29 April 2016 – Swakopmund to Kamanjab

29 April 2016 – Swakopmund to Kamanjab, via Hentiesbaai, Skeleton Coast Park, Palmwag and Kamanjab

We left Swakopmund at 7.15.  It was still slightly dark.  There was a light drizzle from the mist that hang over the area.  The mist only lifted at about 10.30.

The road is excellent all the way to the Skeleton Coast Park (Skp).  It is called a salt road, here.  Not tarred but hard and smoother than tar.  It was slightly wet and it really sticks to the bakkie. See some pics later.

Hentiesbaai stretches over a large area and many large new houses are built.  We filled up with diesel here at R9.55 (50 ppm). Paid per credit card (could not in Kamanjab, cash only).

dull landscapes

The landscape between Swakopmund and Henties Bay is dull.  Sand, and flat, and the mist did not make it better.  We entered the Dorob National Park.

Very much of the same!

Just like there are no ugly dogs, there are no ugly landscapes! Bland, flat, plain,... yes.

We saw two shipwrecks.

We saw crystals being sold next to the road. Not by people!; just sitting there on makeshift tables.  The prices are N$20-50.  But there are ‘honesty boxes’ to leave the money in. In this case old tins or peanut butter jar. I realised it is salt and was half honest and left N$10.

We reached Skeleton Coast Park. A sign said no entry without a permit. Fortunately permits are available at the gate, and for free. The landscapes vary dramatically, but it is mostly bland, but impressively so.  From sandy, to gravel-covered, or large stones, from white, yellow, brown, to white, but the skies always blue.

These are photos of Walvis Bay. The stretch along the waterfront was quite exotic.  I think i posted this already.  I like the flamingoes, however.

Very few animals, but we saw jackal twice.






We left Skeleton Coast Park at Sprinbokwasser. I wished it was 'car washer'.

The landscape became more interesting.  The roads weren’t as nice, somewhat rutted with large gravel stones, and loose.  We saw Welwitschia plants, which were a highlight of the day.  Before Palmwag the mopane trees started appearing.  Here we bought firewood from kids and also gave away some of our snacks. It was quite a scene of jubilation.  Stones and crystals and some crafts are also available along the road, mostly without the owner in sight.  I did not want to take anything and just leave money; it did not feel right. There where no 'container' for money.

It's wind, not a hair style.

We entered the Grootberg pass.  Not much of a pass but beautiful scenery, especially on your way to Kamanjab

We also saw gemsbok, and elephant dung and elephant plant damage where they have eaten. And road signs warning us of elephants; but no elephants.

We ended up in Kamanjab as accommodation further west were not available. We had a few drinks at Oppikoppi Lodge, nice place,  And then went to sleep where we booked in.  Once again, i saw that you get what you paid for.  We paid little...and that's what we got!  But i wont post names here.  The Kamanjab area is worth seeing.  

In Kamanjab i got no internet worth using.  We are now one day in Ruacana already so i am one day late.  I hope to catch up tonight.  He we have wifi but very slow and decided to connect through my phone and that was MUCH faster.

We saw Ruacana falls yesterday and i sent out some pics via Whatsapp.  Today (1 May) we drive out for the day to Epupa Falls, we'll do about 300km round trip.

Diesel is still < R10 per liter.  My fuel consumption from in the 10km/l to about 9.5; probably due to 4x4 driving.