Namibia: Proposed restrictions on self-drive access to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei postponed!

last update 06 February 2026

As of early February 2026, here is the current status of access to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei:

• The "Ban" is still On Hold
  While a private concessionaire (About Africa Co.) announced they would take over exclusive shuttle rights and ban private 4x4s starting 15 December 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) stepped in to clarify.
• Status: Self-driving remains permitted for now.
• The Rule: You can still drive your own 4x4 vehicle from the 2x4 parking lot to the Deadvlei/Sossusvlei parking areas at no extra cost (other than your standard park entry fee).
• Who Is Restricted?
  The Ministry has tightened the screws on specific types of traffic to protect the dunes:
• Unsuitable Vehicles: 2x4 vehicles, buses, and heavy trucks are strictly prohibited from attempting the 4x4 sand track.
• Unregistered Operators: Only tour operators registered with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) or lodges located inside the park are allowed to ferry guests.
• Changes to the Shuttle Service
  If you choose not to drive the sand yourself, the shuttle system has changed:
• Operator: About Africa Co. is now the official concession holder for the shuttle (taking over from Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR)).
• Pickup Point: Most shuttles now depart from the Sesriem Campsite area or the 2x4 parking lot.
• Cost: As of early 2026, the return shuttle fee is approximately N$260 per adult and N$130 for children (under 12).

last update 22 January 2026

As of late January 2026, the status of self-drive access to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei is as follows: 
Self-drive 4x4 access to the final 5km stretch remains permitted until further notice. 

• Postponement: The ban originally scheduled for 15 December 2025, was officially postponed following significant backlash from the tourism industry and clarification from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT).
• Official Stance: MEFT confirmed that the current shuttle concession with About Africa Co. does not restrict access for self-drive visitors, registered tour operators, or lodges. 

Restrictions in place
While 4x4 self-drivers are still allowed, the following restrictions are strictly enforced to protect the UNESCO-listed Namib Sand Sea: 

• Prohibited Vehicles: Unsuitable 2x4 vehicles, buses, and trucks are banned from the 4x4 sand track.
• Unregistered Operators: Only tour operators and lodges registered with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) are permitted to drive their own vehicles in this zone.
• 2x4 Parking: Visitors with 2x4 vehicles must still park at the designated 2x4 lot and either walk or use the official shuttle service. 

2026 Price updates & logistics

• Shuttle Pricing: Effective 01 January 2026, the return shuttle fare has increased to N$260 per adult and N$130 for children under 12.
• Payment & Booking: Card payment facilities are available at the 2x4 parking lot gate, and an online booking platform for shuttle tickets and park permits is currently in development.
• New Facilities: A "refreshment lounge" has been established at the 2x4 parking area to improve the visitor experience. 

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Plans to restrict self-drive 4x4 vehicles from accessing Namibia’s iconic Sossusvlei and Deadvlei have been postponed following strong opposition from tour operators and industry stakeholders.

According to reports from Namibia, concerns raised by the tourism sector prompted further engagement with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), resulting in a delay to the proposed access changes at two of the country’s flagship desert attractions.

Heiko Dörgeloh, CEO of About Africa, confirmed that the current self-drive arrangements will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Speaking after recent stakeholder consultations, Dörgeloh said the implementation of the proposed restrictions has been deferred while authorities review feedback from the industry.

“Following recent stakeholder input and engagement with MEFT, the implementation date has been postponed and self-drive access will remain unchanged until further notice, pending the release of an updated implementation schedule,” he said.

The revised implementation schedule is expected to be finalised and communicated in early 2026. Until then, travellers planning a self-drive visit to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei can continue to access the sites under the existing regulations.

The announcement provides welcome clarity for independent travellers and tour operators alike, particularly as self-drive 4x4 travel remains a key part of Namibia’s tourism offering and a popular way to explore the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

 

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