When purchasing our current SD Card version 23.10 T4A GPS maps from our ONLINE SHOP ONLY, you will automatically receive SD Card version 24.05 in Mid May 2024 as your free upgrade as well as version 24.10 in October 2024. This offer is only valid for online SD Card purchases from our online shop, from the 15th April 2024 until our new version 24.05 is released in Mid May 2024. Contact our Sales team at [email protected] if you need more information.
Please note that this special offer does NOT apply to our GPS Maps Download Links (ie. these are yearly subscriptions on our shop), APP or purchases made from Retailers.
Located in
Namibia :: Kaokoland
:: Okangwati Area
Category:
Activity :: 4WD-Trail
4WD drive pass into the Marienfluss in Kaokoland, Northern Namibia. Should be tackled east to West.
The toughest pass in Namibia was built by Ben van Zyl who used to be Commissioner for Kaokoland. He used game trails to mark the route down to the bottom and started building the pass in 1965. It took 20 labourers about 4 months to complete and was built by hand using spades, crowbars and picks.
Address : | Okangwati Area, Kaokoland, Namibia |
---|
SAFETY TIPS:
In whichever vehicle you do this pass, from a 4X4, Toyota Hilux bakkie, or a 'Man Truck', driver ability and experience is the main factor here, you can never be sure what you may encounter along the way.
Take into consideration that conditions of the pass change as well. Some sections may be narrow. There are many rocks.
If the area has received good rains there could be numerous small erosion furrows. But then there will also be good grazing for the Himbas cattle - they may chase their cattle up it every morning to graze and down every night for water. The cattle churn up the track which can cause vehicles to loose traction on some of the smaller uphills, and some major slides on the downhills.
On a motorbike it can take about 30mins to an hour to cross.
A trip down Van Zyl's Pass usually starts off in the early morning from Ruacana, Opuwo, Epupa Falls or from lodgings somewhere along the Kunene River. You should plan to stay over at the Van Zyl's Pass Community camp. The road from Etengwa to Otjitanda is as bad as the road down van Zyl's Pass. So, when you reach Otjitanda you will know if you are sufficiently comfortable with your driving or riding skills, and can continue to Van Zyl's Pass. If not, take the road south from Otjitanda leading to Orupembe.
You have to be aware of desert elephants, especially in the dry riverbeds.
Walk this track first before attempting it! Fill holes with rocks and follow the best track. Also, do not drive Van Zyl's Pass from west to east, i.e. from bottom to top as it is too dangerous. Only descend the pass from east to west.
“Common sense must prevail - walk the track before you go down (or up). Fill holes with rocks and don't always follow previous tracks - they may not necessarily be the best. ” - Marius Verster, 2014/09/09