NWR ceases shuttle services from 2x4 area at Sossusvlei
Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) announced that today there will be a significant change in its shuttle service operations in the Sossusvlei area.NWR's spokesperson, Nelson Ashipala, said NWR will cease shuttle services from the 2x4 area in Sossusvlei and will now exclusively run its shuttle services from the Sesriem campsite.
He said customers who have already booked shuttle vouchers/tickets to Deadvlei will now be transported from the Sesriem campsite.
Similarly, interested customers are requested to buy their shuttle tickets at the Sesriem campsite which will also depart from there.
"We encourage all guests to make the necessary arrangements and plan their visits accordingly. Our team remains committed to providing the best service possible and will be available to assist with any queries or concerns regarding these changes,” Ashipala said.
This move comes after the tourism industry expressed its displeasure when a private company that was given a contract for 25 years to transport tourists to Sossusvlei erected a boom without any prior notice. This gate blocked the 2x4 parking lot at Sossusvlei and tour operators were allegedly turned away from the park's entrance.
The contract was awarded to About Africa earlier this year after NWR failed to submit tender documents on time. The concession also gives About Africa the right to operate a campsite, offer guided walking tours and to develop and operate a kiosk area.
The Ministry of the Environment, Forestry and Tourism said in a statement at the time that no other tour operator, apart from the concessionaire [About Africa Co] may pick up tourists at the 2x4 parking lot at Sossusvlei and drive into the vlei.
According to the statement, the contract was awarded to About Africa and this company is currently the sole concessionaire.
The ministry reassured stakeholders and the public that the concession does not prohibit other tour operators from accessing Sossusvlei for business.
The ministry said that this concession would instead create business for Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) registered tour operators by restricting illegal tour operators and vehicles such as buses, trucks and 2x4 vehicles.