An introduction to Namibia

This post has been a long time in the making. We actually visited Namibia after Christmas for a week, but haven’t gotten around to writing about it yet. However I do think it rates a mention as Namibia was fantastic.

Namibia is a developing country, however there are times when driving around it that it’s easy to forget that. The roads and infrastructure (unlike in Zambia), is first world. We drove quite long distances and were amazed at how well planned and maintained things were.

One of the many well planned and maintained rest spots along the way

Our trip was a short one this time (a much bigger trip is planned for later in the year- Namibia and Botswana road trip- can’t wait!), but we did make it as far as the famous Etosha National Park. Unfortunately it wasn’t the best time of the year for animal sightings and we didn’t see any really exciting animals on this occasion, but was still great to get there and check it out.

Giraffe: Would have been a better photo without the car in front!

Plenty of Zebra

I know they're only Guinea Fowl, but I thought they were cool anyway

A lone Impala: Was the story of our day!

Mike loved the chance to take “Ruth” through the puddles (some more like small rivers).



"Ruth": Mike is so proud of this photo



Salt plain

So we were close to Etosha, we decided to stay in the town of Tsumeb. The town was actually quite strange, too quiet, but was still somewhat pretty and you could feel the German influence throughout it (and not just because of the beer). 

Windoek is Namibia's very yummy beer

Tsumeb

Tsumeb's main street: Not really happening

The camping ground we stayed at was great, fully decked and felt shiny and new. We also enjoyed a well cooked steak and nice red at the onsite restaurant “Dros”, our first in about 3 months, since we left home.

Our campsite in Tsumeb

Our first steak since leaving home. Loved the cow touch!

Enjoying a nice glass of red

On our way back to Zambia we stopped off at Ngepi Camp, a good half way point located in the Western Caprivi Strip, Kavango region.

Ngepi Camp had a great write up and we were looking extremely forward to staying there, even booking one of their Bush Huts as a bit of a treat after camping all week.

The camp is set up in a beautiful enclosure, with a “pool” fenced off in the river and a relaxed bar.

Ngepi's swimming pool

Ngepi Bar

I just loved this; was next to the pool

Our Bush Hut was a great concept, with open rooms looking out into the bush surrounds and open bathroom. However it all didn’t quite work. When we were there it was wet and the solar powered hot water was cold. So no warm shower! And to get to the bathroom we had to walk out of our room to the back of the hut in the rain. And the staff, mostly expats, all came with attitude problems, which doesn’t make for a pleasant stay.

Mike in our bush hut

The very cool view from our bush hut. Was lovely to wake up to!

Outdoor bathroom & shower. Was nice except for the cold water.

So we were a bit disappointed with Ngepi, but still tried to make the most of it sharing a bottle of sparkling.

Our bush hut celebration. We found a bottle of "Flexirent" which we
were quite excited about (for those who understand the joke)

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Overall a great trip despite a few things not going to plan. But loved Namibia and definitely looking forward to coming back later in the year.