Namibia

Yay! I’m going to Namibia in October and am so excited!!!!

Any ideas of must do things and must see places?

We went around Etosha National Park and was also a nice chance to catch up woth one of my friends who lives there.

A really lovely place, very similar scenery to South Africa in some cases and seems to be less violent.
There is a lont of wildlife to see or alternatively you could go Sand dune surfing =D

stayed under the sun for 12 min and fainted…well, wrong timing, was summer :)...a must see, spend a whole week and wasn’t enough

The unique blend of indiginous cultures combined with supreme local hospitality is an experience in itself. The added beauty of the landscapes, the interesting ecological sub-systems and the historical buildings, all make this a place worth seeing.

For more information visit http://www.KSrtw.com

Swakopmund, Namibia – Day 88 – Crossing the border to South Africa
We woke up early and caught the sunrise which was beautiful and turned the river orange maybe that is why its got its name?! Today was a long drive to Citrusdaal. We crossed the border at around 7am when we drove over the Orange River bridge and got our visa. We stopped over briefly at Springbok for a quick internet fix (the first for many days!) and then it was back to the truck. This journey seemed really boring, but the scenery was fascinating and the mountain passes were incredible. We arrived at the hot springs just before sunset. The valley is beautiful with vineyards at the bottom and scattered jacaranda trees. It reminded us of an alpine valley. The camp was within the trees and the facilities were quite basic. All water was hot (hence the hot springs) and the bar was a hike up the hill but worth the hike! We enjoyed some local red wine and rolled into bed quite late for us!

Back to top

15 Nov 2005

Swakopmund, Namibia – Day 87 – Sam’s 21st and we are in the desert
Another early start to make our way to the Orange River. It was Sam’s 21st Birthday and we were keen to make a phone call but being in the middle of the desert made it difficult. We ended up driving round various establishments for an hour, before successfully finding a card phone, and someone who sold the cards that worked in that phone! Sharon called her, but was cut off after just a few minutes, so we bought another one!!

Meanwhile our fellow truckers were enjoying the coffee and toilet facilities at the holiday resort! We then drove to the Namib/South African border for lunchtime. We decided to have one final upgrade as the bungalows were gorgeous and great value for money. Whilst others battled the river (and the wind) on a canoe the rest of us chilled out in front of our cabins on the banks of the river. We then all got together for one final group photo and enjoyed a meal of Braaied Lamb, mash, squash and gravy.

Back to top

14 Nov 2005

Swakopmund, Namibia – Day 86 – Fish River Canyon, 2nd largest in the world
The long drive to Fish River Canyon through the Namib desert seemed to take forever. That morning we had to put our tents down quickly as a sand storm had whipped up through the night. Kathy woke up covered in red sand from head to toe it was very fine sand and had been blown in through the roof ventilation mesh. All in all it took just 40 mins to drop the tents, have breakfast and get going. Admittedly the washing up was not done that morning but it would have been a waste of time as they would have ended up being covered in sand! After the long and boring journey through endless rock, we put up our tents and drove out to the canyon. Some of the group walked around 2km along the rim of the canyon, which was tough terrain underfoot, and round to the main view point. We were was a bit disappointed by the sunset think sunrise would have been better! But Fred enjoyed his sundowners none the less.

Back to top

14 Nov 2005

Swakopmund, Namibia – Day 86 – Fish River Canyon, 2nd largest in the world
The long drive to Fish River Canyon through the Namib desert seemed to take forever. That morning we had to put our tents down quickly as a sand storm had whipped up through the night. Kathy woke up covered in red sand from head to toe it was very fine sand and had been blown in through the roof ventilation mesh. All in all it took just 40 mins to drop the tents, have breakfast and get going. Admittedly the washing up was not done that morning but it would have been a waste of time as they would have ended up being covered in sand! After the long and boring journey through endless rock, we put up our tents and drove out to the canyon. Some of the group walked around 2km along the rim of the canyon, which was tough terrain underfoot, and round to the main view point. We were was a bit disappointed by the sunset think sunrise would have been better! But Fred enjoyed his sundowners none the less.

Back to top

13 Nov 2005

Swakopmund, Namibia – Day 85 – Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert
What an early start, we woke up at 4.15 to drive all the way to Dune 45, and be there before sunrise. The most of the group attempted the climb up the huge sand dune. We both stayed at the bottom, taking lots of photos and enjoying the changing colours from black to red then orange. We all had a big fry up breakfast at the foot of the dune at around 7.30am and then drove out to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Four of us took the 4×4 shuttle whilst the rest of the truck went on a desert walk.
Back at camp, we chilled out all afternoon and went to bed early, exhausted!

Back to top

12 Nov 2005

Swakopmund, Namibia – Day 84 – Leaving Swakop and the coast
Today was our last day in Swakop, we enjoyed a lie in on our beds in our cute bugalows, then went into town to have a full English breakfast at Roxys. After a spot of provision shopping we called home as it was Mums birthday (sorry it was so early!) and then met the truck to drive to Walvis Bay where we had lunch by the ocean and all the birds (flamingos and pelicans mostly). We then drove the 300km to Sesriem restcamp and set up camp.

Back to top

11 Nov 2005

Swakopmund, Namibia – Day 83 – Fly like a bird…
Well today’s events were eclipsed by this afternoon’s tandem skydive. It’s something I’ve been planning to do for a while but wasnt sure I could do it because of my hip. The team were great – took it in their stride and Simon and Craig got me down safely. We headed out to the air field at 4.30pm and had our safety briefing. I was then fitted out in a rather fetching cat suit and harnessed up. I explained what I could and couldn’t do hip joint wise and they worked out a plan on how to get me out of the plane safely and then worked out to land, it would be best if I just sat down with my legs out. The plane ride up took ages – about 25 mins but great views. Then I shuffled along the floor of the plane and Craig hooked my right leg out first and then the left. Before I really knew what was going on, Simon was pushing me out of the plane – but thankfully we were attached! I then flew for about 30 seconds, where I had to kick Simon’s arse – literally – and have my hands out to steady ourselves. Then the chute cord was pulled and we soared upwards. It was a little uncomfortable on the tops of the thighs but Simon detached bits here and there (gulp) and allowed me to sit down. He then removed my goggles and I sat back and enjoyed the view. He talked through the landing and we worked out what I could physically do – and we agreed to just have my legs out straight. Then I could see the rest of the group standing at the airfield and before I knew it I was sitting on the floor. I sat there while he collected the chute and then he pulled me to my feet. Unbelievable and so much fun – I want to do it again. Sadly the cost is rather prohibitive but who knows …

Earlier in the day we did all our washing (have you seen the photos?) and then headed to town to wander round, do some internetting and photo uploading and grabbed a KFC. Tonight we grabbed a pizza and sat infront of the PC MSN-ing which was also cool. Late start tomorrow – yeah – leave at 10am to go to Walvis Bay. Loved staying here in Swakopmund and its a shame we have to leave – but we only have a week to the end of our trip in Cape Town. Lots to do before then!
Hope you enjoy the photos halfway as much as I enjoyed sky diving! Kathy xx

Back to top

10 Nov 2005

Swakopmund, Namibia – Day 82 – Swakopmund and hitting the dunes
This place is fab, we are really enjoying our time here in Swakop. Today we walked into town after a leisurely breakfast and wandered round the shops. We got to an internet cafe – the first for a while – and caught up with some messages. It’s really sunny today, but there is a nip in the air. It’s like a beautiful Autumnal morning in the UK and we are enjoying wearing jumpers and shades!! I took my watch in to be repaired (the other one’s battery went and the one I took in had a broken strap) at the place in Ruund street – they didn’t look too confident but told me to return in 4 hours. We went to another internet cafe (had some sad news about Kath’s gran who fell from the top of the stairs. She is ok but really shaken and lucky to have no broken bones – feeling very useless so many thousands of miles away) and generally swanked around the very quaint Swakopmund. It’s like Whitby in the low season – there’s hardly anyone around. The roads here, though are huge – really wide and of course there is too much sunshine for it to be just like Whitby! There are so very modern shops and pavement cafes – all very civilised!

We then went to Nando’s for a spot of lunch before heading back to our restcamp. There we met Bindy, Corey, Brendan, Keryn, Will and Maria for our pick up… cos we were going Dune Buggying! I collected my watch and it was all fixed and that refused to charge me – so please tell your friends about them!! We then paid and got into our Yamaha Rhino Buggies. After a safety and eco-briefing we were reading to fire them up and boy can they make a noise. We followed our lead buggy through the streets and out to the river bed. What a fantastic way to spend 3 hours. Driving up and down river beds, rocks and sand dunes. It was exciting, scary and downright good fun – better than any rollercoaster, as I was in control and much longer too! At one point, the leader told us we didn’t HAVE to do one of the drops of a rock. Shaz was looking mighty scared and chickened out – so it was left for me to take the buggy down the near vertical drop. Maria and Bindy also sat it out while their other halves took it down the rock face.

Fantastic!! What wonderful machines and unbelievable as to what they can do. Whenever we hit any sand you had to put your foot down so we loved going up and down the sand dunes. Will post some pictures soon – but they dont do it justice. Suffice it to say we had the best time and took ages to come down from the high! That evening we went out to the Lighthouse restaurant and had fantastic mussels and fresh fish fillet. Will enjoyed some Oryx – which we were only photographing earlier this week – it was very tasty like a smoky venison beef steak!

Now in the coin-op laundrette catching up with the diary whilst washing everything apart from what we are wearing!! Didn’t fancy doing the equivalent of the Levi ads … but tempted!

Check out the Rhinos at: Rhinos

If anyone is undecided as to what to get us for Christmas – a rhino would be perfect!!

Back to top

9 Nov 2005

Swakopmund, Namibia – Day 81 – Cape Cross to Swakopmund
The truck picked us up at 8.30am (everyone jumped out to use our toilets!) and we made our way to the coast to see the Cape Cross seals. There were lots of seals (but not as many as normal) and they were very smelly and noisy. We had lunch on the edge of the Atlantic (brrr!) and had a wee stop in the desert (everyone squatting at the side of the truck!) From there we drove across the desert to Swakopmund where we went to an adventure shop to book our activities for the next 2 days. Watch this space to find out how we get on! We are now in some bungalows at www.swakopmund-restcamp.com and we are sharing with the lovely Maria and Will. Its a really nice town and so South African! Looking forward to the next few days and an opportunity to chill out, spread out and sort out our stuff!

Back to top

8 Nov 2005

Rundu, Namibia – Day 80 – Twyfelfontein engravings, Uis, Brandberg mountains
Another lazy start and off to see some engravings over 2,000 years old. It was a bit of a trek over rocks and up big boulders. There are so many engravings of animals, and footprints. Even penguins, giraffe, lions, elephants, etc. Its the best example of pre historic engravings in Africa. From there we headed to Uis, a town with not much apart from a guesthouse and a supermarket. We stocked up on goodies and then headed to our bush camp in the foothills of the Brandberg mountains (the highest in Namibia). Some of us had already decided that we didnt need to climb the mountain and fancied a night in a lodge. So after dropping off the intrepid climbers and bush campers we headed off to our lodge for a spot of luxury for the night (we had enjoyed desert camping in the middle east and didnt feel the need for any more just yet!) Plus Sharon hasnt been feeling too great as her eye has been hurting with a mild infection. We had a proper meal at a proper table and drank wine all very civilised! We then lounged on leather sofas and watched the sunset over the mountain range. A very pleasant evening!

For more information visit http://www.KSrtw.com

WHOA. Super whoa

Have heard good things about Namibia, and we will not be living too far from there in Harare. The Namib Desert, Skeleton Coast, and Etosha National Park are three things that call us.

I think Zebra’s here are OVERFED

This one at Etosha found by my uncle Frank
is just way too PHAT! (unless this one is with child, which is probable..)

I went with classmates during my spring break junior year of high school, and it was absolutely amazing. I saw more animals than I thought existed – and became quite adept at spotting them at great distances. The country was absolutely beautiful and the culture so unlike what I’ve grown up with that I was fascinated by the place. I want to go back.

One of my best friends is working here (in Gobabis) in the Peace Corps right now. I am almost done planning my trip to visit her in December. We are going to spend time in her village as well as road-tripping, safari-ing and whatever else you do in Namibia (look for Brangelina?). It’s getting very exciting as I have almost finished getting my shots, and most of the reservations and research are about wrapped up.