A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Grootberg Pass

Grootberg Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.550m (5,085ft) above the sea level, located in the Kunene region of Namibia. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Is Grootberg Pass unpaved?

Tucked away on the northern part of the country, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called C40. It’s rough and difficult to drive, especially during the rainy season. The road conditions are mostly poor, with some parts being very narrow. Located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through.

How long is Grootberg Pass?

Set high in the Etendeka mountain range, the pass is 114 km (70 miles) long running west-east from Palmwag (in northwestern Damaraland) to Kamanjab (the administrative centre of the Kamanjab Constituency).

How to reach Grootberg Lodge?

To the south of the pass, a minor gravel road climbs up to Grootberg Lodge, a resort at 1.629m (5,344ft) above the sea level, up a very steep hill which if you are not driving a 4x4 could be quite challenging. The drive provides an unforgettable experience and memories.

Pic: Hermann Hammerschmidt