Naukluft Park

February 1^st, 2003

Starting off in Sesriem we follow the dried river bed of the Tsauchap, which the gravel road crosses several times. The landscape changes from savannah to a more rocky ground with less bushes and little grass. From time to time we spot some animals behind the farm's fences, for example, Oryx, ostriches and warthogs.

In the afternoon we reach the entrance gate to the Namib Naukluft Park and another 2 km later we stop at the park office to check in. The campground itself is located a little bit further in a valley and at this time we are the only guests - beside a few baboons, which we were warned of by the park warden. We don't feel very happy about having those curios and strong animals that close but beside that they sneak up upon us a few times nothing happens. The rest of the day we spent relaxing from the strenuous drive of the past hours and days.

A lot of birds live here, that all seem to find their way to our dinner braai in order to catch some of the bread crumbs that fall down. There are weaver birds as well as doles, that give us a noisy background and something to watch and enjoy...

February 2^nd, 2003

Toady again, we keep it relaxed, the temperature's gone up high already in these morning hours. The hike of the Waterkloof loop we planned to do today we postpone until the afternoon or evening. Gudi and Steffen take the car to explore the park a bit while Geraldine and I stay to read or write diary. As the Steffen and Gudi come back the car has a flat tire (the second), which is exchanged in now time. A bit later Geraldine and I take to car to get to Bülsport -  a farm with a gas station and a garage - to fill up gas and get the tire repaired. On the way back we see some Hartmann's zebras and a few kudus, which seek the cool shadows of the bushes for their siesta....

In the evening it cools down a bit and so Geraldine and I decide to go for the Waterkloof trail for a bit. It leads us into a narrow valley which surprises us with its green look in contrast to the rocky slopes around us. We discover some klipspringer, baboons and a wonderful, huge quiver tree.

As the sun sets we head back for the campsite and get us a steaming stew of rice, boerwors and vegetables. Soon later we hit our sleeping bags as the next day will be a day of driving again...