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Old 29 Mar 2004
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Namibia - Van Zyl's Pass
Hi there,

can anybody give me some info on the Van Zyls Pass in NW Namibia? Especially for motorbikes.

Seems to be quite tough and only to be managed from east to west. So I would also appreciate tips about how best to return to civilisation, best to Opuwo.

Thanx
Hans
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Old 29 Mar 2004
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We didn't find Van Zyls Pass to be that bad actually. Yes, it is rocky and bumpy along the way, and a bit steep at the pass itself, but we were expecting a lot worse. We did it in our Land Rover, but I don't think it would be too difficult on a bike, depending on where you've been before. It is slow going though. After you get down the pass you will enter Marienfluss, a vast plain between 2 mountain ranges. from here on the driving is relativly easy. After a few kilometers you'll come to a crossroad where you can turn south/left. This will take you to "Red Drum". An old oil barrel at the next crossroad. Turn south/left and continue till you get to a new crossroad. If you continue straight/right(southwest), you'll head towards Purros. If you turn left (southeast) you'll be going in the direction of Opuwo. We continued to Purros, but I can tell you that the track on towards Opuwo is decent enough at least for the first 20 kilometers. I know this because we were going the wrong way for a while before we came to our sences and turned around...

The Kaokoveld and Damaraland are without doubt our favorite areas in Namibia. We spendt about 2 weeks there before we went down to Swakopmund for a bit of Eisbien!

Erik D.

www.dunia.no
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Old 29 Mar 2004
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The main problem with the pass is the fuel range. There is no fuel north of Opuwo or west of Ruacana. I didn’t find Opuwo interesting but the area north of Opuwo is nice and Epuppa Falls are magnificent.

Northern Namibia is a highlight, have fun!!
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Old 29 Mar 2004
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Hi there,

thanx for the info. That sounds more to my liking. I was a bit uneasy, because in a Namibia forum the pass was generally rated as very tough - these forum members seem to be all 4WDs though.

My fuel capacity should be sufficient. Under worst conditions I should have a minimum range of 500 k's. The highest consumption up to now ended up with a range of well over 600 k's.

I'll probably take the track to Opuwe to refuel again.

All of the best,
Hans
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