Namibia's tourism industry is shaking its head at the back-and-forth regarding access to Sossusvlei. As recently as mid-April, despite fierce protests, the government reaffirmed that a ban on self-drivers would come into effect on 1 May 2026 (see report on Namibian.org). Then, just one day before, the U-turn: ban off the table, business as usual.
A high-ranking official confirmed unofficially on 1 May that the provider of the official shuttle service had been notified in writing on 30 September. The provider, About Africa, had received the concession for the shuttle service on the 5-kilometer off-road track in January 2024. This includes controlling access to the track.
Nevertheless, several self-drivers had to leave their four-wheel-drive vehicles on the sedan car parking site on Friday, 1 May. According to tour guides, they were stopped by shuttle service employees and taken to Sossusvlei by shuttle. Tour operators' tours with off-road vehicles were also apparently affected.
The unofficial announcement from the high-ranking official regarding the lifted ban appeared on travel industry social media channels in the afternoon. The official announcement from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) followed promptly on Saturday, 2 May – in the middle of the long weekend with two public holidays.
According to the announcement, access remains permitted for registered tour guides and self-drivers with 4x4 vehicles. While only Deadvlei is mentioned, the off-road route continues from there to the neighbouring Sossusvlei.
The controversy even drew the attention of Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare. "Sossusvlei must be open for unrestricted use, firstly, by all Namibians, and, secondly, by international visitors (tourists). The line Minister will administer the relevant regulations," Ngurare posted yesterday on X – on the National Remembrance Day.
About Africa had already announced a ban on self-drive access twice, in September 2024 and December 2025. Both times, this was followed by fierce protests from the tourism industry and ultimately by revocation from MEFT (see report on Namibian.org).
As the reason for the self-drive ban About Africa cited environmental protection, arguing that self-drivers constantly create new tracks. The Dune Namib, where Sossusvlei is located, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. This status is tied to conservation criteria. MEFT has long planned to strengthen environmental protection.
The concession of About Africa 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 had promised these communities more than 100 million Namibian dollars. This would amount to 4 million Namibian dollars per year.
According to a tour guide, the shuttle service currently costs N$200 per person (approximately €10.40; amount at current exchange rate; 1 ZAR = 1 N$). Children pay half price. So far, the shuttle is only a must for visitors with city cars and those on tours using buses that are not suitable for off-road use.
Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert in south-central Namibia. Photo (2017): Olga Ernst & Hp. Baumeler, Wikipedia