Sossusvlei closed to self- drivers from 15 December

It was announced 15 months ago, but then rescinded after heated debate: a ban on self-drivers with 4x4 vehicles entering Sossusvlei. Now it's being implemented. From 15 December 2025, only guided tours will be available. The fee is also increasing from 200 to 260 Namibian dollars per person.

This was announced by the company About Africa on Friday. It has sparked heated discussions within Namibia's tourism industry. About Africa received a concession from The Ministry of Environment and Tourism in January 2024 for shuttle services from the parking area to Sossusvlei.

In its announcement to the travel industry and the public, About Africa justifies the closure with the need to preserve the World Heritage Site. The highest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei are part of the Namib Desert, which UNESCO inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2013.

Guided tours are still permitted. This applies to the concession holder, About Africa, and to surrounding lodges, provided their excursions are for their overnight guests.

Tour operators may also continue to take their clients to Sossusvlei. A prerequisite is a registration of the company with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB). This excludes foreign operators. Furthermore, the regulation is explicitly in effect only "until further notice."

The travel industry criticised, above all, the lack of transparency and the short notice. Many self-drivers had already booked their tours and will now be disappointed. Furthermore, it is necessary to be informed a year in advance in order to factor any applicable fees into the overall tour costs.

Sossusvlei Concession

About Africa's guided tours currently cost 200 Namibian dollars per person. Children pay half price. From 1 January 2026, the price will increase to 260 and 130 Namibian dollars, respectively.

The price includes transportation on the approximately 5 km long off-road track between the parking area and Deadvlei and Sossusvlei. A guided hike to the 'Big Mama' dune at Sossusvlei is also included.

Tickets shall be available from 15 December 2025 at the park gate near Sesriem. According to the announcement, an online booking platform, also including park permits, was being developed. A "refreshment lounge" will be set up in the parking area at the end of the paved road.

About Africa's concession runs for 25 years and also allows the establishment of a campsite within the park and a small kiosk in the parking area at Sossusvlei.

Furthermore, the concession stipulates that the operation must also benefit the Maltahöhe and !Karkhoen Nama communities. According to About Africa, these communities can expect to receive more than 100 million Namibian dollars.

Namibian.org reported on the debate concerning access to Sossusvlei 15 months ago on 6 September 2024.

 Offering 4x4 tours to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei, as well as a hike on 'Big Mama', one of the highest dunes in the world: Drivers/guides from About Africa. Photo: About Africa