Kuiseb Pass | Walvis Bay

The Kuiseb Pass is a major mountain pass through the rugged Escarpment mountains of the Namib Desert, situated within the Namib-Naukluft Park. It is located approximately 160km east of Walvis Bay on the C14 highway.

Visual Characteristics

The pass is defined by deep, jagged canyons and steep, grey-brown rock faces composed of mica schist. The road winds through a series of sharp hairpin bends and dramatic elevation changes, overlooking the dry, sandy bed of the Kuiseb River far below. Vegetation is extremely sparse, consisting mostly of hardy desert shrubs and occasional shepherd's trees clinging to the rock walls.

Location & Access Logistics

The pass is part of the C14 primary gravel road connecting Walvis Bay to Solitaire and Sossusvlei. It is accessible via any vehicle, though the gravel surface can be corrugated and requires cautious driving. There is no public transport. Two primary viewpoints with gravel pull-offs are located at the highest points of the pass to allow for vehicle parking.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The canyon was carved over millions of years by the ephemeral Kuiseb River as it cut through the Namibian Escarpment. Historically, the pass gained international fame as the hiding place of German geologists Henno Martin and Hermann Korn, who lived in the canyon for two years during World War II to avoid internment. The riverbed serves as a crucial linear oasis, supporting wildlife migration through the desert.

Key Highlights & Activities

Landscape photography is the primary activity, specifically at the designated viewpoints overlooking the "Badlands" topography. The pass is a popular route for self-drive tourists and overlanders moving between the coast and the dunes of the south. Observing the geological folding and schist formations is a key interest for enthusiasts.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no formal amenities within the pass itself. No restrooms, shops, or food vendors exist for over 100km in either direction. A small, shaded stone shelter at the main viewpoint provides the only relief from the sun. Cellular signal is non-existent throughout the canyon and the surrounding mountainous terrain.

Best Time to Visit

The pass is accessible year-round, but the winter months (May to September) provide the clearest visibility and most comfortable temperatures. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography, as the low sun creates high-contrast shadows within the deep ravines of the canyon.

Facts & Legends

A small stone cairn and plaque commemorate Henno Martin and Hermann Korn, whose survival story is detailed in the book The Sheltering Desert. The Kuiseb River, which flows through the base of the pass, marks a stark ecological boundary: to the south lie the massive red sand dunes of the Namib, while to the north lie the flat, grey gravel plains.

Nearby Landmarks

Gaub Pass – 45km Southeast

Henno Martin's Shelter – 5km East (off-road access)

Solitaire – 110km Southeast

Walvis Bay – 160km West