The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has awarded the tender for the management and development of Dune 7 to Sandwich Dune Tours and Safari.
According to the ministry, the development will result in the creation of 45 jobs and the introduction of additional adventure activities.
“Sandwich Dunes Tours and Safari is expected to assume management of Dune 7 in the near future. The company is projected to employ at least 45 workers as part of its operations,” stated Romeo Muyunda, Chief Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism.
“To enhance the visitor experience further, the company will offer various adventure activities at the site, including paragliding, dune climbing, stargazing, as well as tours to Walvis Bay. Additionally, the tourism company will develop a restaurant that will be open daily and can host special events such as weddings or corporate functions.”
Muyunda added that the restaurant will feature a swimming pool and a bar, and visitors will also have the convenience of staying overnight at the location as ten luxury chalets will be constructed.
“While entrance to the restaurant will be free, the company will charge different fees to visitors for other Dune 7 activities, which will be communicated once the company begins operations. Furthermore, the MEFT has granted the company the optional right to erect and operate a tethered hot air balloon,” he explained.
The Ministry awarded Dune 7 as a concession in response to criticism and public outcry regarding the state of the recreational site, which had been plagued by littering and vandalized ablution and water infrastructure. The Ministry has since renovated the area and added more toilets for the convenience of visitors.
Last year, the ministry introduced park fees starting in December. Namibians under the age of 16 can enter for free, while visitors from SADC countries between the ages of 8 and 16 will be charged N$50. International visitors aged 8 to 16 will pay N$100.
Namibian adults will be charged N$50, SADC adults N$100, and international adult visitors N$150. For many years, the internationally acclaimed sand dune had free access.
“As a long-term solution, the Ministry advertised a tender for interested individuals and companies to manage the area on behalf of the Ministry. The tender process, initiated on November 16, 2022, and closed on January 27, 2023, attracted interest from 18 companies. Sandwich Dunes Tours and Safari emerged as the successful bidder due to the strength of their proposal,” Muyunda said.
