Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Rundu special report !


Hello all you faithful followers! Was only going to do an update at end of Caprivi, but since we are spending 5 nights in Rundu, which was to be more of a stopover, felt it deserved a little special report of it’s own. The word ‘naked’ in the Spitskoppe has stirred not a little comment in emails etc…. Mmmm, how can we be a bit norty in his one – will have to see…

Left Etosha a little disappointed with lack of game, only saw the bum of an ellie besides springbok, impala, gemsbok, giraffe, villabees and birds. (Hey Mum, Les said ‘bum’!)












The Rundu area feels a bit like parts of Mozambique, with basic huts, little spaza shops & pubs in the bush, and very open & friendly local people, who respond warmly to smiles & handwaves. It makes us feel quite ‘at home’ and less touristy.



Had oportunity to help some guys stuck with 2 flat tyres and buckled rims that wouldn't seal.


The first night we arrived in Rundu, Sat evening, just after sunset , stayed at a camp in town which was clean, well run and could hear Sat night party sounds wafting in from across town and from the Angolan side of the Okavango river. Wanted to be a bit more out of town so moved camp to Kaisosi Lodge, a really great place with each site having own shower, toilet etc, a stunning deck & pool overlooking the river, and really friendly hosts, Chris & Mercedes.



Still seemed too soon to move on so we moved to a campsite west of Rundu, with campsites directly on the Okavango bank, with a lovely rural feel. Went canoeing to an island, within metres of 2 crocs, had a swim in a pool and thought of all our dear friends enjoying the cape winter…




Typical scenes on the river - locals fishing from mokoros ( called wetu ?? in this region) even a pro surfer giving it a go!



Some lazy ones have other uses for these traditional watercraft. Braaied for the 24th time in 26 nights. What a schlep :-)


Sharon’s been reading Hybels’ ‘Just walk across the room’ – and I’ve been enjoying Yancy’s ‘The Jesus I never knew’ – borrowed from Thinus, (thanks ) which is very thought-provoking and forces you to re-examine much of what you think you have settled with respect to His nature on earth, and His extreme & 'offensive' teachings & claims.

Lot of evidence here of the March flooding – a couple of ‘refugee-type’ tent camps, all of the campsites we have visited or stayed at here were previously flooded to greater or lesser degree.

Have been hearing much of the area we’re planning to tour next – Mahango Reserve area in central Caprivi – with nearby camps like Ngepi, Nunda, Bum Hill Campsite ( oops, said it again) and how unique the area is.

8 comments:

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  3. What language!
    Who's going to have to be the grown up here?
    The first picture of the cows in the dust is great. If you look quickly, it looked to me like people walking out of a war torn country - like the movies on Ruanda - the name being similar must have brought that on!
    How many times did that canoe topple with you standing like that?

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  4. love the map! very impressive

    and the dog is hot bar...priceless!

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  5. Hey Guys Nice to keep up with your travels! Looks so great! Keep safe and lots love,
    Steph and Andre

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  6. Hey! you 2, looks like lots of fun. Remember our 2nd time in Moz when we helped those people? that pic of you helping put me into day dreaming mode of Moz hehehe

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  7. Great to see where you are and what's happening with you both. Just logged onto your site - after being in the Kgadagadi ourselves for a week. Had similar comments from those who'd been there regularly - that there's not much game and raptors at this time of the year.
    Koiimasis - oh the pics brought too many good emotions to the surface!
    Ngepi is a great place to stay if where you're planning to camp doesn't work for you...
    Needless to say - wish we were there too...

    Lotsa love
    Rose

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  8. Hiya. Have only just started following but have had a read through to get up to speed. Pics are amazing. Got the blog address from Margs so will be keeping uptodate from hereon.
    Love to you
    Wendy

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