Namibia Trip - September 2008

Robert and Jane at the gate to Etosha

September 6 - Outjo and Camp Xaragu

After breakfast we were planning to go to the waterhole one last time before leaving but Robert and Dad were told that there were lions spotted at another waterhole not far away.  So they quickly put the last few things in the car and we rode out there.  We found two lions lazing around.  After a while they got up and walked across the road and lay down under a tree, so we decided to be on our way.

We then spent another hour visiting other waterholes while working our way to the gate.  We left Etosha National Park at 9:15am and headed for Khorixas. 

Himba women and children sitting along the road in Outjo.

On our way to Camp Xaragu we passed through the very small town of Outjo where we did some shopping for food and fuel.  On the pavement we saw this group of Himba women and children.  They were very insistent on getting a lot of money from us because we wanted to take their photo.  I handed them some money but after I took two photos and wanted to take a third one woman told me to F*** off.  It must be the only English word she knows.  They are only there for tourism as they are actually from a region in the north of Namibia.

Robert sitting on a petrified tree

We went to a petrified forest where there were many petrified trees and sections of trees lying about.  In between there were also the unusual Welwitschia mirabilis plants, which can be seen here just behind Robert.  They get to be several hundred years old.

Robert and Mom at the "Graft Shop"

While driving through miles of nothing but low hills and scrubby mopani trees we came across a little craft shop shack.  On a sign was written "Graft Shop, Welcome".  We stopped to have a look what they could possibly be selling.  There were several crystals, interesting stones and a few wooden hand carved animals.  We put some money in his donation box before leaving.

Dad replacing wheel for German couple

While driving along we stopped when we saw this couple with a flat wheel.  The rim was bent and the tire was completely shredded.  The man was not very handy so he appreciated having Dad replace the wheel for him.

Jane making dinner while Mom sits back with a glass of wine

We arrived at Camp Xaragu at around 3:40pm and set up camp.  The sites were clean and spacious.  For hot water they lit fires under large water drums called donkeys.  The water was so hot I almost burnt myself when I went for a shower.  When we first arrived Mom and Dad went for a swim in the pool and Robert and I went for a hike up the hill overlooking the camp.

Camp Xaragu did not have electricity so we had to use a gas lantern for light.  That night a herd of cattle came right through camp.  They slobbered all over our cooking gear and knocked chairs over.  Dad got up and chased them out of camp.

Camp Xaragu from a nearby hill

 

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For comments contact Jane at  jburke@gtcreations.com
September 2008