‘Richard,’ said my editor over the phone, ‘you are going to Namibia for two weeks. It’s all in the email I’m sending now.’
It wasn’t long before I was in front of my computer, reading something like this: ‘Van Zyl’s Pass is the ultimate off-road test of man and machine! What if we were to add a third element − a range of Conqueror offroad trailers and caravans − and push the envelope even further?’
The email was from Vivian Torlage, the owner of Conqueror North Gate (Roodepoort) who was organising this with Jannie Rykaart of Protea 4×4 Adventures in Gauteng. I was stunned, gob-smacked, excited. Here’s the story: The guys at Conqueror plan a yearly 4×4 safari to a mind-blowing destination somewhere in Southern Africa, and this year it was going to be Namibia. We’d go up to Epupa Falls and on the Kunene, before attempting the notorious Van Zyl’s Pass. And the plan was to do it all while towing trailers.
This is where Jannie came into the picture. His company, Protea 4×4, runs a four-wheel-drive driver-training school and offers guided off-road tours all over southern Africa. He is also a Mitsubishi brand ambassador. So, Jannie organised the seven LWB Pajeros, and Vivian arranged the seven off-road caravans.
I couldn’t wait. I have long dreamt of visiting Kaokoland, seeing Epupa Falls on the Kunene River, and meeting (and photographing) the OvaHimba people.
Van Zyl’s Pass Images
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