- NWR condemns the behaviour of a group of tourists in Sossusvlei.
- Calls for responsible tourism from all visitors in our country.
Windhoek, 18 February 2022– The Namibia Wildlife Resorts on the 17th of February 2022, took notice of images circulating on social media, of tourists posing on top of the “dead trees” in the Deadvlei, a tourist destination within the Sossusvlei.
The dead camelthorn trees, also known as the Vachellia Erioloba, found in the Deadvlei are known to be over 900 years old and were formed by a change in climate after the dunes encroached the pan, preventing water from reaching the area where the trees are found. Decomposition of this nature’s wonder was however not possible because of its dry climate.
Seeing tourists climb these rather symbolic trees is not only despicable, but it goes against the notion of Responsible Tourism. It is required that operators, hoteliers, government, locals and tourists take responsibility and take action to make tourism more sustainable.
With this said, NWR would like to, in its strongest terms condemn the irresponsible behaviour of this group of tourists that decided that not only is it enough to pose near these trees but rather a good idea to climb on them and take pictures.
Namibia’s beauty is characterised by its well maintained and respected tourism sites. Seeing individuals destroy it through unbecoming behaviours spells what we as Namibians stand against as a tourist destination.
We urge all visitors to our tourism sites to please respect all park rules and not to take action that will end up wiping away our beautiful artefacts.
