Twyfelfontein - Damara Mopane Lodge

The blog is in progress! Important additions by Renate and Dietmar necessary!

Namibia

Our accommodation on the Namibia tour:
Villa Kojac in Windhoek (A). Kalahari Anib Lodge (B). Soussousvlei Lodge (C), Rostock Ritz Dessert Lodge (E), Beach Walk Self Catering House (F), Damara Mopane Lodge (I), Etosha Safari Camp (J), Mushara Bush Camp (K), Frans Indongo Lodge (L), Villa Kojac (A).

The statements listed in quotations were created by ChatGPT.


Flight to Windhoek – continuation of our trip in Namibia, 18/03/2013

After our short stay in Cape Town, we continue our journey in Namibia. What did you miss? Click and you’re back at the Cape Town blog.

After arriving at the airport in Cape Town in a minibus and with much melancholy, an Air Namib aircraft brought us safely to Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek after 1,275 kilometres. Windhoek is perhaps a bit of an exaggeration, as the airport is 40 kilometres from Windhoek and can only be reached by car or taxi. There is certainly room for improvement in local public transport.

After landing and a short walk on the tarmac – we couldn’t make out a finger at the airport – we reached the terminals in pleasant temperatures. Good thing we had our sun protection with us in the form of floppy hats.

Welkom in Namibia

What a pleasant surprise! We were warmly welcomed by the reception committee of DIAMOND TOURS NAMIBIA cc – Geli and Ulf.

A quick hug, the suitcases were quickly stowed in the VW van and off we went the 40 kilometres towards Windhoek. We were able to take off our floppy hats during the journey.

Halfway along the route, the DIAMAND TOURS van pilot headed for a car park. Under the shelter of the trees, a welcoming spread of Namibian specialities was quickly set up and a glass of sparkling wine was of course a must.

Sjoe, ons het aangekom – For those who don’t understand, this is Africaans, one of the official languages in Namibia, the second official language is English!

After a warm welcome, we travelled on to Villa Kojac in Beckystreet, Windhoek.
DIAMND TOURS Namibia cc had booked Villa Kojac for us for one night at the beginning and two nights at the end in Windhoek.
A great villa with 7 rooms and a large pool. A dog as security and a baseball bat just in case. We immediately enjoyed the freshness of the pool.
The welcome from the dark-skinned service staff was a little short,

……………………………………………………………….. Pick up a hire car from Savanne Car Hire and get used to driving on the left.
Spend the night with Geli and Ulf. Relaxing ……………………………………….. Good night.


Drive to Kalahari Anib Lodge, 19/03/2013

Damara Mopane Lodge

Sundowner party what a sight. wow. Almost lost. Dinner at the lodge.


Drive to Sesriem to Soussusvlei Lodge, 20/03/2013

A short diversions via Duwisib Castle. A Swiss couple were travelling here in their own motorhome.
Visit to the medical centre at Soussousvlei Lodge. 2 ambulances became 2 pieces of scrap metal.
Dinner what a treat. ……………………………


Trip to Soussusvlei, Deadvlei, 21/03/2013

Today we went on an excursion with a total of eight people and a guide. Two couples of Greek origin, who now live in Cape Town and Johannesburg respectively, were on board. They stopped off at Soussousvlei Lodge, the airport was just round the corner, and will fly on to the Victoria Falls tomorrow in a rented Cessna. Chapeau, you don’t treat yourself to anything else.

The first stop was a bay about 500 metres from dune 45 with a magnificent view of the dune. The contrast between the red sand and the intense blue sky was impressive.

After almost 70 kilometres on sometimes very sandy tracks, we reached Soussousvlei. There we stopped under one of the few shady trees. We wouldn’t have reached Souusousvlei without the decent four-wheel drive. Now it was time for lunch. Our guide had catered for everything. Food, drinks, what a treat! There was even a public toilet in the form of a wooden shack not too far away.

Then we set off on foot towards Deadvlei. After about 1 km we reached the foot of the ascent of the front dune. Once at the top, we were able to enjoy the impressive Deadvlei, at the other end of which we could marvel at the Big Daddy Dune. Incredible!

Descent …………………………… Deadvlei and back to the car park – back to Soussousvlei Lodge for dinner. Wow it was great


Trip to the Rostok Ritz Dessert Lodge, 22/03/2013

133 km

We reached Solitär on the way. The scrap petrol station and scrap cars looked like a museum from the past. Small restaurant. Coffee and snack. The stop was worth recommending.
We continued towards Rostock Ritz. Very remote. Absolute peace and quiet. Accommodation in the shape of an igloo. Wonderful swimming pool.
Then the car battery died. Huhhhh.
Dinner at the Rostock Ritz restaurant.


Drive to Swakopmund, Beach Walk Self Catering Holiday House, 23/03/2013

231 km

From Rostock to Walvis Bay. Viewed the harbour. On to Swakopmund to the Holiday House. Check in at EMGARD KATJIUA, the so-called front of house.
Short city tour. Dinner at the Lighthouse. With Geli, Ulf and Gerrit.


Swakopmund, Beach Walk Self Catering Holiday House, Walvis Bay, 24/03/2013

35 km – We had to get up early. We still had to get to Walvis Bay. Departure at 8.30 in the morning with the catamaran, Air Hans at the helm, to the seal banks.
Around midday we went with Ulf to Pink Lake – flamingos without end – and past the Walvis Bay Salt Works.
Back in Swakopmud it was time to relax.
Towards evening we walked along the beach to Swakopmund. THE BEACHES OF SWAKOPMUND – the short film.
Dinner with Geli, Ulf and Gerrit at the Jetty Pier – End of Pier


Drive from Swakopmund to Damara Mopane Lodge, 25/03/2013

330km

Extensive breakfast with Geli and Ulf in Swakobmund.
Long drive from Swakopmund to Damara Mopane Lodge. 330 km 4 h drive.
Damara Mopane Lodge 20°18’6.36″S 15°10’29.36″E
Relax and enjoy the pool
The owner knew Ulf, as his mother had worked at Jac-Mat.
We enjoyed dinner in the restaurant and savoured the peace and quiet by the green-lit pool.


Damara Mopane Lodge, Twyfelfontaine, 26/03/2013

Breakfast and drive to the Twyfelfontain approx. 130 km and usually 2 h drive.

And then it happened. A few kilometres after Khorixas at around 10:15 a.m., we had a flat tyre, and that at an outside temperature of 44°C with no sheltering trees within reach. The rear right tyre was simply flat. It was probably due to the sharp gravel track. Two vehicles with tourists on board, who had the same destination as us, provided strong support. The puncture was fixed at around 10.45 am. We were simply proud of our amazing achievement. A monument built of stones was erected to remind all passers-by of our breakdown. If we ever come to Namibia again, we will definitely take a look at this place.

Here are a few coordinates, important or not:

  • Flat tyre 20°22’04.82″S      14°56’22.56″E     946 m       44° C
  • Twylfontaine       20°35’25.06″S   14°22’19.37″E
  • Damara Living Museum     20°31’47.48″S  14°23’52.36″E
  • Organ pipes    20°36’46.00″S    14°24’57.93″E

We arrived at the Twyfelfontain Visitor Centre a little late, around 12.30 pm.
Damara Living Museum.
Organ pipes.
Back at the lodge we went to the Sundowner View Station cc. 500m walk at half height with a marvellous view of Damaraland. We enjoyed a sundowner with champagne. Wow.
Dinner at the lodge. The day was eventful.


Drive to the Etosha Safari Camp, Gondwana Collection Namibia, 27/03/2013

200km

After breakfast at Damara Mopane Lodge, we continued our journey. Our destination was Etosha Safari Camp, not too far from the gate to Etosha NP.
High earth towers on the drive there.
Great rooms, nicely decorated, laps in the round swimming pool.
Great shebeens in the lodge. Interesting interior bathtubs. Colourful seats …..
Dinner in a great shebeen.


Drive to Etoha National Park and Mushara Bush Camp, 28/03/2013

200km

Drive to Anderson Gate Etosha National Park, entrance fee paid. We continued to Okaukuejo. After stopping there, we heard that lions could be seen at Okondeka (natural waterhole). We quickly drove there. Magnificent lions crept around our car. Please don’t get out of the car.
Buffalo, ibex, lions. Ostriches. Wiedehoppf.
Elephant came towards us. Reverse gear !!!!!
We continued to the waterhole. Ibex.
Lunch in Halali ……..Giraffes, elephants.
Through the Namutoni Gate to Mushara Camp. Stopped by the police on the way. Speed measurement with a laser gun.


Mushara Bush Camp, Etosha National Park, 29/03/2013

140km in Etosha NP

Breakfast at Mushara Bush Camp accompanied by a birthday serenade. It was nice.
We entered the park through the Namutoni Gate.
Unfortunately it rained lightly at night, so that few animals could be spotted.
Lots of zebras.
Stop at Fort Namutoni ….
Giraffes zebras, other animals
Then we got stuck in the mud on a side track. Phew
We struggled to get the vehicle moving again without getting out. It was a close call. We had already prepared ourselves for an overnight stay. We couldn’t get out. Wildtire!
Back at the lodge, we enjoyed a Winttre beer and dinner.


Drive to Frans Indongo Lodge, 30.03.2013

235 km

Breakfast
Short stop in Tsumeb market interesting.
At Okave we crossed the railway tracks. Then we reached Frans Indongo Lodge.
Interesting bar and interesting rooms. Nice terrace
Delicious dinner in the restaurant.


Drive to Windhoek to Villa Kojac, 31/03/2013

328 km

Breakfast at Frans …….
We continued through Otjiwarongo to Okahandja. Stop at the Okahandja Craft Market.
Great carvings.
We travelled through Katutura in Windhoek and saw many tin huts.
We visited the government quarter, the equestrian memorial and the Elisabeth Church,
The museum built by North Korea was impressive.
Then we went to Villa Kojac in Becky Street, just off Anna Straat. Lots of CCTV cameras provide security. Oh well.
Then we moved in with Geli and Ulf.
7 rooms, great bar and outdoor dining area and a swimming pool. Gerrit was also part of the party.
Then we drove into town together. Joe’s Bierhaus was the destination. 1 metre beer bar. Nice antique ambience. Good food. Good beer.
The car park attendant got a great tip from Ulf.

It was nice.


Villa Kojac, Windhoek Sightseeing,  01/04/2013

Breakfast at Villa Kojac. City tour with Ulf.
Jacmat. Jan Jonker Self Catering. (Angola Embassy?)
Flowers for Geli What a pleasure.
Hill with a marvellous view over Windhoek. Passing the water supply.
Windhoek railway station. Welwitchia train to Swakopmund ready to go. Beautiful carriages, old locomotive.
Passing the new government quarter. Photographs are undesirable, even from the car. Shouting keeps us following Puh
Barbecue at Geli and Ulf’s in the evening. Friends who had emigrated to Namibia were visiting. We had a barbecue and it was delicious.
At night Dietmar was looking for his camera. Ulf was already standing there with a baseball bat. He suspected burglars. Once again it went well.


Return flight on 02.04.2013 Arrival FFM Airport on 03/04/2013

Ulf took us to the airport. The last 40 kilometres by car in Namibia.

Return flight on 2 April with Air Namib to FFM. Arrival in FFM in the morning. We took the ICE to Stuttgart, then we went our separate ways – SiFiMai and Tamm were the stops.

It was nice – even after more than 10 years, the reappraisal is still in full swing.

Etosha National Park

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