Confusion remains over the Sossusvlei access regulations, as the tourism ministry keeps changing its position on the matter.
The ministry confirmed this weekend that Deadvlei is open to self-driving visitors in 4x4 vehicles, following confusion at Sossusvlei after new access regulations were introduced on 1 May.
In a public notice issued by the tourism ministry’s executive director, Sikongo Haihambo, confirmed that access to Deadvlei is limited to Namibia Tourism Board-registered tour guides ferrying clients and self-driving visitors in 4x4 vehicles. Visitors who prefer not to drive may use a designated shuttle service operated by a concessionaire, while buses and trucks are prohibited from entering the area.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, replaces all previous arrangements and will remain in force until further notice.
The clarification follows disruptions reported at Sesriem Gate, where the implementation of the new rules affected entry procedures and vehicle movement within the park. Tour operators cited delays, unclear instructions, and itinerary interruptions, with some tourists forced to alter their travel plans.
The changes, which came into force without broad consensus from the private sector, affect entry procedures through Sesriem Gate and the movement of vehicles within the park.
At the centre of the turmoil are revised rules governing the final stretch to the dunes, where access is restricted to 4x4 vehicles and regulated shuttle services. While authorities maintain that the measures are necessary to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, industry players argue that the rollout has been poorly communicated and inconsistently enforced.
Several tour operators expressed concern that the abrupt implementation undermines visitor confidence and Namibia’s reputation as a seamless, high-quality destination. Others warned that smaller operators, in particular, may struggle to adapt to the new requirements, raising questions about fairness and inclusivity in one of the country’s most lucrative sites.
Officials, however, have pushed back against criticism, insisting the regulations are neither exclusionary nor restrictive, but aimed at managing growing visitor numbers and safeguarding the desert environment. They reiterated that alternative access options, including shuttle services, remain available to all visitors.
However, the ministry said in a statement that the situation is being monitored and that initial communication issues have been addressed, although industry players continue to call for clearer guidance and possible adjustments to ensure smoother operations at one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.
However, in April, the ministry made it clear in a statement that a ban on self-drive access beyond the 2x4 parking area at Sossusvlei, set to take effect on 1 May 2026, has triggered growing concern across Namibia’s tourism sector, with operators warning the move contradicts earlier assurances and long-standing access norms to Deadvlei.
The dispute over new access regulations to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei has intensified, with the tourism ministry pushing back against claims that it has altered the terms of its 2024 concession agreement.
Responding to questions raised by the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA), the ministry confirmed that the contract awarded in February 2024 remains unchanged and non-exclusive.
At that time, spokesperson of the ministry Vilho Hangula stressed that no amendments or conversions were made after the initial award, directly countering concerns raised by industry stakeholders.
He said that the new rules were set to take effect on 1 May 2026.
According to him, these regulations prohibit self-drive access beyond the 2x4 parking area at Sossusvlei, requiring visitors to rely on authorised shuttle services to reach Deadvlei. According to the ministry, only two categories of operators will be permitted to provide these services: Grow Namibia, trading as About Deadvlei Sossusvlei Management, and registered tour guides employed by lodges within and around the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
At that time, the ministry said that despite the restriction on self-drives, the ministry maintains that the concession remains non-exclusive.
Lodges operating in and around the park will still be allowed to transport their own clients using 4x4 vehicles to the Deadvlei parking area, in line with the original agreement.
Hangula further emphasised that the new measures are consistent with the signed contract and will now be fully implemented. The ministry also cited Section 17 of the Nature Conservation Ordinance 4 of 1975, which empowers the minister to determine who may provide services within protected areas.
However, the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA) has strongly challenged the ministry’s position, warning that the new regulations announced this week introduce what amounts to an exclusive shuttle arrangement.
In a formal letter sent to the ministry, TASA has formally escalated the matter to the Ombudsman and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), supported by detailed documentation outlining the inconsistencies, unanswered questions, and procedural concerns raised by our members and the broader tourism industry.
“We have also issued multiple written communications to the ministry, requesting immediate clarification and intervention. TASA
also notes with disappointment that the responses received from MEFT were contradictory, including statements that previous media releases are now considered redundant, and that no platform or further channel for discussion or clarification was made available to the industry.
“We can confirm that both the Ombudsman and the ACC have acknowledged receipt of our submissions.”
