Vacation to Zambia

We will be traveling north to Victoria Falls this week. I have booked the week off work so it will be my first real vacation in Africa. On the way we will stop over in the Etosha National Game Reserve. I was there back in February, but this time of year it is much drier so we are likely to see many more rare animals. (ie. lions, elephants, rhinoceros, etc.) We will drive to Zambia on Tuesday and spend three days at the falls before returning on Saturday morning.

The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya are one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls. The falls are situated on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, (17°55′1″S, 25°51′0″E) and are roughly 1.7 km (1 mile) wide and 128 m (420 ft) high. They are considered a remarkable spectacle because of the peculiar narrow slot-like chasm into which the water falls, so one can view the falls face-on.

David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer, visited the falls in 1855 and renamed them after Queen Victoria, though they were known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, the "smoke that thunders". The falls are part of two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe, and are one of Southern Africa's major tourist attractions. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vastly larger than North America's Niagara Falls, Victoria is only rivalled by South America's Iguazu Falls (excluding large rapid like falls such as Livingston de Chutes). Iguazu and Victoria are generally regarded as the world's most spectacular waterfalls, with people divided as to which is the more impressive. Whilst Iguazu is divided into over 270 (relatively) 'small' falls and cataracts, Victoria is the largest single sheet of water in the world , over 100 meters tall in parts, and over one mile wide. Source

Just received this party notification via email which is sent out to hundreds of people across the greater Toronto area. I wonder if my old roomate Rob is in on this???

saturday June 24th
Glenn Underground at 42 Gladstone
Wow, how lucky - gorgeous little warehouse space and our favourite house music producer Glenn Underground. With Adam Khan, Andy Roberts and Christian Newhook. Just north of Queen and Dufferin on the west side of Gladstone (up from the Gladstone Hotel, across the street). 10pm and going late, cover unknown.

p.s. For those who dont know, 42 Gladstone was my old apartment, and Glenn Underground is an amazing dj. ;)

South of Windhoek on the road to Rehoboth

Ode to Wet Nose

Wet Nose is Barbara and Uli’s dog here in Namibia. She was adopted from the SPCIA in Windhoek. When Barbara and Uli travel we usually have the pleasure of taking care of this delightful pooch. She is full of life and personality. Wet Nose is an African Ridgeback and has a very distinguished set of off kilt fur on her back.

Sadly many of the dogs in Namibia live a tough life being left outside year round and so infrequently thrown a bone. I believe that Wet Nose is one of the luckiest dogs in this country.

Garies Restcamp



On Saturday we explored the mysterious rock carvings in the region. These carvings are thought to be left by the San People of the Namibian desert. We found various carvings throughout the area.


Our guide Koosie explains the story of his great grandfathers struggle against the German army in the early 20th century. Many of his ancestors were killed here in this valley.


Also on Saturday we visited this mountain crest.


Atop the mountain is a cave which was really large. It smelled terribly of bat droppings but it was still neat. We did not have a torch so could not go in too deep.


The mountain crest had a natural spring which runs year round. Koosie told us this is one of the purist mountain springs left in the natural world.


Koosie's wife prepares Rooserbrood for us on Saurday night. Imagine bread cooked slowly on the barbeque. It is one of my favorite Namibian foods.


Further exploring on Sunday brought us to another ridge and another incredible view.


Koosie's grandaughter Kaila and fellow traveller Anna. The cool kids took the ride in the back of the pickup truck as we explored the countryside.


Nearly every farm in the area has some relics in the yard. The remains of these classic pickup trucks really caught my eye. Another staple commonly found outside of the farms in this area are old bathtubs on the front yard!


A fellow travellor explores a traditional mode of travel in the Namibian farmland.


Cool name for a farm. But I found it mostly anti-climatic.


Barbara and I taking a break at the farm while the kids took a ride. Barbara has been really great about inviting me out on her Rotary International outings which really gives me a chance to see the country.


A great shot of Anne, Anna, Kaila and Carl. Anne, from France and working for the French embassy in Namibia, is desperatly trying to gain custody of Anna who is an orphan. I can see why, Anna is one of the cutest kids I have ever met!


Anna was not so fond of riding the horses. Carl and Koosie are fairly new to the lodge business and are really trying to get Garies Restcamp on the map. We did a series of promotional photos throughout the weekend. I dought if this one will make the brochure!

Garies Restcamp



I will be heading out of town for the weekend to this little lodge down south. I have been invited by co-workers to enjoy a weekend in the outback. I shall return Sunday June 11.

Set midway enroute to the stark yet beautiful and spectacular Namib Desert, Garies Restcamp is more than just a holiday destination – it is an unmatched experience - for both local and foreign tourists alike. Visitors to Garies Restcamp will not only experience the warm hospitality of the Baster people and get to know their history, but also enter a landscape filled with rich geological features. Basters are the offspring of colonial settlers and local people, and the name by which they are proud to be known.

Constructed and owned by seasoned entrepreneur Kosie Mouton, born and raised in that part of Namibia, the facility has come a long way since it humble beginnings in 2001 as a local picnic and nature viewing spot. Initially the area on which Garies Restcamp is located, was part of arid farmland worked by local people and where livestock grazed.

Today Garies Restcamp, personally managed by the indefatigable Kosie with the assistance of his family, offers luxury accommodation in bungalows with en-suite bathroom facilities. For those with a keen interest in the history and culture of other people, accommodation is also provided in traditional huts used as dwellings by the Basters of yonder years. Both types of accommodation come fully serviced by trained staff. In addition, for the budget conscious traveler or more adventurous and outdoor types, Garies Restcamp offers camping facilities. Camping sites are fully serviced and include washing and ablution- as well as braai facilities.

Although Garies Restcamp is a small enterprise operating in the Hospitality and Tourism sector, it is big on service. A full catering facility is provided on site together with a cocktail bar, for enjoyment by day-visitors or overnight tourists and by those who choose to stay a little longer.

Police Report

I thought this may be interesting for some. Have a look at the police report that was officially documented on our robbery last week. I have taken the liberty in highlighting the questionable grammar and classifying the personal information.

Aloe Trail
Not far from our house in the middle of Windhoek we find the Aloe hiking trail. Situated atop the highest point in the city is the trail lined with Aloe plants and scenic views all around the city. It was a nice hike to the top and well worth it for the panoramic scenery.




On the way up we passed this quant little German church. A google image search of Windhoek will also provide many pictures of this very church.


One of the Aloe cacti that made the trail famous.


Here we see the city's water supply chambers.


Posing at the top!