Off-road drivers may no longer enter the area in the dunes south of Swakopmund via the Swakop River. As from March, off-road vehicles may access the specially designated off-road area in the centre of the dune belt between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay only through the demarcated corridors opposite Langstrand, Dolfynstrand and Dune 7.
Until this measure was put into place, off-road drivers had been driving into areas especially demarcated to protect the rich biodiversity and endangered species of the area. As a result, the dune belt through the corridor on the old road next to the Swakop River Bridge has been closed to off-road vehicles, except for those with a concession agreement.
Vehicles are allowed only in the Swakop River course east of the Rössmund Golf Club, except for quad-bikes and motorcycles, which are strictly prohibited there. Horse-riding, bicycling, walking and jogging are allowed in the Swakop River and adjacent areas unless specifically stated otherwise in demarcated and signposted exclusion areas.
Off-road drivers and members of the public are urged to obtain the pamphlet released by the Namibian Coast Con-servation and Management (NACOMA) project to familiarise themselves with the rules before they head out to have fun. It is important to obtain the required permit and to abide by all Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) rules and regulations.
Pamphlets, permits and maps of off-road vehicle areas can be obtained at the MET offices in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Desert Explorers in Swakopmund, Dare Devil Adventures at Langstrand, and Dune 7 Adventures at Dune 7.
