Confusion over access to Namibia’s iconic Sossusvlei and Deadvlei has finally been cleared after a swift policy reversal by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT). The Ministry has officially confirmed that Namibian citizens and international visitors in 4×4 vehicles may continue to self-drive to the pans, scrapping a controversial plan to monopolise the route.
The issue has sparked a heated debate in the Namibian Parliament. Former Cabinet Minister and current Member of Parliament, Calle Schlettwein, has welcomed the U-turn but is now calling for a total review of how concessions are managed across all Namibian national parks.
A Victory for Namibian Travellers
The controversy began on 1 May 2026, when the MEFT attempted to enforce a ban on all private 4×4 vehicles beyond the 2×4 car park, intending to force visitors onto a private shuttle service. However, following a massive public outcry and legal pressure, a new official notice was issued on 2 May 2026 (signed by Executive Director Sikongo Haihambo).
This latest directive officially supersedes all previous notices and confirms:
- Self-driving 4×4 visitors are permitted to access Deadvlei.
- Registered Namibian tour guides remain free to ferry their own clients.
- Shuttle services are now an optional convenience for those who prefer not to drive, rather than a mandatory requirement.
Calls for Broader Reform in Parliament
Despite the reversal, Namibian MP Calle Schlettwein argues that the “Sossusvlei incident” highlights a systemic problem. He cautioned that many “exclusive” concessions in Namibian parks place an unfair financial burden on the public while a single operator reaps the profit.
“Please do the same for other areas where Namibians, whether self-drivers or tour operators, are still excluded,” Schlettwein urged the Ministry, calling for fairness across the entire protected landscape.
Namibian Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare also intervened, asserting that these landmarks are national treasures. He stated that Sossusvlei must remain open for “unrestricted use, firstly by all Namibians, and secondly by international visitors.”
While 4×4 access is reinstated, the MEFT maintains a strict ban on buses and heavy trucks beyond the 2×4 car park to protect the fragile desert environment from further damage.
