Opposition from tour operators has led to the postponement of a move to restrict self-drive 4x4 vehicles from accessing the flagship attractions of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei in Namibia.
About Africa Co, the sole operator designated by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism MEFT within the Sossusvlei Concession, issued a notice on December 1 that no self-drive visitors will be permitted beyond the 2x4 parking area from December 15. If the ban were implemented, only Namibia Tourism Board-registered operators and About Africas shuttle service would be permitted to use the 4x4 sand track leading to the attractions.
About Africa CEO Heiko Drgeloh said the ban has subsequently been postponed following feedback from operators who requested more lead time.
