Namibia

Blow Out

KABOOM

The moment I heard the sound and felt the cruiser begin to sway out of control I knew but could not believe it, we had another puncture our 7th!!!

But this time when we got out of the car we discovered this was more than a simple puncture the whole back left tire was shredded. This was not going to be a patch job this would require buying new tires.

Once again we prepared to change the tire, tools out, rocks in front of wheels, brakes on, spare tire removed, high lift jack positioned and slowly the heavy cruiser hoisted into the air. A small group of locals gathered to watch the performance, which we now have down to a well practiced procedure. The tire was changed without much trouble and the locals asked if they could have the inner tube as they make ropes from the rubber. While they removed the inner tube I took some pictures and video of the children in exchange for some lollipops.

Lion Fish

It seems we were getting a message our tires had served us well on our Cape to Cairo trip but we needed new ones for this trip. The tires had traveled across 1000's and 1000's of miles across some of the worst road conditions in the world they had served us well but needed to be replaced.

We arrived at Rundu and headed for K'Wazi Campsite where we had stayed on our last trip. I am amazed at what we remember from our last trip. Tom remembers all the places we ate and what we had to eat, I now know what he thinks is important on these trips.

We would have to drive to a larger centre to buy tires but there was no rush it was the weekend so we relaxed and took our time making our way to Tsumeb.

Entosha Park Zebra

ETOSHA PARK

Etosha Nature Game Park is currently being renovated and accommodation is limited so we were only able to get in for one night. But we spent 2 full days in savoring all Africa wildlife has to offer. It is winter here so it the best time for viewing animals as they are at the waterholes. We were lucky and saw lots of game before we had to leave.

KAOKOLAND

Himbu People

Kaokoland is located in the most northerly eastern part of Namibia a semi desert area, rugged. It is a vast stretch of land and is inhospitable to all except the local Himba people and hardy travelers. It is barren and offers little in vegetation and water. The Himbu people are beautiful and the women dress in traditional clothing covering their bodies in rich orchre beautiful babies on their backs strapped on with leather. Their hair is braided with mud and wax into dreadlocks. The children wear a simple leather loin cloth. The men are not ornately dressed but married men do cover their hair in a knot on the top.

Himbu woman

We headed for Epupa Falls on the Kunene River along which lies on the border between Namibia and Angola. We camped here along side the thunderous waterfall it was beautiful.