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-- Log 36 --
Pool at the top of Epupa Falls a great place to rinse the desert dust
off!
Interestingly it seems that the pool serves the community and groups of
people and animals are given access at scheduled times women and young
children, older women, then the older men, and finally shepherds and
their goats (together), etc. The young mothers bathe their babies, and
do the family washing. They appear to be very good mothers. We spent the
afternoon just taking in the sights of the villages.
Having refreshed and had a swim in the Kunene it was time to hit the
road and start moving southwards. Fortunately we managed to have our
swim without going over the edge! I understand last year, two foreigners
were not that fortunate, they lost their lives.
Epupa Falls to Opuwo although the road is gravel it is in good
condition. We did however have a flat just as we hit the tar road going
into Opuwo! It was handy though as we were able to get the puncture
repaired in town. We also met up with Dieter again had had just had
two flats one tyre was a total right off shoes for the Himba!
From Opuwo we made our way to Kamanjab and Dieters camp Rustig Toko.
Rustig Toko Kamanjab 15/01/03 S19.24.004 E014.51.885 4 186 ft
amsl N$ 40.00 pppn
The campsite has been recently developed and certainly was peaceful,
with lots of potential. Good stuff we wish you all the best Dieter.
In Kamanjab we finally decided we could not carry on changing tyres only
with the high-lift jack it really is very dangerous and we find each
change to be extremely stressful so we bought a hydraulic jack in
Kamanjab!
Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park 16/01/03 17/01/03 S19.35.520 E015.04.034
4 284 ft amsl N$35.00
Here we met with Mario Nel who with his parent's and sister manages the
Farm and Cheetah Park.
We got an opportunity to get really close to the Cheetahs
0 100 in 60 seconds!!!
We heard of the plight of cheetahs in Namibia and the problems being
experienced by the Nel family in trying to save these delightful cats!
Extinction is forever!!!
We chose not to visit Etosha Pan and the National Park at this time as
it was very hot and dry another we will save it for next time!
Outjo to Windhoek was along the national road and the trip was quick and
uneventful! What a change!
Roof of Africa Windhoek 18/01/03 22/01/03 S22.33.271 E017.05.703
5 477ft amsl N$50 pppn
What a lovely place! Roof of Africa is well planned and perfectly
equipped for all overland travellers, with rooms, camping, communal
kitchen, swimming pool, pub, and dining area. They have internet,
telephones and a pool table. Their prices are reasonable and they are
well positioned walking distance to town and restaurants.
You will find them in Nelson Mandela Rd. It is a very good place to
stay.
We walked to the famous Joes Beer House for Dennis Birthday
celebration. The food was exceptional and the service top drawer. We had
a most enjoyable evening.
A visit to Joes is a must for anyone going through Windhoek.
In Windhoek we found shopping malls, supermarkets and lots of places to
spend our dwindling cash but it was a good experience.
Windhoek Okahandja to Swakopmund main road is in good condition.
We were interested in the description in the Lonely Planet of 4 Myl Camp
outside Swaokopmund it says it is a unique campsite yet desolate so
we had to go and have a look
4 Myl Campsite very baron, bare and windy!
We opted to find something less desolate!
Alte Brucke Swakopmund - 22/01/03 S22.41.190 E014.31.600 18 ft amsl
N$50.00 pppn
A grassed camp, with each site having its own ablution block and braai
area. The weather is so much cooler than Windhoek. The town is clean and
filled with interesting shops a small piece of Germany. We gave each
other a treat, we watched Harry Potters Chamber of Secrets! Even had
popcorn!
We were amazed at the number of flamingos and pelicans in the area.
The short drive to Walvis Bay gave us our first glimpses sports on the
famous dunes of Namibia. We watched paragliding, sand ski-ing, and quad
biking. They guys were having such a lot of fun.
Walvis Bay does not have the appeal and delight of Swakopmund. We stayed
at a camp almost halfway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
Long Beach Walvis Bay - 23/01/03 - S22.48.560 E014.32.684 87 ft amsl -
N$36 pppn
The camp is right on the beach, and is well maintained. There are plenty
of pools, a tuck shop, restaurant, pub and oyster bar! It was here that
we met with our new travelling companions Trekker, Marlene, Piet and
Corrie from Rustenburg.
Long Beach Resort
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