bACK TO 4x4 Routes    

This is a 2-day 4x4 route that takes you through the Messum Crater, along the western side of the Brandberg and down the Ugab Valley into the Ugab River.

The lunar landscape of the Ugab Valley is breathtaking. Its made up of mica schist ridges that are compressed and folded and look like they are lying on its sides.

This is rock desert, typical of Damaraland, and the rock formations are most unusual.

Make sure that your tyre pressure is not too hard and that you take enough spare tyres with you.

It is fairly common to encounter desert elephant in the Ugab River as they move along the riverbeds where they find their food and water.

Desert elephant are known to be much more aggressive than elephants in the Etosha National park and should be approached carefully.  Drive slowly, keep your car idling and never block their pathway.  Please do not leave your vehicle and approach them to take photos, its extremely dangerous. Elephants will show their irritation by flapping their ears - drive your vehicle away from it calmly to open up its pathway.  Always treat them with respect!