Life is simple, almost uncomfortable; therefore the traveller has to prepare properly for a harsh but nevertheless beautiful and rewarding experience. You definitely need a 4WD to tour Kaokoland and you would be wise not to take a trailer. A satellite phone is a must when you travel Kaokoland on your own. The roads are dusty sand or gravel roads, often no more than simple tracks, which can easily become flooded depending on the season or a nearby rainstorm. Otjitheka Trail is a popular eco-trail and 4x4 enthusiasts and a few brave motorcyclists find Van Zyl’s Pass a challenge they cannot resist. Van Zyl’s Pass can only be travelled from east to west (downhill) although the brave and crazy do it the other way as well. The road is very bad and you can only traverse it with a 4WD or an off-road type motorbike which is not bigger than 650cc. You need outstanding riding skills The Himbas stay in simple round huts. (Johann Groenewald)
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on rock and sand to be able to ride Van Zyl’s Pass. A trip down Van Zyl’s Pass usually starts off early morning from Ruacana, Opuwo, Epupa Falls or lodging somewhere along the Kunene River. 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 and you are still comfortable with your driving or riding skills, you can continue to Van Zyl’s Pass. If not, take the road south from Otjitanda leading to Orupembe.
Like in Damaraland, you have to be aware of desert elephant, especially in the dry riverbeds. Chances are good that you might also encounter rhino, lion and leopard. Kaokoland is mainly communal land that is divided into Conservancies. The Conservancies are managed by the local communities, who own the land rights