The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has clarified that the Sossusvlei shuttle concession does not bar self-drive visitors or NTB-registered tour operators and lodges from entering Sossusvlei at no cost. Instead, access restrictions apply only to certain vehicles and unregistered operators, particularly environmentally risky options such as buses and trucks, as well as unsuitable 2×4 vehicles on the challenging 4×4 sand track leading to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. The ministry says these rules are designed to safeguard the fragile dune ecosystem while still allowing legitimate tourism activity.
This clarification comes amid growing public and operator concern about how the concession functions and whether it would limit access to the iconic site. It reiterates a prior statement from September 5, 2024, noting that NTB-registered operators and lodgings can continue serving guests at Sossusvlei and that the concession does not confer exclusive rights to operate within the park. It also notes that the shuttle concession permits other registered operators to access Sossusvlei while regulating certain activities to protect the delicate dunes.
Officials pointed to unmanaged traffic as a driver of track widening and environmental harm, underscoring the need to balance tourism demand with conservation. In the past week, About Africa Co, which runs the Sossusvlei shuttle service, responded to public concerns about proposed access changes. After engaging with stakeholders and the ministry, About Africa Co confirmed a postponement of the planned implementation date.
Dörgeloh explained that the proposed changes aim to fortify environmental protection, improve track management, and enhance visitor safety. “The shift from unregulated self-drive access to a managed system aligns with MEFT’s mandate and the 2023 concession agreement,” he stated. He added that off-track driving has broadened and multiplied tracks, damaging the fragile crusts of dunes within the UNESCO World Heritage site, and cited recurring incidents of vehicles getting stuck or breaking down due to inexperience with sand driving.
Regarding costs, Dörgeloh said the pricing model is under review in collaboration with the ministry following the postponement. He emphasized that nothing will be implemented without MEFT’s approval, as reported by Informante. He also thanked the public for their patience and reaffirmed a commitment to a transparent and orderly transition in Namibia’s iconic tourism landscape.
The initial plan proposed restricting private self-drive 4×4 access beyond the 2×4 parking area to the final stretch toward Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, with a target start date of 15 December 2025. This proposal drew significant pushback from tourism operators, local travelers, and the public, who feared higher costs and reduced self-drive access to the area.
