Feasibility of following the Hartmann Kunene to reach Epupa Falls

Hi, I'm planning to reach Epupa Falls from Purros via Orupembe D3707 or another route (?) and the Hartmann Valley. Is it possible to get to Epupa from Etambura camp with just one 4x4? Thanks in advance

Hi Dominique, I’m having trouble picturing what you’re planning, especially what Hartmann Valley has to do with it. Could you give more details?

Hi there,

I realized this morning: the question is in the title, and the answer is no. Strictly impossible. If you go to Hartmann, you’ll have to head back down to Etambura Camp. Even if it’s technically possible—but very difficult—you shouldn’t take Van Zyl's Pass from west to east. It’s an agreement to avoid damaging the already unstable track by going uphill.

That said, visiting Hartmann and Marienfluss is still worth it when you're so close!

Hello,

Edit: Following the Kunene isn’t possible—there are no tracks between Hartmann and Marienfluss along the river, nor from Marienfluss to Epupa.

However, driving up to Hartmann via the D3707 is doable.

Then, heading from Hartmann to Marienfluss without following the river is possible, but some tracks are private, I believe.

Van Zyl’s Pass "in reverse" with just one car: yes, it’s "possible." We were there in 2021, and tourism hadn’t picked back up yet. But I really don’t recommend it, especially with just one car.

In fact, "everyone" descends Van Zyl’s Pass toward Marienfluss, and we didn’t know that... I’m not sure if it’s to avoid damaging the track or not, but in terms of safety, there are many sections where you can’t pass another vehicle and reversing is sketchy.

I haven’t taken the D3703 since 2012, so I don’t know if it’s in good condition.

What’s your general plan for this region?