Namibia - Caprivi and Etosha

When we were done with Chobe it was time to cross the border to Namibia. Our goal was the Etosha National Park in Namibia and since it's quite a stretch going there we decided to make a stop in Rundu on our way.

A meerkat we met during lunch in Otavi

To get to Rundu we had to go through the Caprivi-strip. This is the panhandle-part of northern Namibia and it is scarcely populated and thus not many places to stop for petrol or food. We had stocked up on lunch and snacks in Kasane before setting out on our 650 km drive to Rundu. Most of the trip went through the Caprivi national park, the only park I know of that you can drive 120 km/h in!

Eventually we got to Rundu and after a quick excursion to the Zambesi river we had a drink before dinner. Of course we ate meat for main course, but it was the starter that was interesting this time... I had been in contact with the lodge before the trip and discovered that they served Mopani worms. Of course, I had to try it! They were a little bit dry and chewy... It won't be my new favourite dish.

Tired but happy co-driver

It's Angola on the other side of the river

Lots of water in the Zambesi

Looks delicious!

Hmmm... interesting taste...

The next morning we set out for Etosha. The drive was again long and kind of boring. The roads in Namibia are great but tend to be straight for miles and miles. At least you can keep the speed high.

Eventually we reached Vreugde Guest Farm which was situated south of Etosha. Danie Sr and family welcomed us and gave us a tour of the farm. They are cattle and sheep farmers and also run a guest farm. We have stayed at a few farms like this in South Africa and I must say that we really enjoy this kind of living. You always get a very friendly welcome and the service is always impeccable. It is also very interesting to stay at "real" places so to say, where people actually live and work.

Our chalet and the garden at Vreugde

Two current farm-ladies and one that grew up on a sheep farm.

Vreugde was our favourite place on this trip of all the places we stayed at and, if they are reading, we would like to send a big thank you to the Brand family at Vreugde for our stay.

We had two full days of safari in Etosha. The first day we set out in an open vehicle with Danie Jr as guide. He showed us the western part of Etosha and we saw lots of game, mainly Springbok and Gemsbok (Oryx).

Strong wind on the pan

The other day we went in by ourselves and headed for the eastern part of the park. After we'd been driving for about 80 km without seeing much game we thought we'd made a big mistake. But, then we were treated with two prides of lions! It was a long time since we saw cats and it really made our day.

Apparently, Oryx and Springbok like to lie down after rain.

South Africas national animal the Springbok... in Namibia!

Finally, the mightiest of cats

One thing, except game of course, to experience in Etosha is the nature. The Etosha pan is basically a lake that is usually dry. Due to the recent heavy rains in Namibia it was filled with water, not much, but at least it was wet. It is also very flat and you can get a 360 degrees horizon in many places of the park. I must say that the landscape is very impressive.

Many miles of long and straight gravel roads...

The only set-back of our stay was when I got a bug of some sort. The second day, after coming home from the trip with Danie Jr, I felt seriously ill. I had to stay in bed all afternoon and night and unfortunately missed the dinner... Elle came in to the chalet to check on me and also to tell me how great the food had been, bummer!

After three lovely nights it was time to leave again. We had a hearty breakfast and said good-bye to the Brand family, then it was off to Swakopmund. Added to the baggage were the beautiful embroided table clothes they sold at the farm. No beaded animals this time but Jennie must have some kind of souvenir from Namibia, much to Fred's annoyance. He will appreciate it later, for sure! :)