Namibia 2007

Our objective on this our second visit to Namibia, was to explore the Northern reaches of this stunning country. For many years the stunning vistas of Kaokaland were not accessible to the average person due to the bush war which was being waged on the Border with Angola. With the war now over we could wander freely over this ancient and wondrous  silent captivating landscape. Our destination was the remote and spectacular Epupa Falls which was a multi-day drive from the Botswana border.

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.

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 at and what we had, 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. 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. This set of 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 now needed to be replaced.

Our route to Epupa allowed us to visit Etosha Game Park again. We had so enjoyed our stay there on our Cape to Cairo trip.

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 travellers. It is barren and offers little in vegetation or water. The Himba people are beautiful and the women dress in traditional clothing covering their bodies in rich ochre 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.

The Himba are nomadic cattle herders. They roam the dry Kaokoveld looking for water and fresh pasture. They build simple mud huts for shelter while they are travelling.

The remote and captivating Epupa Falls in The Cunene River.

Next stop Angola.