Van Zyl's Pass
Namibia's most famous extreme 4x4 pass, dropping steeply from the Otjitanda Plateau to Marienfluss Valley and open only one way, downhill.
Van Zyl's Pass is named after Ben van Zyl, a local official who oversaw road construction in the 1960s. It is a rugged gravel track descending from the Otjitanda Plateau to Marienfluss Valley, known for steep slopes, loose boulders and sharp bends, and it is regarded as one of the most challenging 4x4 routes in southern Africa. The pass is only about a dozen kilometres long but often takes half a day, and some sections require getting out to scout the route and place stones. By convention, it is driven only from east to west; going uphill in reverse is not allowed. You need a high-clearance vehicle with low-range four-wheel drive. Travel in a convoy of at least two vehicles, or with an experienced local guide convoy, and spend the night at the camp on the east side of the pass, setting off early in the morning. Once you reach the valley floor the scenery opens up dramatically, with a panoramic view over Marienfluss Valley.
Opening hours
Passable during the day in dry season
Nearby sights
- Marienfluss Valley
- Epupa Falls
- Opuwo Country Lodge Viewpoint
- Opuwo
- Kunene River at Swartbooisdrif
- Himba Villages
- Opuwo Market & Himba Crafts
- Ruacana Falls