of capturing the night view, but they did that at their own risk. It is not possible.”Tour operators have expressed concern about planned price increases to Sossusvlei and what measures are in place to distinguish between registered and unregistered tour operators when using unbranded 4X4 car rentals. Meanwhile, the Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations, under which the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA) falls, has said that it is proper to first seek clarity from the authorities on the exact parameters of the “new deal” before making statements.

Ministry insists self-drive access at Sossusvlei remains open

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-04-28

Please login to leave a comment

Ministry insists self-drive access at Sossusvlei remains open

Comments

Namibian Sun 2026-04-28

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content