Debate over free access to Sossusvlei

Great outrage in Namibia’s travel industry. Two weeks ago, it was announced that access to Sossusvlei would be closed to self-drivers with 4×4 vehicles starting December 15. Reason: protection of the World Heritage Site. After a heated debate, the Tourism Ministry has now clarified the situation…

Namibia vacationers travelling in four-wheel-drive vehicles will still be allowed to drive the off-road route to Sossusvlei on their own. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) clarified this in a press release on December 13.

This contradicts an announcement by the company About Africa Co. from 2 December that it would further restrict access. About Africa had received a concession in January 2024 for shuttle services from the parking lot (at the end of the tar road) to Sossusvlei (see news story “Sossusvlei shuttle becomes a 4×4 excursion”).

“The concession does not restrict self-drive visitors […] from accessing Sossusvlei at no cost,” MEFT emphasised. Tour operators and lodges in the area are also still permitted to drive their guests to Sossusvlei themselves, provided they are registered with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB).

For unregistered operators, access has been prohibited since September 2024. The same applies to two-wheel-drive vehicles and vehicles that damage the environment, such as buses and trucks.

Route to Sossusvlei: Sections of deep sand

Self-drivers will continue to have free access to Sossusvlei, the clay pan (in the foreground) in the middle of the Dune Namib. Photo: MoonGateClimber, Wikipedia

The off-road route from the parking area (at the end of the tar road) to Sossusvlei and the neighboring Dead Vlei is approximately 5 km long. It largely follows the bed of the Tsauchab Rivier (dry river). In some sections, drivers must traverse deep sand. Even four-wheel-drive vehicles occasionally get stuck when the driver is inexperienced.

The concession holder, About Africa, complains about environmental damage in the nature reserve. Self-drivers would be gradually widening the off-road route by detouring around difficult sections. Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei are located in the Dune Namib, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

About Africa also announced that it will be increasing the rates for its tours from the parking area to Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei. From 1 January 2026, the tours will cost 260 Namibian dollars. Previously, the price was 200 Namibian dollars. Children pay half price. The tours also include a guided hike up one of the dunes.

About Africa’s concession runs for 25 years. It stipulates that the operation must also benefit the communities of the !Karkhoen-Nama and Maltahöhe. About Africa had promised these communities more than 100 million Namibian dollars from revenue sharing.

Tip: Sossusvlei on a Round Trip Around the NAUKLUFT

Visitors are increasingly complaining about the hustle and bustle on the access road and at Sossusvlei. Long lines of cars form at the Sesriem park entrance in the mornings, which opens at sunrise. At Sossusvlei itself, there’s often a race for picnic spots.

BüllsPort therefore recommends that its guests visit Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei in the afternoon (see also “More Experiences”). This can be done as part of a relaxed day trip on a round trip around the NAUkLuFT.

You start relaxed after breakfast via the D854. In the late morning, you can explore the shady Sesriem Canyon. For lunch (ask BüllsPort for a lunch pack to go; see “Rates & Booking”), find a nice spot along the way from Sesriem to Sossusvlei.

BüllsPort’s tip: Just before the ford of the tar road across the Tsauchab Rivier (dry river), there’s a hill with a view over the wide valley between the dunes. In the afternoon, experience Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei, and the highest dunes in the world – without the crowds. Finally, return to BüllsPort via C19 and C14.