This is the second part of my Cape Desert Safari – NCDS11 adventure as we leave the Namib Naukluft National Park and head to the coastal town of Swakopmund then onto Spitzkoppe, Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park and the famous Etosha National Park.
Leaving the red desert behind we made our way to the coast via Walvis Bay to Swakopmund, a quaint little town sandwiched between the dunes and the Atlantic coastline. On arrival we went straight to the activity centre and booked our activities of choice – some chose sand boarding and some quad biking, but 15 of us went straight for the sky dive (adrenalin pumping and I haven’t even jumped yet). Shortly afterwards we checked into the Amanpuri Lodge, our group packing in a few creature comforts for the next two nights and sleeping in comfortable dorm beds.
After settling in, it was time to explore the town. Dinner was at Napoliatana Restaurant – a famous pizza, game steak and seafood place and a hot spot for the locals of the town. After dinner we were given complimentary shots at the bar, and we partied to the night away with a DJ rocking the decks.
Next, the activity I had been waiting for the whole trip – SKY DIVING! 15 of us got picked up by our shuttle at 10am and we headed off to the middle of the desert arriving at a small building with a tiny six seater plane. Two by two everyone got suited up in their jumpsuits and flew up to 10,000 feet. I watched spellbound as they all landed one by one with a mixed expression on their faces – some with sheer horror and some happy and content. With the first group down, it was my turn to board the plane. I was rather calm as we gained altitude, that was until my feet were hanging over the edge of the plane rocking back and forward. After a brief 321 countdown I was out the place and freefalling 45 seconds from 10,000 feet. WOW… What a feeling! The landing was smooth and I was full of energy. I am not going to lie… it was one of the best experiences I have ever had!
After a quick shop for supplies, we left Swakopmund behind and headed inland to Spitzkoppe – granite infused mountain in the midst of the flat desert. We set up camp amongst the rock koppies (hills) and embarked on afternoon Bushmen walk around the area with a local guide. After our walk, we grabbed a refreshing sun downer (Hunters Dry – the group’s drink of choice) and headed up one of the mountains to watch the colours shift as the sun sets over this spectacular rock formation.
As dusk came, the stars and moon lit up the night skies giving us a spectacular view. We enjoyed a beef stir fry and a double chocolate surprise for dessert and laughed and chatted until the early hours of the morning.
Leaving Spitzkoppe behind, we made our way to Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park for our first encounter with an African cat. After setting up camp we had a few hours to enjoy the sun and swim in the pool, our group joining up with fellow travellers on the Acacia truck heading south. After chilling we were ready for the animal action to begin and Matthias, one of the owners of the cheetah park picked us all up and transported us in an open trailer to the main house. Here we were greeted by four hand reared cheetahs. We had the opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing felines which made for some magnificent photos. Later that day we also had the option to feed the wild cheetahs who were living in their natural habitat.
Back at camp it was a real Africa social with both Acacia groups together for a big Acacia dinner and a party – the excitement over this event building up for the last few days. Dinner was cooked by both crew and was an entire lamb on a spit roasting over the braai. Our group made a punch for the party and after 4 hours of cooking we had a feast of a meal – lamb, garlic breads, salads and potatoes.
Waking to sounds of birds surrounding our tents, we packed our truck, said our goodbyes to the Acacia group heading south and boarded our truck for our next adventure and an exciting one at that!
We arrived at the Okaukuejo Campsite, one of the three campsites of Etosha National park. This particular campsite is well known for its floodlit water hole, where you can sit for hours on end watching the exciting game meandering across the limestone floor to drink at the watering hole situated only 20-30 metres from the seating area. After pitching those tents like professionals we headed into the Park for a two hour game drive. Binoculars and cameras in hand, we spotted the many animals of the area from lions, giraffe, zebra and numerous species of antelope. Let’s just say in two hours we were treated to some amazing non-stop game viewing!
Returning to our camp at sunset Darlington, our driver treated us to a traditional African meal – PAP (corn meal and a staple diet in Africa) and beef stew with a cabbage and peanut butter side dish. We all had to eat with our hands and although some were a little unsure at first, once they started, it was enjoyed by all.
Rising early, we entered into the park at sunrise for a full day’s game drive. In the first hour we saw four lions, black rhino, herds and herds of elephants and plenty more zebra, giraffe and antelope. We were blown away by so many sightings and it was truly amazing to see these animals roaming around in their natural environment.
After a successful morning game drive, we had lunch and a swim at the Halali campsite before reentering the park for our last safari – many herds of elephants splashing in the parks watering holes and antelopes dotting the plains. In the evening, one of our fellow travellers, Mario, who is a Sous chef in Switzerland kindly prepared a special meal for us – chicken and noodle stir fry with a range of veggies and a fruit salad for dessert. Stomach full, most of the group headed to the watering hole to be greeted by rhino and lions popping in for a drink or two throughout the night
This morning I woke up with the very bitter sweet emotion that my tour was coming to an end and that this would be the last breakfast with my group and the last time I would be taking down my tent. We packed up and said goodbye to Etosha and headed off to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.
Arriving in the early afternoon we had a few hours to enjoy the city and a cheeky beer at the German Beer Garden to steal us away from the heat of the day before reaching Arebbusch, our camp site for the evening. As it was my last night, I stayed in a room with the luxury of air con and spoiled myself with a few creature comforts. Changing into some clean clothes, we headed back into the city to the famous “Joe’s Beer House” restaurant. Known especially for its Jagermeister, the drink of the city and for its game meat including the Sosatie (cubed meat on skewers consisting of Kudu, Zebra, Crocodile, Ostrich and Oryx) this place is a hot spot for both locals and travellers alike.
Some truly mouth watering food, a few beers, Jagermeister and lots of laughs later; we arrived back at the Lodge. Saying good night and goodbye to all, I headed to bed.
It has to be said, out on tour I made some amazing new friends, each person contributing to the excitement and enjoyment of my trip. I will never forget the experiences, the food cooked on route, the laughs, the memories and the lasting friends that Acacia has offered me by sending me on the 11-day Cape Desert Safari – it was an unforgettable overland expedition. Thank you Acacia Africa… it was a trip of a life time!
Written and Images by: Samantha MacMahon