Continued free access for self-drivers to Sossusvlei

It was already the second attempt to stop self-drivers from accessing Sossusvlei on their own, and it also failed. Following strong protests from the tourism industry, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) announced on Saturday that such a restriction is not included in the Sossusvlei Shuttle concession.

This halted the plan by the concession holder, About Africa Co., to close the access road starting today. "The concession does not restrict self-drive visitors and Namibia Tourism Board-registered tour operators and lodges from accessing Sossusvlei at no cost," MEFT emphasised in its press release on Saturday.

However, access is prohibited for unregistered tour operators. The same applies to vehicles that damage the environment, such as buses and trucks, and two-wheel-drive vehicles unsuitable for off-road use.

Dead Vlei, south of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert in south-central Namibia. Photo (2006): Sven-Eric Stender

The off-road track from the parking area to Dead Vlei and Sossusvlei is approximately 5 km long. It follows the dry riverbed of the Tsauchab and consists of deep sand in some sections.

MEFT also clarified that only the concession holder is authorised to offer shuttle tours from the parking area to Sossusvlei. The press release does not address the announced price increase from 200 to 260 Namibian dollars for these tours. The trips include a guided hike to one of the dunes. Children pay half price.

Main revenue from the Sossusvlei shuttle

MEFT granted the company About Africa Co. the concession for shuttle services from the parking area to Sossusvlei in January 2024. It also permits the construction of a kiosk at the parking area and a campsite on the former farm 'Arbeid adelt' outside the dune field in the national park.

The kiosk is expected to open soon, but there has been no mention of the campsite so far. About Africa generates most of its revenue from its shuttle service. A restriction of self-drive access would significantly increase this revenue.

About Africa had already announced such a restriction in September 2024. At that time, MEFT also halted the initiative after strong protests from the travel industry (see the Namibian.org report).

The concession holder complains that self-drivers are gradually widening the off-road track by driving around difficult sections. In addition, inexperienced drivers apparently frequently get stuck in the sand despite having four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Multi-lane off-road track from the sedan car parking area to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. Photo (2019): Sven-Eric Stender

Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei are located in the Dune Namib, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

About Africa's concession has a term of 25 years. It stipulates that the operation must also benefit the communities of the !Karkhoen Nama and the town of Maltahöhe. About Africa held out the prospect of more than 100 million Namibian dollars to these communities.