Ngurare rejects Sossusvlei access limits

Prime minister Elijah Ngurare has insisted that access to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei remain unrestricted amid confusion and disputes over new entry regulations and concession arrangements.

Since the beginning of this year tour operators and the public have been accusing the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of allowing monopolisation, saying the initial non-exclusive concession terms agreed upon with the government seemingly became exclusive during implementation, creating a monopoly for the concessionaire.

Over the weekend, a new directive was issued stating that the final 4.5 km stretch of dunes leading to the Deadvlei area at Sossusvlei will be strictly regulated, with self-driving in this section no longer permitted.

This caused confusion and disruptions at Sesriem Gate, where the implementation of the new rules reportedly affected entry procedures and vehicle movement within the park.

“Sossuvlei must be open firstly for all Namibians and secondly by international visitors and tourists. Access to these areas must be unrestricted,” Ngurare says.

The directive, issued in a public notice by executive director Sikongo Haihambo, says the ministry confirmed that access to Deadvlei is limited to Namibia Tourism Board-registered tour guides transporting clients and self-driving visitors in 4×4 vehicles.

The directive also states that 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 measures are necessary to manage growing visitor numbers and safeguard the sensitive environment of the Namib-Naukluft National Park,” the public notice reads.

Tour operator David Erb says the directive caused delays due to instructions being unclear.

He says he believes that insufficient communication led to operational challenges during the rollout of the directive.

He warns that Sossusvlei and the Deadvlei areas are of particular interest to locals and international tourists, and that the alleged inconsistencies in directives could impact Namibia’s reputation as a tourism destination.

“That public notice stated clearly that as from 1 May, self-driving tourists must stop at the 2×4 parking area and that only authorised shuttle services or registered lodge/tour operators with 4×4 vehicles may transport tourists in that area.

“And this is what we have been saying all along that the ministry granted the concessionaire exclusive rights and are constantly seeking ways to make it up to the concessionaire because there is push back from operators and the public,” Erb says.

Meanwhile, the ministry has issued clarification on the public notice saying Deadvlei is open to self-driving visitors in 4×4 vehicles.

“The situation is being monitored and that initial communication issues have been addressed,” the ministry’s statement says.

The ministry granted the 20-year concession to About Africa Co through Adelt Sossusvlei Concession Management.

The new agreement involves a guided 4×4 excursion service and aims to channel over N$100 million into local community development funds.

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