Warming up nicely
MON 19TH MARCH DAY 158 AI AIS CAMP S27 55.025 E17 25.336
Breakfast in South Africa Lunch in Namibia where for dinner? Easy border crossing into Namibia stamp stamp and all is done. A bit of a worry when the customs lady in South Africa asked if we had any meat or commercial goods on board. I hesitated and asked what was commercial. “things to sell on in Nmibia” No I said and she forgot about the meat. Didn’t know it was a problem moving meat from S. Africa to Namibia.
Just after the border we turned left towards Ai Ais hot springs resort, passing some vineyards, yes vineyards in Namibia.
Stunning scenery as we finally descend into the canyon and a very hot campsite. 48 degrees in the shade that’s a tad warm. Nice bar restaurant and thermal pools in camp. Another braii tonight, but meantime the awning is out and we suffer in the shade.
Breakfast in South Africa Lunch in Namibia where for dinner? Easy border crossing into Namibia stamp stamp and all is done. A bit of a worry when the customs lady in South Africa asked if we had any meat or commercial goods on board. I hesitated and asked what was commercial. “things to sell on in Nmibia” No I said and she forgot about the meat. Didn’t know it was a problem moving meat from S. Africa to Namibia.
Just after the border we turned left towards Ai Ais hot springs resort, passing some vineyards, yes vineyards in Namibia.
Stunning scenery as we finally descend into the canyon and a very hot campsite. 48 degrees in the shade that’s a tad warm. Nice bar restaurant and thermal pools in camp. Another braii tonight, but meantime the awning is out and we suffer in the shade.
Quiver tree
TUE 20TH AMRCH DAY 159 HOBAS CAMP FISH RIVER CANYON
S27 36.658 E17 43.640
67 Miles
Very hot last night only cooled down a little in the early hours.
Juile was up early again taking pictures and preparing breakfast for me. Not much food left now as we are running it down as we are in our last week. Plenty of tea bags though.
Packed up and drove to Fish River Canyon the second largest in the world at 1000m deep. Fantastic views after a drive down some not so good gravel roads to the viewpoints. Nothing much growing around here apart from the occasional quiver tree. Back at camp early for a lazy day, we met Celine and Barry from the USA on a holiday around Namibia. Celine said her parents were thinking of doing a trip like ours, shame we hadn’t met them earlier, we have the perfect vehicle for them.
S27 36.658 E17 43.640
67 Miles
Very hot last night only cooled down a little in the early hours.
Juile was up early again taking pictures and preparing breakfast for me. Not much food left now as we are running it down as we are in our last week. Plenty of tea bags though.
Packed up and drove to Fish River Canyon the second largest in the world at 1000m deep. Fantastic views after a drive down some not so good gravel roads to the viewpoints. Nothing much growing around here apart from the occasional quiver tree. Back at camp early for a lazy day, we met Celine and Barry from the USA on a holiday around Namibia. Celine said her parents were thinking of doing a trip like ours, shame we hadn’t met them earlier, we have the perfect vehicle for them.
wHAT DO THEY MEAN 4X4 ISH?
WED 21ST MARCH DAY 160 MALTAHOHE CAMPSITE, MALTAHOHE
S24 49.787 E16 58.788
280 miles
Wake up to the sound of the overland trucks engine being fired up, they have a seven hour drive to Seseriem, good luck to them.
We drove on gravel roads all day and covered the most miles in a day since Mauritania back in November, a long slog but the roads keep your attention.
No banks in Goageb, well nothing in Goageb at all really, next town was Helmeringhausen where the bank was shut. Later we found out it was independence day today which explains the bank being shut.
In Maltahohe we find a fuel station with an atm and a small shop. If you are ever passing have a look on the wall as each traveller is asked to write something. The campsite is a strange place run by a strange man, very friendly but strange.
Some kids at the garage were asking for money or something to eat, they were chuffed with a half a loaf of bread that we gave them. I tried to learn a couple of Koisan words but they have this strange clicking noise that they make and its impossible to pronounce!
S24 49.787 E16 58.788
280 miles
Wake up to the sound of the overland trucks engine being fired up, they have a seven hour drive to Seseriem, good luck to them.
We drove on gravel roads all day and covered the most miles in a day since Mauritania back in November, a long slog but the roads keep your attention.
No banks in Goageb, well nothing in Goageb at all really, next town was Helmeringhausen where the bank was shut. Later we found out it was independence day today which explains the bank being shut.
In Maltahohe we find a fuel station with an atm and a small shop. If you are ever passing have a look on the wall as each traveller is asked to write something. The campsite is a strange place run by a strange man, very friendly but strange.
Some kids at the garage were asking for money or something to eat, they were chuffed with a half a loaf of bread that we gave them. I tried to learn a couple of Koisan words but they have this strange clicking noise that they make and its impossible to pronounce!
The amazing dunes at Seseriem
22ND MARCH DAY 161 SESERIEM CAMPSITE, SESERIEM
S24 29.175 E15 47.993
137 Miles
The campsite last night was guarded by a rotweiller named Brutus, well looking at the size of him the name fitted. There was also a horse named George wandering around too. Everyday in Africa is different!
As the site was pitch black we had an amazing view of the southern hemisphere stars. When we questioned the owner about the lack of livestock seen on the farms he said that they are there but just spread out as cows need 59 hectares and sheep 6 hectares to graze on as the land is so poor. I wonder how that compares with the U.K.
Left at eight taking it slow as it was only 100 miles to Seseriem and the famous sand dunes. A real variety of 4x4s and campers in the site and four overland trucks too.
Went just inside to see the sunset which wasn’t that great, maybe tomorrows sunrise will be better?
S24 29.175 E15 47.993
137 Miles
The campsite last night was guarded by a rotweiller named Brutus, well looking at the size of him the name fitted. There was also a horse named George wandering around too. Everyday in Africa is different!
As the site was pitch black we had an amazing view of the southern hemisphere stars. When we questioned the owner about the lack of livestock seen on the farms he said that they are there but just spread out as cows need 59 hectares and sheep 6 hectares to graze on as the land is so poor. I wonder how that compares with the U.K.
Left at eight taking it slow as it was only 100 miles to Seseriem and the famous sand dunes. A real variety of 4x4s and campers in the site and four overland trucks too.
Went just inside to see the sunset which wasn’t that great, maybe tomorrows sunrise will be better?
Dead Vlie at Seseriem
FRI 23RD MARCH DAY 162 OANAB RESORT, REOBOTH
S23 19.431 E17 00.950
264 Miles
Up at the crack of dawn, no actually up before dawn at 5.00 so that we could visit Dune 43 and Dead Vlie at sunrise.
It was a case of gentlemen start your engines as the gate opened at 6.00 and everyone wanted to get a prompt start. A 60km/hour speed limit was ignored in the park as the trucks raced to the dune. It’s a big thing to climb dune 43 which is the highest dune in Namibia and Africa I presume and see the sun rise.
Not for us though, far to energetic, we watched the sun rise from its base and as there were so amny people there decided to head straight for Dead Vlie at the end of the track. The last 6km are only for 4x4 and we could see why, we saw an abandoned car and a Toyota stuck in the sand followed promptly by us. I let some air out of the tyres (yes should have done that before I know) and tried again, still no go so let some more out and of we went passing the Toyota Landcruise busy digging themselves out. Aided I may add by a Landrover!!!!
The dunes are impressive, we have been before but to get down to the dunes as the sun rises is something special, a must see in Africa.
Back at camp for breakfast and then we moved on to Reoboth. 200 miles on gravel some very good some bone shockingly bad., went through Remthoogte Pass and we actually drove through some water, the first time for ages.
Lovely campsite next to a lake, some nice thatched cottages to stay if you want too, the food was rubbish though.
S23 19.431 E17 00.950
264 Miles
Up at the crack of dawn, no actually up before dawn at 5.00 so that we could visit Dune 43 and Dead Vlie at sunrise.
It was a case of gentlemen start your engines as the gate opened at 6.00 and everyone wanted to get a prompt start. A 60km/hour speed limit was ignored in the park as the trucks raced to the dune. It’s a big thing to climb dune 43 which is the highest dune in Namibia and Africa I presume and see the sun rise.
Not for us though, far to energetic, we watched the sun rise from its base and as there were so amny people there decided to head straight for Dead Vlie at the end of the track. The last 6km are only for 4x4 and we could see why, we saw an abandoned car and a Toyota stuck in the sand followed promptly by us. I let some air out of the tyres (yes should have done that before I know) and tried again, still no go so let some more out and of we went passing the Toyota Landcruise busy digging themselves out. Aided I may add by a Landrover!!!!
The dunes are impressive, we have been before but to get down to the dunes as the sun rises is something special, a must see in Africa.
Back at camp for breakfast and then we moved on to Reoboth. 200 miles on gravel some very good some bone shockingly bad., went through Remthoogte Pass and we actually drove through some water, the first time for ages.
Lovely campsite next to a lake, some nice thatched cottages to stay if you want too, the food was rubbish though.
Rivendell Lodge Windhoek, a comfortable bed for a change
SAT 24TH MARCH DAY 163 RIVENDELL LODGE, WINDHOEK
70 Miles
Had a bit of a tidy of the Landy before we set of on our last real day of the adventure, Windhoek should be the place we leave for England. We drove in near silence as I think we were both feeling a bit sad that its early over. Made the 7o miles last as long as possible.
So we arrive at Rivendell again this is where we stayed after flying from Ghana just before the new year and it’s a nice place to relax and arrange our return.
70 Miles
Had a bit of a tidy of the Landy before we set of on our last real day of the adventure, Windhoek should be the place we leave for England. We drove in near silence as I think we were both feeling a bit sad that its early over. Made the 7o miles last as long as possible.
So we arrive at Rivendell again this is where we stayed after flying from Ghana just before the new year and it’s a nice place to relax and arrange our return.
A distant memory, Julie in Morocco, seems a long time ago
SUN 25TH MARCH DAY 164 AS ABOVE
0 Miles
So today we cleared out the Landy and have a massive pile of gear in our room to look at and decide what we can take back, what we will dump and what we can donate to the staff or the local orphanage.
We await an offer on the Landy, tomorrow we should know and then we can book a flight.
Had lunch at Joes Beerhouse, lovely kudu and impala steak. Tried ostrich neck and had had to try the gammon out. All this meat must be bad for us? Better try the apple strudel and ginger cake then.
0 Miles
So today we cleared out the Landy and have a massive pile of gear in our room to look at and decide what we can take back, what we will dump and what we can donate to the staff or the local orphanage.
We await an offer on the Landy, tomorrow we should know and then we can book a flight.
Had lunch at Joes Beerhouse, lovely kudu and impala steak. Tried ostrich neck and had had to try the gammon out. All this meat must be bad for us? Better try the apple strudel and ginger cake then.
Mauritania....when was that?
MON 26TH MARCH DAY 164 AS ABOVE
5 Miles
Rained a lot last night which pleased the locals as they are very short of water.
Drove to town so that Julie could have her hair done, she won’t let me cut it again, don’t know why?
Got some prices on flights to the u.k. to Gatwick, expensive for a one way trip that’s for sure. We brought another suitcase as we will be allowed 30kg each to England, dread to think what Ryanair to Spain would think of that.
5 Miles
Rained a lot last night which pleased the locals as they are very short of water.
Drove to town so that Julie could have her hair done, she won’t let me cut it again, don’t know why?
Got some prices on flights to the u.k. to Gatwick, expensive for a one way trip that’s for sure. We brought another suitcase as we will be allowed 30kg each to England, dread to think what Ryanair to Spain would think of that.
Camping at Green Turtle Lodge in Ghana only a memory now.
TUE 27TH MARCH DAY 165 TANBUTI , WINDHOEK
5 Miles
Had to move to Tanbuti for one night as the Rivendell was full, we go back to the Rivendell tomorrow and stay there until Saturday night. Our flights back to England are on Sunday. We are ready to go back now it’s a shame we couldn’t go straight away when we arrived in Windhoek but we had to sort out our Landy. Its going to be stored in Namibia and we will decide when to ship it back to England when we are settled back home.
Its still for sale so don’t forget 2 carefull owners only 95,000 miles and fully kitted out for an overland trip.
5 Miles
Had to move to Tanbuti for one night as the Rivendell was full, we go back to the Rivendell tomorrow and stay there until Saturday night. Our flights back to England are on Sunday. We are ready to go back now it’s a shame we couldn’t go straight away when we arrived in Windhoek but we had to sort out our Landy. Its going to be stored in Namibia and we will decide when to ship it back to England when we are settled back home.
Its still for sale so don’t forget 2 carefull owners only 95,000 miles and fully kitted out for an overland trip.
Hyena in Etosha
WED 28TH MARCH DAY 166 RIVENDEL LODGE
0 Miles
Back at the Rivendell just like residents we are now. Did some shopping and brought a tarpaulin to cover the Landy up with when we store it. Had a long chat with some fellow travellers ( Sue and Alistair) who split their time between France and South Africa…all right for some eh. They are looking at moving to Cape Town sometime, can’t say I blame them.
0 Miles
Back at the Rivendell just like residents we are now. Did some shopping and brought a tarpaulin to cover the Landy up with when we store it. Had a long chat with some fellow travellers ( Sue and Alistair) who split their time between France and South Africa…all right for some eh. They are looking at moving to Cape Town sometime, can’t say I blame them.
Oh to swim in the Kavango River again
THUR 29TH MARCH DAY 167 AS ABOVE
O MILES
Chatted to a couple last night who split there time between France and South Africa,(Sue and Alister) sounds good to me, they gave a us a contact for soem cheap accom inCape Town that we will keep for future reference. A guy called John is staying at the Rivendell for a while working on a travel agents website, he lives in Zimbabwe and was telling us how things are a bit better there now. Not so many shortages and no real probs for tourists.
O MILES
Chatted to a couple last night who split there time between France and South Africa,(Sue and Alister) sounds good to me, they gave a us a contact for soem cheap accom inCape Town that we will keep for future reference. A guy called John is staying at the Rivendell for a while working on a travel agents website, he lives in Zimbabwe and was telling us how things are a bit better there now. Not so many shortages and no real probs for tourists.
Will we ever revisit the mighty Victoria Falls again?
fri 30th march day 168 AS ABOVE
3 MILES
out lunchtime for a stroll and caught up with the news. u.k. has a threat of tanker driver strikes, soain had a national strike, all we need now is for france to have an air traffic control strike to mess up our flight home.
3 MILES
out lunchtime for a stroll and caught up with the news. u.k. has a threat of tanker driver strikes, soain had a national strike, all we need now is for france to have an air traffic control strike to mess up our flight home.
Just 169 days ago we left Spain. It only seems like yesterday.
sat 31st march day 169 as above
o miles
Well last day in Africa, we fly to England tomorrow and are not looking forward to it at all. Will visit the family and then its back to Spain and the reality of normal life.
o miles
Well last day in Africa, we fly to England tomorrow and are not looking forward to it at all. Will visit the family and then its back to Spain and the reality of normal life.