We started out early, gates open 6:30am and we were out by 7am – an achievement, we had to pack up camp, load the cars and get 6 people ready and in their seats to head out. Our plan was a self drive safari across Etosha National Park from Halali to Namutoni taking routes to various water holes along the way and a visit to Etosha Pan – a 5,000 sq km dry lake bed. Brunch was enjoyed at the pan with a much-needed second cup of coffee. And I must report that my portable toilet from REI came in handy!!! Sightings for the day included:
- Thousands of springbok
- Thousands of herds of zebra, even watched a large herd gather at the water hole and drink then wander off, steady flow
- A couple journeys of giraffe
- Hundreds of wildebeest
- Several herds of gemsbok (otherwise known as oryx)
- Herd of 14 elephants crossing the plain, watched them for about 20 minutes anticipating them crossing our path and they did – a perfect sighting and very unexpected given it was close to 1pm and we were on the maid road when we saw them in the distance
- Various species of bird life, from Namaqua sand grouse to pale chanting goshawk
- A family of 20+ banded mongoose
About 5km’s from Namutoni gate we came across fellow adventurers in need of help. This group had a puncture and did not have a good jack. Andy and Glenn decided to be good Samaritans and together with the driver of the grader in the area, helped change the tire. When we got to the gate we decided to hire a land rover and guide for a morning game drive and relax and spend our afternoon njoying the lovely campsite . It was also very dusty and the shower was calling. Dinner was another gourmet meal cooked by Andy, with the help of the girls. We had a traditional SA chicken potjie with roaster brood and a good bottle of syrah.
