Foto: Zebras drinking at the waterhole (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Namibia - We get up extra early to spot animals at the waterhole at sunrise. At six o’clock, we are ready with coffee and blankets. Unfortunately, even the early hour does not guarantee success. The big game stays away. The sun slowly rises and lights up the park. Apart from various birds and white herons, no one else comes by. After breakfast, we take down the tents. We set out for the real wildlife, which quickly proves more successful. After just a few hundred meters, we see several groups of springbok, gemsbok, and wildebeest. At a spot where several cars are stopped, we just manage to see the head of a lion. According to Thomas, he is probably mating. Further on, we encounter an elephant in the woods and many smaller animals. During a toilet stop, we discover a young barn owl in the men’s toilet. It probably fell out of the nest. The poor creature has little chance of survival. We continue by bus to the Etosha Pan—an extensive salt pan in a dried-up lake. As far as the eye can see, white salt and sand. At the Halali campsite, we take our time for lunch. At the waterhole of this campsite, we just see a group of zebras drinking. They probably do not suffer from the heat in the middle of the day. Normally, animals also shelter from the heat. Around three o’clock, we pack up again and drive further into the park. On the way to Okaukuejo, we spot large groups of springbok, many zebras, a few giraffes crossing the road, and various birds. At sunset, we enter Okaukuejo. Thomas can’t find a spot quickly, so he stops at the waterhole to let us out. With the last rays of the setting sun, we see three elephants around the waterhole. After sunset, the spectacle becomes even more beautiful. Two giraffes come hesitantly to drink but don’t dare. Three rhinos come walking up to drink. Scattered around are springboks and jackals. Finally, a female lion appears at the waterhole. It is beautiful to see three animals of the big five together around the waterhole.
German vibes in Luderitz and Swakopmund
Namibia - We don’t have to get up before nine now. Around half past nine we sit down for breakfast. Afterwards, we walk into the town of Swakopmund. It’s remarkable to see how complete the town is with all its facilities, while just a few hundred meters away ...
Rock carvings at Twyfelfontein
Namibia - Our next destination is Twijfelfontein. The road is gravel, and the bus shakes quite a bit over the bumps. Thomas keeps up a good speed but (fortunately) brakes in time for the potholes. At Twijfelfontein, Cheryl is somewhat unsure whether this is the ...
Seals at Cape Cross
Namibia - Fortunately, today we can sleep in until seven o’clock. We leave at half past eight. After breakfast and packing, we drive toward Swakopmund. On the way, we visit Cape Cross. At Cape Cross lies a seal colony of about 100,000 seals. Thomas points out ...
Sossusvlei Namib Desert
Namibia - We are woken up at quarter past five. Shortly after, at quarter to six, we stand in front of the entrance to Sossusvlei National Park. We are here to see the exceptionally high red sand dunes at sunrise. It’s actually strange that we are only allowed ...