Safari News

Here you will find recent Safari news.

Namibia Tourism News - February 2013

Newsletter 2013 February

Dear Friends of Namibia

Group photo at the edge of the Marienfluss Conservancy

This time we will not present a normal newsletter, but it is rather a small travel report about Namibia’s „Wild West“ by a team member of Acacia Namibia who went on tour in December last year.

The tour ran from Windhoek via Kamanjab – Grootberg Pass – Palmwag – Warmquelle – Sesfontein – Opuwo – Epupa – back to Opuwo – Kaoko Otavi – Otjiu – Red Drum – Marienfluss – Blue Drum – Orupembe – Opuwo – Kamanjab – Windhoek.

We had great adventures and could fill a book. But we rather let the pictures tell their story and just write about the most interesting places we visited on our trip.

With two cars, kids in tow and the whole kit and caboodle (better known as our faithful companion and guard dog Rottweiler Vasca) we departed on our adventure ...

Ongongo - Warmquelle

Ongongo camp site with the most beautiful pool

Just before Sesfontein we found a few houses and assumed that this must be the village Warmquelle. We really did not expect this little paradise we have found here at Ongongo!

We were driving for about 6 km on a small dusty road with large rocks which only allowed a speed of about 20 km/h. We had our doubts whether we were on the right track. But what we found at the end of this road was definitely worth it!

Although the site itself is very basic, everything you need for camping is there, although not in top condition but at least clean. But the real reason for a visit to Ongongo is the "swimming pool". Water flows down from a rock into a natural pool. However, this is not for the fainthearted as you have to pick the leeches from your body after the swim ...

Epupa Falls

Impressions of the Epupa Falls

One of our many highlights of the trip was Epupa Falls. In Herero language Epupa means “falling water” - how appropriate! After exploring the waterfalls, admiring the huuuuuuge baobab trees and learning about the Himba traditions we also drove along the Kunene River. Our goal was the lookout point for the large Kunene crocs. But they had probably gone on their typical Namibian December holidays already. So we found a nice spot for lunch and cooled ourselves down in a small, crocodile-free side arm of the Kunene River.

Back at the campsite there was time to relax in the hammock, do some birding or help the chef preparing a delicious meal. Vasca also enjoyed her stay at Epupa and became friends with Tessy, the campsite dog. We just had to watch out that she was not going to be eaten by a crocodile or being washed down the falls while having a bath in the River! ☺

Rooi Drom – Red Drum – rote Tonne

The blue drum not far from the red drum - ???

After hours of driving on bad roads we finally reached the famous Red Drum in the middle of nowhere in the deepest Kaokoland. It gives you an indication that you are still on the right track as it shows you the way to Marienfluss where a couple of trees provided shade for a little rest before continuing the journey ...

On the way back from the Marienfluss we passed Red Drum again. But this time we chose a different route leading us close to the Skeleton Coast National Park. Sometimes we thought we could see the sea. But in this heat and these empty open spaces it could not have been anything else than a mirage. Funny enough, we then also passed the Blue Drum. What is it about with the drums in Kaokoland?

By the way, the public phone on top of the drum did not work ...

Hoarusib River

Plenty of Nothing

We spent two nights next to the Hoarusib River. The first night when we left civilization behind us and then again for the last night of our trip to enjoy the peace and quiet one more time before heading back to city life.

Unfortunately we did not see the desert elephants that live in the area, only their droppings which still looked very fresh. It told us that they must have been there fairly recently...

Nevertheless, it was an absolute unique experience to enjoy Christmas under a Mopane tree far away from home. Coming from Europe it was an absolutely unique experience. The Christmas gifts had suffered a bit on the bumpy ride, but the recipients have enjoyed it anyway.

Wild Camping in the Kaokoveld

The Hoarusib even had some water, and especially after returning from the hot and dry no man’s land, everybody (including Vasca!) was grateful for the refreshment ...

We could have actually filled a book with all the photos and stories about this amazing adventure holiday, but space does not allow us.

Those who would like to get more information about the Kaokoveld are welcome to drop us an e-mail with the subject "Kaokoveld" and we are happy to answer.

„Totsiens” and warm greetings from a hot Windhoek
Your Acacia Namibia Team

News Archive

Find older news in our pdf archive:

• Newsletter 2012 November
• Newsletter 2012 August
• Newsletter 2012 May
• Newsletter 2012 February
• Newsletter 2011 November
• Newsletter 2010 October
• Newsletter 2010 February
• Newsletter 2009 November