|
29 Mar 2004
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
|
|
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
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
|
29 Mar 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 142
|
|
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
|
29 Mar 2004
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
|
|
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!!
|
29 Mar 2004
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
|
|
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
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|