Camping at the Gamsberg Pass
Hakos Lodge and Camp Site

This past weekend I joined a large group at the Hakos Lodge. The lodge is a popular spot with astromoners as it sits at a very high altitude of 1800 metres. We showed up with a few kids and were obviously not the 'usual guests'. We got a very cold eye from the loge hostess, a stiff German-Namibian woman named 'Waltraud'! It was clear that noisy and energetic children were not popular guests at this lodge. The first question asked to us was 'do you all speak German?' aacck!!!

Dispite its shortcomings and lack of hospitality the lodge was very beautiful and situated in a beautitful mountain range.

The indoor pool overlooking the valley.


The Gamsberg mountain. Subject to the same erosion as table mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.


Georgous views across the range towards the desert in the background.


The lodge relies predominently on solar and wind energy. Not uncommon in the land of sunshine. Did I mention we have 360 days of sun a year?


An interesting species of mountain cactus which gave off a lovely aroma.


Sunset against the mountains.


As usual the lodge and adjoining farm were a museum of ancient motor vehicles.

At night we had a chance to look through a telescope at the night sky. We had a look at the some very interesting star patterns. We also had a look at Jupiter which was amazing to see. You could actually see the cloud cover over the northern and southern hemisphere as well as three orbiting moons. Did you know that Jupiter actually appears as a star in the sky!?!

Most impressive was the moon, as it was the largest object to view. I took this photo by lining my camera up with the telescope's eyepiece. Trust me it was much more incredible through the telescope as there is quite a bit of light not picked up by the camera.


Here is what the telescope looked like up in the observatory.


I was the only person to camp on this outing. Why not, I figured..I had so much fun last time! The motivation was the cost, as this lodge was not cheap! I planned to camp before arriving and I was a little surprised to find the camping site nearly 1km from the lodge.

I set up my tent midday still with the excitement of camping out in the wilderness. Then I returned to the lodge for the days activities and to enjoy the evening.

When it was time to retire it was obviously pitch black out. All of the guests had a short hop to the guestrooms. I was offered a ride to my tent (1km) by a friend, but Waltraud would not allow it! Using the car would cause 'light polution' which would affect the astronomers view of the sky! Can you believe it! Oh Waltraud, you will not be forgotten!

I walked to my tent with a small flashlight. On the way I took the wrong path and ended up having to walk off the trail to regain my direction. Finally I found my lonely little tent up on the hill. It was dead silent. I prepared myself for bed and lie down.

Not long after lying down did I hear a sniffing noise at the side of my tent. Like a little sniff sniff here, a little sniff sniff there. I became ridgid with fear. What was outside?? Could a lion have wandered down from Northern Namibia? It sounded like a small creature, nontheless I was not about to stick my head out of the tent and find out. This continued for most of the evening as animals came around sniffing me out. Who is this crazy lone camper?, they wondered.

Lesson Learned: Unless you are a crocodile hunter or some other crazy nature daring, tree hugging foolish person do not camp alone in the Namibian outback and expect to get a good nights sleep!!

The highlight of the campout was waking up alive by these two crazy critters just after 6am. I was so happy to see the sun rise!!!

Cyrlene's Birthday Bash 2006

Common names in Zimbabwe and surrounding areas since the introduction of mobile phones

This list was provided by the registrar of births and deaths office:
1. Network Masalila
2. Subscriber Marobela
3. Nokia Takongwa
4. Siemens Nzwazi
5. Motorola Mongoma
6. Dial Labukani
7. Mascom Nzwazi
8. Call Later Mabotho
9. Voicemail Mfa
10. Simcard Molebatsi
11. Scratchcard Mlaba
12. Talktime Patience
13. Send Ndebele
14. Paging Nyawose
15. Selephone Mpungogwe
16. Message Mathangwane
17. Sms Mabaso
18. Phonebook Tafa
19. Ringtone Bakoni
20. Orange Shezi
21. Prepaid Zwane
22. Pay As You Go Tibone
23. Please Call Me Tjibelu
24. Contract Mabaso
25. Charger Nguni
26. Hands Free Tshabalala
27. Unavailable Masondo
28. Switchoff Mabuza
29. Sim-Rejected Msibi
30. Sim Blocked Bagele
31. Airtime Yapela
32. Pincode Yagu
33. Ringtone Bakadzi
34. Menu Kuzwayo
35. Inbox Wakula
36. Outbox Nshakashogwe

Smoking the Hukka at Blue Note

Camping in the Erongo Mountains

Our trip to the Erongo Mountains required a stop over in Omaruru. You have to love the way that it rolls off your tongue...OM'ARR"RU"U. I was actually quite impressed with the town of Omaruru. We found a lovely little cafe which we had lunch at. The owner is American but he has relocated to Omaruru to open the Sand Dragon cafe and bistro.


The history of Omaruru is closely linked to the history of the Western Herero, who arrived mid-18th century with their herds of cattle from the Kaokoveld down south to settle. The missionary Gottlieb Viehe, came in 1872 from Otjimbingwe - the mission centre of the Rhenish Church 100 kilometres south - and built the mission house. Viehe translated the Bible into the Herero language and succeeded in converting many Herero in the Omaruru region to Christianity, even their chief Wilhelm Zeraua.

In January 1904, the violent uprising of the Herero people in Namibia started and Omaruru was strongly affected. The Herero raided the farms and surrounded the town. The Schutztruppe had left just shortly before to Gibeon, 400 kilometres south. Captain Viktor Franke, commander of the Omaruru company, returned with his men immediately after news of the uprising was received via heliograph. After a forced march of only five days, he managed to bring relief; first to Windhoek and then to Okahandja and eventually, he broke through the besieging ring around Omaruru to free the settlers. This watchtower dates back to the year 1908 when it was built in case of future attacks. To honour Captain Viktor Franke it was named after him. Source


The Kristall Kellerei Winery
The only wine maker in Namibia.


The cactus is used to make a special kind of brandy native to the southern African region. We tried it and it was quite pungent.


SunRISE in the Erongo Mountains. We were up at 6am...I suppose when camping there is not much else to do but get up early. It was georgeous.


Dawn over the Kaokoveld.


The sun rises.


My friend and camping buddy Eva, a German, working at the French Embassy in Windhoek. Its a long story. She is very bright and was a pleasure to meet.


Another ridge conquered.


Returning back down the mountain.

After digging to a depth of 100 metres last year,  Russian scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 1000 years, and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network one thousand years ago.

So, not to be outdone, in the weeks that followed, American scientists made excavations to 200 metres and made a startling discovery.  The headlines in the US papers read: "US scientists have found traces of 2000 year old optical fibre, and have concluded that their ancestors already had advanced high-tech digital telephones 1000 years earlier than the Russians."

One week later, the Zambian newspapers reported the following: "After digging as deep as 500 metres , Zambian scientists have found absolutely nothing. They have concluded that 5000 years ago, their ancestors were already using wireless technology. 

July 2006 Swakopmund Trip

Below are highlights from our recent trip to Swakopmund. It was the last trip with the first batch of Germans, Mark (left) and Sebastian. We have had some great times here in Namibia.

Acting as hardcore as possible.


After the club we always end up getting in the ocean! One way or the other...


Myself, Sebastian, Mark and Sebastians visiting friend Dennis. Good times at the club. Note the four double vodka Reb Bull's in the foreground.


Advertisment for Red Bull, or secret ninjas on the loose.


Back to the dunes for another quadbiking adventure.


Climbing the tallest sand dune in the world.


Great group shot in the dunes.


These bikes were manual transmission.


After climbing the dune....


On the way home we decided to visit the Spitzkoppe Mountain near to the coast. Although we only spend a couple of hours there I was really impressed. Would like to spend a weekend sometime.


Cactus


A small hint of life grows out of the mountain.


Fabulous views across the desert.

Upwards and Onwards: Journey to Zamiba
Various pictures of Victoria Falls

The falls as seen from above in the rainy season. These pictures were part of the package given to Sebastian and Marloes as they did microflight over the falls on our last day. It cost $80USD for 15 minutes, and I could not justify that to my budget. The pictures however speak for themselves.


Note to self: Do not, I repeat, do not visit the falls on the Zambian side in the dry season. It is not quite as spectacular. Here you can see only a small flow of water way over on the Zaimbabwe side. If you visited the Zambian side at this time of year you would likely be very dissapointed.


Classic shot of elephants drinking from the Zambezi.


The falls from above at full force during the height of the rainy season.


Here is what the microflight looked like from the camera mounted on the wing.

Upwards and Onwards: Journey to Zamiba
Various pictures of Livingston

Traditional homes in rural Zambia


The Livingston Museum in Livingston


Government building in Livingston

Upwards and Onwards: Journey to Zamiba
Day 6: Rafting the Mighty Zambezi River

The Zambezi (also spelled Zambesi) is the fourth-longest river in Africa, and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean. The area of its basin is 1,570,000 km² (606,000 miles²), slightly less than half that of the Nile. The 2,574 km (1,600 mile) long river has its source in Zambia and flows through Angola, along the border of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, to Mozambique, where it empties into the Indian Ocean.Source


On our last day we were faced with a dozen different 'adventure' activites at the falls. Everything from helicopter flights, zip line, skydiving and bungee jumping. We decided the best adventure to take would be to tackle the mighty Zambezi river on a rafting trip. The trip was a great value and included breakfast and lunch. The photos enclosed cost a little bit extra but I believe well worth it since bringing a camera along would certainly be the last time you used it.

Rafting gear.


After training we hit the river. One of the other rafts actually flipped completely sending all of the rafters into the rapids. That group was all of British origin and I don't think they were too impressed.


Crossing the 'Mother'. The Mother is a name for one of the larger rapids. Our guide explained that if we were not good to our mothers the Mother would take care of us!


Shortly after this point I was propelled out of the raft. I actually think that I let myself fly out for the adventure appeal. Sebastian tells me that as I was going overboard I plugged my nose! Instinct? I hate water in my nose!! I came up under the raft, I had no idea where I was and the current was so strong. The thankfully experienced guide reached under and pulled me up. I was completely dazed from the experience.


After the trip we were served refreshments as we dried in the warm sun. This was truly an indescribably experience!!!

Upwards and Onwards: Journey to Zamiba
Day 5: Victoria Falls

Welcome to Victoria Falls. If you have seen Niagara Falls you know the feeling of being close to such a powerfully fast moving body of water. The immense roar as the 500 million litres (19 million cubic feet) of water across a 1.7 km ridge crashes down 420 feet from top to bottom. The mist in the air as saturating as a rainstorm and the sweet, sweet smell of fresh cool water.

We litterally had to battle our way from the taxi to the falls as curio shop dealers proposed marriage to Marloes and special deals for the boys. I was offered a 'free' necklace in exchange for my promise to return on the way out.

Our first glance at the falls.


From a distance.


Looking into the great chasm which seperates Zambia and Zimbabwe.


This bridge is the main connection between Zambia from Zimbabwe located just a few hundered metres from the falls. It also serves as a bungee jumping point for the strong stomached.


Here is the group after crossing the length of the Zambian falls and over the knife edge bridge. We were litterally soaked to the bone.


We took a hike to the 'boiling point' at the base of the falls. Walking down was a total change in terain. It was like a tropical rain forest at the bottom. There were a number of rivers flowing, their origins being only the mist created by the great waterfall. If you spot Phillipp in this shot you reawlly get a feel for the size of the river and the gorge.


1...2...3....Bungee!!!!!! (yea right!)


Sebastian and I having a deep conversation at the base of the falls.


We travelled 687 yards towards the falls and 629 metres down at the same time. Needless to say we were quite tired when we had climbed back to the top. Almost immediatly we were attacked by curio salesman as they knew we were weak from the climb! We could not resist.....

Upwards and Onwards: Journey to Zamiba
Day 4: Crossing the Caprivi Strip

Although we did not see any on route. This is a road sign you are very unlikely to see!


We stopped on the road through the Caprivi to sample the famous Caprivian melons. They were rather bitter but super fresh.


A remnant of the not so distant period of unrest in the Caprivi area.


It was quite often that we encountered brush fires roaring by the roadside.


Here we are at the border post about to enter into Zambia. Luckily our visa's had been arranged by our backpackers in Livingston. The car on the other hand was another story. We were required to buy insurance from a trailer out back. Total charges:

$75 NAM - Automobile Border Tax
$200 NAM - Vehicle Insurance (good for one month)
$300 NAM - Carbon Emissions Tax (Good for six months)


Our first friends in Zambia. We pulled over shortly after crossing the border and litterally stopped traffic as hundreds of school children that were walking along the road returning home from school stopped to have a look at us. Within a few minutes we were best friends and snapped a couple of pictures. Here we have a massive karate kick!


The children would not let us leave before shaking our hands and wishing us the best. So cute!

Upwards and Onwards: Journey to Zamiba
Day 3 & 4: Northern Namibia and the Caprivi Strip

In Rundu we visited the Kavango river which seperates Namibia from Angola. It was so good to see water flowing like this after being in dry Namibia for so long. Across the river we viewed the mysterious country of Angola.

It was Sunday so we had a little trouble finding a place to eat after our ong drive up from Etosha. The only place we found was Ozzy's Beer House on the main strip. Marloes and I had some wonderful pizza's while the boys had some not so wonderful steak. When asked "What is the soup of the day?" the waitress responded, "Well the soup of the day is like a soup that we make every day" We all had a good laugh about that one!

Also of note in Rundu is the CocaCola Hypermarket, which is basically a supermarket. They also have a CocaCola bakery. The presence of this sugary drink in Africa is astonishing.




A lone boater crosses the Kavango. It was amazing to see how easy the migration could be!



Our next stop was Popa falls on the Kavango river. We rented this neat little cabin by the waterside and had a wonderful bbq.


Enjoying the fire after dinner.

Upwards and Onwards: Journey to Zamiba
Day 1 & 2: Etosha National Park

Our first day in the park. Group shot includes myself, Sebastian, Marloes and Phillipp. Also shown here is the mighty Ford that took us over 1200 kilometres from Windhoek to Livingston. This spot is in the middle of the vast pan, where wildlife was scarce but you could see for miles.


The kings of the coutnryside, my first lion sighting. We had spotted a lion cub (about the size of a large cat) and about three mother lions. It was a good thing that we were keeping an eye out behind us as these two beasts came strolling along directly behind our car. Neadless to say we all hopped back in the car pretty quickly.


Another first, a group of elephants having a drink at the watering hole. These things are truly massive in many ways. Although huge they are also an incredibly graceful creature.


Beautiful shot of the zebras frolicking with the elephants.


A very rare close up shot of the very skittish Impala.


Nice view of the stipes on this zebra.



A lone giraffe at dusk watches the drama unfold. In this spot we sighted a lion off in the distance. She was crouched very low to the ground and we soon noticed why. A couple of impalas were within roughly 50 metres of her. We were sure that we were going to witness the most brutal attack in the animal world. Unfortuantly, before the lion could strike the impalas sensed her presence and trotted off. We were a bit dissapointed but at least the impalas got to live another day.


A bit hard to see here but this was a thrill of a lifetime on the Etosha visit. A family of Rhinocerous drinking at the water hole just outside of our campsite. I always saw the rhinocerous as being the last remaining dinosaur. It was a real treat to see a family including a few young ones.


Another fabulous shot, this time capturing an Oryx as she munched on some grass.


A very well populated watering hole. Our last stop in Etosha and we left on a high note, seeing almost everything there is to see!