Allexer Namundjebo
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism says the Sossusvlei shuttle concession only restricts access for certain vehicles and unregistered operators and does not block self-drive visitors or Namibia Tourism Board (NTB)-registered tour operators and lodges from entering Sossusvlei at no cost.
The ministry issued the clarification on Saturday following growing concern from tourism operators and the public about how the concession works and whether it limits access to the iconic site.
According to the ministry, the restrictions apply only to unregistered operators, environmentally risky vehicles such as buses and trucks, and unsuitable 2×4 vehicles, especially on the 4×4 sand track leading to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.
The ministry says these measures aim to protect the fragile dune environment.
The ministry referred to a press release it issued on 5 September 2024, shortly after the concession was introduced, to address similar concerns.
The statement said operators and lodging establishments registered with the NTB can continue providing services to guests at Sossusvlei and stressed that the concession does not grant exclusive operating rights in the park.
It also mentioned that the shuttle service concession allows other registered operators to access Sossusvlei, and it controls certain activities to protect the delicate dune ecosystem.
The ministry said unmanaged traffic had led to track widening and environmental damage, prompting the need to balance tourism use with conservation.
In the past week, About Africa Co, the operator of the Sossusvlei shuttle service, issued a statement in response to public concern over the proposed access changes.
Following stakeholder input and engagement with the ministry, About Africa Co confirmed the postponement of the planned implementation date.
Dörgeloh explained that the proposed changes were driven by environmental protection, track management and visitor safety.
“The proposed transition from unregulated self-drive access to a managed access system is based on environmental protection, track management and visitor safety, consistent with MEFT’s mandate and the provisions of the 2023 concession agreement,” he said.
He said off-track driving has caused tracks to widen and multiply, damaging fragile dune crusts in the UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
He also pointed to frequent incidents of vehicles getting stuck or breaking down due to inexperienced sand driving.
Addressing fears about new costs, Dörgeloh said the pricing model is under joint review with the ministry following the postponement.
He added that nothing will be implemented without the ministry’s approval, as reported by Informante on Saturday.
“We appreciate the responsibility that comes with communicating changes in such an iconic and sensitive part of Namibia’s tourism landscape. We will continue working with MEFT and the industry to ensure an orderly and well-understood transition,” he said.
The proposed changes initially included restricting private self-drive 4×4 vehicles from the final stretch to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei beyond the 2×4 parking area, with a planned start date of 15 December 2025.
This sparked opposition from tourism operators, local travellers, and members of the public, who feared higher costs and reduced access for self-drive tourism.
