Day 4 Opuwo to Epupa Falls
Today we will make our way to the Kunene River (the border between Angola and Namibia).
Our first official stop will be Swartbooisdrift - at the Dorsland trekker monument on the hill, overlooking the mighty Kunene.
We leave camp and make our way down to the C43, where we turn left and head north for about 77km before we turn right on the D3702. Mount Otjivize - One of a few Holy Himba mountains on this tour, will be on your left as you turn onto the D3702.
After 130 km (total distance) you will find the monument on your left, just before the junction.
The road you covered so far this morning are sometimes very busy, as it is the trade route between Opuwo and the Ruacana border.
Be very careful not to overtake when there is dust, and your visibility is not perfect.
We will have lunch a little further down the river in a shady spot.
The Kunene should be in full force - Believe me that it is a sight to behold.
It is important to stick to the track in this next section as the road winds further and closer to the river constantly. You will enjoy fantastic views of the Kunene and Angola as we cover the last 93 km towards Epupa Falls.
Please note that the humidity will come into play today, and it will hurt you if you have not taken your re-hydrates.
The afternoon is yours to explore the falls.
Koos Verwey, the famous recce is the camp manager and is very strict about bike noise. Please be respectful if you arrive.
The camp does have a fantastic pool and a very nice bar, overlooking the Kunene.
Day 05 Epupa Falls to Van Zyl’s Camp
Waking up with the waterfall as background music is something else. Today’s track is only 140 odd km long, yet it will take us most of the day to get to camp.
The first 71 km takes nothing more than an hour, and we will all meet in the riverbed, under the Anna trees, left of the cement bridge that just before Okangwati.
From here I will lead us through the metropolis into the spoor track that will take us into the escarpment.
I have to be honest here - On this day and on this rather technical track some of you will question your initial motivation for joining this trip. Yes, it does become very difficult in places and some of you will take a tumble or two.
My advice is not to rush it.
Re-hydrate frequently, stop and rest every 30 minutes, don’t stress, and make the most of it. Today you are riding in a place thousands of adventure riders have on their bucket lists.
You will encounter sand, more sand and a lot of off camber sections. You will be introduced to Heartbreak Hill and true to her name, she will do her best to break your heart as well as your courage.
Before you meet her you will see countless Himba kraal and Himba cattle along the route. Just before we get to Heartbreak Hill the road splits. It is not easy to see the split so be aware (around the 132km mark). Please wait for the group to catch up (back up Cruiser too). We will have lunch here before we set off to challenge the Lady.
Once we are through the “Hill” we will make our way through the rock decent towards Otjihende (a small village just before we get to camp). Please stay on the track or you will get lost.
We will meet at the campsite after your toughest day so far.
Day 06 - Van Zyl’s Camp to Marble Camp via Van Zyl’s Pass
We will leave camp after a good breakfast. I suggest that one or two of the more experienced riders ride in the back with me as we will have to help the less experienced riders through the first three obstacles. It starts 2,3 km after we leave camp.
This day is less than 70km long but as I mentioned before - Relax, take it easy, and rest enough, or else it will eat you alive.
On the 7,6km mark we need to offer assistance again.
On the 10km mark we will gather at the viewpoint.
It should be breath-taking with the recent rains.
From the viewpoint we will continue down a very steep rocky track to the famous Van Zyl’s Pass Step. I would suggest we all stop just before the Step to look at the conditions, discuss strategy and help each other down.
It is seriously steep and undulating and the riders with short legs will definitely need a helping hand.
Once through the step we will make our way down the pass.
It drops 650 meters in 1,5 km over seriously rocky terrain.
We will meet at the rock monument at the bottom of the pass for refreshments.
Everyone is welcome to keep with tradition and write your name in a loose rock, before placing it on the monument, to confirm your status as a VZP survivor.
From here we hit the Marienfluss.
Keep left at the split on the 15,7 km mark and keep momentum as this 15km sand monster has a habit of toying with your mind.
We gather at the 29,1 km mark next to the landmine blown truck to make sure everyone is fine before we set out for Rooidrom.
You will find this famous landmark at the 38,6km mark and will appreciate the 4 shade trees.
We will take a 30 minute rest/snack break here.
No one will believe you were here without a pic of you next to Rooidrom.
After we left Rooidrom, we make our way to Rooidrom pass on the 53,7 km mark.
The secret here is to keep momentum and not to stop on this never ending slippery rock climb.
Don’t try and steer around every rock. Allow your front suspension to do its work and enjoy the experience.
Once everyone assembled at the foot of the pass we will start the climb one at a time.
You guys will find Marble camp on the 63 km mark.
I guarantee you will never forget this day.
Day 7 - Marble Camp to Puros.
Today we will ride to one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. In actual fact - it is my favourite place in Namibia.
We leave from camp early and head south towards Otjiha Plains. We will enter it after about 5km. There is always a massive amount of Springbuck in the plains, although we have seen Gemsbok and Ostrich there often.
7km later (stay on the track and please do not ride in the plains) we turn right towards the Khumib river. From here onwards we will encounter plenty giraffe, zebra, springbok and gemsbok.
At thé 23km mark we will enter the Khumib at the point where the truck splits away from us.
The Khumib allows you to ride either in the riverbed, or have the option to ride left of the riverbed on the two spoor road.
We will meet at the little koppie left of the river on the 45 km mark for coffee. Ride past the koppie, and enter it from the south.
After coffee we will ride the next 20km to the spot where we turn left for the Puros Conservancy.
At the 66km mark we split
left in the conservancy area. Get ready for some serious rocky riding soothed by the most amazing vistas.
Imagine riding rocky hills and every time you hit the hill crest, you see the green palm tree riverbed of Puros in the distance, just to lose sight of it again as you decent down the hill.
We will all meet up on the 83km mark just before we enter the Hoarusib River. The danger is real here as this riverbed is a restaurant for the elephants. I will take the lead here and ride a 100 meters in front of the group. I will ask Brian or Elio to carry a two way radio so that I can warn the group if I encounter the desert giants. This is a stunning ride and your sand skills will be tested.
The route weaves in and out of the river but the views stays exceptional.
There are several viewpoints along this riverbed and I will wait for you guys on a few of them to catch up. We will rest frequently as the sand will take its toll on your arms in this riverbed.
This is a dangerous area and you should watch the guy with the radio.
We will climb out of the Hoarusib across the river where I again will wait for the group. You will see me as you come around the corner. I suggest you stay on the throttle as the sand is deep here.
From this point we will ride the last few km at a relative fast speed to cool off before we get to camp.
Another day you will never forget
