The Namibian authorities have expressed shock and condemnation after a group of tourists allegedly posed naked on the popular Big Daddy dune in the Namib desert. The incident, which was captured on camera, went viral on social media, leading to widespread outrage among tourism officials and the public. According to reports, the men stripped off for pictures and videos during a dune safari after climbing the over 1,000-foot-tall sandbank, leaving their clothes behind. The Big Daddy dune at Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park is one of the three largest dunes in the park and a top tourist attraction for Namibia. The vice-chairperson of the Federation of Namibian Tourism Association, Kenneth Nependa, strongly condemned the incident, stating that it reflected a disturbing trend among some tourists to disregard local laws and indulge in inappropriate behavior. He expressed concerns about similar incidents, such as graffiti on Bushman rock art in Spitzkoppe and tourists hanging on trees in Deadvlei, and urged the government to take action to address this issue. Disturbed visitors who witnessed the incident reported it to the authorities, leading to an investigation by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Romeo Muyunda, a spokesperson for the ministry, confirmed that nudity in public was a punishable offense under Namibian law and that the ministry was considering blacklisting the individuals from entering any of Namibia’s national parks in the future. The incident has sparked a public outcry, with many Namibians expressing their disappointment and anger at the tourists’ lack of respect for their country’s cultural values and laws. Tourism officials have emphasized the need for responsible travel and urged visitors to adhere to local regulations and customs while enjoying the beauty of Namibia.
Tourists Face Backlash for Nude Photo Shoot on Namibian Dune
