2 May 2016 - Ruacana to Halali camp, in Etosha

Ruacana to Halali camp in Etosha, via Outapi, Oshakati, Ondangwa, Okatope

Today was a very mixed day. We left tranquil days in Ruacana and Kaokoland. We drove SE into Ovamboland.  Our 1st stop was Outapi (Ombalantu) to see the 'big baobab tree'.  It was both a holiday, and early.  The tree was locked in and a 'warning' that 'no pictures may be taken without permission'.  As there was no one there i took two pics.  We first had to ask where the tree was and the reception was icy.  Then at the tree i asked a young guy when it opens, he ignored me.  We took the pics and left.  The vibe was very cold.  We were not welcome.

The tree is 'hollow' inside and was variously used as a church and a bar.  Also in war times (pre 1930's) people hid inside.

Picture on the left, May 2016, two on the right, 1982.

2nd May's drive.  The graphic comes from a free app called Geo Tracker.  I paste the three images adjacent to each other. The track can be exported to kml and gpx files.

...and more beautiful sunrises

...and more beautiful sunrises

...and more beautiful sunrises

 From Outapi to 30kms past Ondangwa the area is heavily populated.  Oshakati is as big as George, and Ondangwa almost as big. All the shops we use are in the malls.  the main roads are very busy with people and vehicles.Oshakati's entrance.

There are definitely a drive for development and an irrigation scheme is in place.  I wanted to show the channel running along the road and got these two interesting pics!

Tennis is definitely small in the rural towns. All the tennis courts are beyond repair. Donkeys, however, are big.  You see 'herds' of the together.

The road from Outapi S is tarred, but it seldom has long stretches of more than 100 km/h and it changes very often to 60 km/h.  Very slow going.

More signposts

We entered Etosha after noon, and saw many species of animals but not that many of a species. One of this, and one of that, there are exceptions of course.

We are at Halali.  At the waterhole we were fortunate to see a black rhino.  Later another arrived and we witnessed a mock fight. Yes, it is on video.  This gave us more than a hour's joy, and exquisite sunsets.

Number one sees number two.

3 May we spend the day around Halali.  Our accommodation is fine but no braai facility?