Mainly Namibia

[bPeteb]

Same here, this and the other 2 TRs have been great to follow along with.

One question, or maybe two, what is the appeal of Sossusvlei and why not the Caprivi Strip?

Zambezi regions (not Caprivi Strip any more) and Sossusvlei are so very different. Sossusvlei is in the Namib Desert. Zambezi region follows the Zambezi.

 

[Cossie]

Zambezi regions (not Caprivi Strip any more) and Sossusvlei are so very different. Sossusvlei is in the Namib Desert. Zambezi region follows the Zambezi.

The sand dunes don’t appeal that much, I would go to the coast, obviously but that funny little area up north has always appealed, possibly more wildlife as well, dunno.

 

[kpc]

The sand dunes don’t appeal that much, I would go to the coast, obviously but that funny little area up north has always appealed, possibly more wildlife as well, dunno.

The sand dunes in Namibia are amazing so Sossusvlei is worth a visit if you visit Namibia.

 

[bPeteb]

So we entered Damaraland, home of the Bushmen San people. Although they are not numerous any more in the area where we will be, having moved more to the north east.

Accommodation was the Gondwana Damara Mopane Lodge. A central admin, bar and eating building and then 60 individual chalets built in a fan out the back of centred around a pool.

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Each room is a brick built hut surrounded by a low wall containing gardens where they grow their veggies. Plenty of water here ( but no waterholes for game).

Although the complex is built in a mopane forest and there’s lots of shade around, the rooms were still hot as Hades when we checked in at 3 pm. The air-conditioner got put on for full blast then and it’s still going strong 24 hours later now.

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Clearly Kiboko has way more sway than Intrepid premium. We were all in the front row of cottages

Interesting how everyone sees beds differently. We didn't ever comment to each other about the firmness/softness of the beds. We have a firm mattress here at home possibly explaining we had no issues in any accommodation.

 

[RooFlyer]

One question, or maybe two, what is the appeal of Sossusvlei and why not the Caprivi Strip?

The dunes at Soussusvlei are an amazing sight early in the morning. I would have chosen to visit without the climbing.

Re the former Caprivi strip, now Zambezi regions. Can't recall in bPeteb told the story in his TR, but it originated when the Germans, in control of 'German South-west Africa' (now Namibia) wanted a route to the Zambezi River so they could use it as a shipping connection to the Indian Ocean and access to German East Africa (Rwanda/Burundi/bit of Tanzania) .



Thwarted by Victoria Falls. ooops.

 

[drron]

Zambezi regions (not Caprivi Strip any more) and Sossusvlei are so very different. Sossusvlei is in the Namib Desert. Zambezi region follows the Zambezi.

But when we were in Botswana we happened to meet up with a Botswanan anti poaching unit. They said no anti poaching units on the Namibian side so the animals learnt to prefer Botswanan territory. Certainly on the river cruise lots of elephants on the Botswanan bank but none on the Namibian bank.
Also when we were with the patrol they pointed out a herd of buffalo on an island in the middle of the river. A canoe headed out from the Namlbian bank and the buffaloes headed back to Botswana. When they were safely back one of the unit stepped into the open with rifle raised. The canoe did a rapid u turn. However if the canoe didn't retreat they would open fire. If only 1 person just wounded. If more than one at least 1 was likely not to get back to Namibia again.

 

[VPS]

I can answer that. I mostly travel by myself and my evenings are usually unoccupied by long lunches or dinners and if there is an afternoon free, I'm usually 'recovering' rather than dashing about. yes, boring!

Plus if I don't do it on the go, it'll never get done.

I travel alone too but just never find the time - by the time I've had dinner and read all the other TR and other AFF stuff I'm too tired

 

[RooFlyer]

@JohnM @Daver6 just a small part of the experience!!

cc @bPeteb

More in the dunes

Snatch-rope extraction

Giraffes

 

[kpc]

That corrugated road in Namibia video brings back nightmares

 

[JohnM]

That corrugated road in Namibia video brings back nightmares

Then you probably wouldn't like parts of the Canning Stock Route...

 

[jastel]

Have you been on the Bruce Highway lately...there are LITERALLY Bomb Craters in it....

 

[jastel]

That doesn't look like 42 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate damage....

A truckful literally blew up the highway here a few days ago...it is still closed.
PLUS you have a whole OTHER lane to use.

But yes roads are cough everywhere.

 

[RB]

Great report & fantastic photos. Thanks for making the effort