Day 8 Saturday 9th July: Swakopmund to Etosha

Back on the road again; this time on our way to Etosha our final destination. We set off on the coastal road and at Henties Bay headed inland across the flat and expansive Namib desert. Once again we were overwhelmed with the vastness and beauty of the desert landscape. After an hour of driving as we approached Khorixas the road begins to climb again leading through valley after valley of rolling grass lands – this is the Demaraland territory. As one proceeds further along the road the stark brown surround is suddenly broken by the sight of women dressed in traditional Herero style dresses selling dolls, gemstones and other crafts.

It was another 5 hour drive before we reached Etosha at Okaukuejo Camp. It was a dusty warm afternoon as we set up camp. We have been given campsites side by side and facing the perimeter fence into the bush – perfect! The camp is wonderfully organized with great ablutions, electricity to each camp site, a shop, restaurant etc.

As light faded we immediately became aware of the presence of many jackals in camp. They scurry around keen to pounce on any opportunity. They even enter a tent if it is left with a door open!

The waterhole at Okaukuejo is one of the wildlife successes of any reserve anywhere in the world. Adjacent to the camp and literally 15 meters away from a low perimeter wall to the water is this much needed water source for the animals. We arrived in time to see two bull elephant beautifully silhouetted against the sunset enjoying a lazy early evening drink. The light faded fast and we once again doned our tracksuits and beanies and huddled around the camp fire as the desert grew cold for the night.