I woke up feeling more than a little groggy. I had slept the night before, but not a lot and it definitely wasn't a deep sleep! The fact that I had to pack-up and meet back up at the truck for 7:30 am, added insult to injury. I walked up the large dirt hill in a daze. I needed sleep, a lot more sleep. It wasn't that I was grumpy, it was that I was still half asleep!
The Orange River is out last stop in Namibia, before we cross the border into South Africa. It's hard to believe that in 2 days, my trip will be over. It's even harder to believe that I've spent the last 6 or so weeks traveling overland from Nairobi, through 8 African countries, to Cape Town!
Today was our last early start of the trip, which is kind of sad in a way. I've gone from trip 'firsts' to trip 'lasts' and it feels like time is slipping by way too quickly for my liking. I have LOVED the second half (Victoria Falls to Cape Town) of my trip so far. In fact, I am tempted to come back next year and do the exact same trip with Intrepid (this time I know what I MUST have and what I can leave behind).
[caption id="attachment_5708" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Tropic of Capricorn![/caption]
When I looked at the map of Namibia at the back of Kitonga (our Intrepid Truck) and saw that we'd be passing the Tropic of Capricorn, I was pretty excited. This would be my first time passing this particular tropic and to be passing it in Africa was an added bonus.
The air was heavy with the scent of salt and sulfur as we stepped off the truck in Swakopmund to check out our accommodations for the next three nights. Unlike most of the nights on this leg of our trip, I get to sleep in an actual bed for three nights -which feels like the biggest luxury in the world right now.
[caption id="attachment_5603" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
A self portrait at Spitzkoppe, Namibia[/caption]
Sleeping under the stars in Africa is one of those things that many of us dream of. It’s the ultimate camping experience. It’s being one with nature. It’s exposing oneself to the elements and praying that karma is not mad at you.
It’s sad to think that Etoshia is the last game drive of my classic journeys trip from Kenya to Cape Town. Sure, we’ve already had like 4 or so, but this is the last one, which means I’m close to the end of my trip! I must admit, it’s a very sad thought -although game driving in itself is quite exciting.
Unlike the Maasai in Tanzania, having a semi-authentic experience with the San Bushmen in Namibia is possible. Sure, they have a small curio area where you can buy items they have crafted with their own hands, but the money is being used to help support their community and way of life.
“OMG, Monkeys!!!” That’s what everyone says when they see monkeys hanging around, but believe me after you get to know them, you’ll change your tune.
The lodge we’re camping behind in Chobe is located along the Chobe River (which becomes the Okavango River). The location is inspiringly beautiful, with the river, tall trees with green leaves, Elephants, Hippos, and monkeys. Lots and lots of monkeys.
Usually, I groan inwardly whenever I’m told that I have to get up at 5 am and it’s not related to work where I actually get paid money to be awake at that time. But when the reason is a 6:00 a.m. Game Drive, I don’t really mind. Actually, I’m pretty sure most people wouldn’t mind.
I rocked up to reception wearing a long sleeve shirt, a t-shirt, a sweater, my cargo pants, socks, my flip flops and a warm pashmina type scarf. I am not new to going on a Game Drive in the wee hours of the morning or late at night when the air is crisp and cool.