Camp Xaragu to Okaukuejo

Tonight Phil and I are sitting on a bench next to a watering hole in the Etosha National Park. I must say that I cannot believe that we are sitting here. It is simply stunning. The sun just set into the west and we are watching as the animals navigate down to the watering hole.

Last night was very wonderful – at the Camp Xaragu – which had no electricity and an outdoor shower and loo. We were in bed by 8:40 and it was totally quiet under the African sky. Camp Xaragu has a beautiful setting and many animals are walking around – including a baboon – who was rescued from the wild. At one time they tried to send him back to the wild- but that did not work. So- he lives at Camp Xaragu. Because we did not want to sit next to the smokers, we sat outside and enjoyed a lovely dinner then went to bed at 8:30. Our room was wonderful- only lanterns. This morning we awoke and took a shower in our outdoor shower room. It was warm (which helped).
Then we ate our breakfast and talked with an Australian geologist for a bit. Then we left and drove to the petrified forest which was amazing. Our tour guide was very good. Phil explained to him the differences between these trees and the ones in Arizona including a computer exhibition of the Arizona petrified rocks, that are roughly the same age..
Then we drove to the Vingerklip – which is a large finger shaped rock that is a remnant of the old river terrace that was stranded in the middle of the valley.
We are dinner in the small tow of Outjo. They have a nice restaurant there where we ate our lunch. Then we watched as the high schoolers walked home. Josea says they much come back to study later in the day. He also stressed that most of these students will have a long road ahead of them – they must do very well in order to get into the university and the rest will simply get a job after finishing high school. It is very hard to excel in Namibia- but Josea did it and is proud of himself. He came from a very poor family and his father died in Angola of cholera. So he supports his entire family with money from his income as a tour guide.
Then we drove to Etosha and arrived in time to take a short trip to two watering holes. Our room is at the end of the road and overlooks the watering hole. Right now we are sitting on a bench watching the sun set – over the water hole and watching the springbok come down to the water and drink – as well as the zebra and the jackals. We were just told that the lions come at 3:30-4:00 in the morning. I might get up for that!!! Unbelievably, seven elephants just arrived at the watering hole. One is a baby. But they are amazing. Phil is taking video footage of them. There are two spotlights on the watering hole that apparently stay on all night. I am just in awe of the wonder and beauty of Africa.