Finally! a new blog entry! First, a sincere apology to all the hardworking blog readers who are wondering for a long time whether the two missing Africa traveler, or just too lazy to tell something ...
Namibia, the Second
Up to the Brandberg, we reported the last time and again since then, of course, much has happened.
Namibia is a real tourist-land and just went on our journey ... always good for the heart ...
a big advantage has such a developed tourist country, you need never worry about the next place to sleep or route choice to make. Unfortunately, the ridiculous traveling circus and loses feeling of adventure and with Toyota and roof tent is one of Namibia's really nothing more extraordinary (one among many).
Well, then, and still full of impressions of Uis the wildlife in Etosha NP we drove, mostly on dirt roads towards the coast. We wanted to look at the seal colony at Cape Cross. From the warm desert climate in the interior, it was noticeably colder as we approached the coast. Eventually we turned for a long time even in the heat of Tchova (Thank God they went o))
In Henties Bay we found a very luxurious sen Camping (with own shower and Schiessihüsli per parking space!) Then we went the almost 50 km towards Cape Cross, where the seals live ... Here's a Funny Fact: The Cape Cross Seal Reserve is in the GPS comment: "This place smells really bad"
And just smelled it too, REALLY BAD! But the thousands of seals off a smell nasenhaarwegäzenden o). The impressions, however, indemnify, and one could imagine that one could get used to it after a while even smell cloud; o)
Back in Henties Bay went shopping, we first. Namibians and South Africans as a big braai (barbecue) culture, we wanted for dinner and even a few fine Fleischmocken Bröteln. View with charcoal and Springbockplätzli (Herzig to say the springbok, not the thin steaks and fine to eat) armed return to luxury camping (with private ... oh yes, we have already told you ...) and unpacked for a long time once again our grill from the bottom box.
After several attempts we managed it then a reasonably sensible heat added and get our thin steaks breaded only about three times with ash. A braai (barbecue) tool we've had yet: o). Lekka (Afrikaans for delicious) it was nevertheless: o)
The next day we drove and then to Swakopmund spent some beautiful days in this sleepy little town with shopping and visiting the aquarium. More like a budget version of the fish here, not from the entry price, o).
we drove from Swakopmund to obtaining a permits in the northern part of the Namib Naukluft NP. There was, except for a few springbok and scorpions, not animals, but to see beautiful landscapes. Not to mention, are the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a time, plant, the oldest of which more than 1500 years old.
the way we drove by a grave of two German soldiers with a rather strange inscriptions
The Übernachtungsm & # 246; opportunities in the park for Namibian situation very sparse! in obtaining our park visit permission, we were advised that there are no fences, no electricity, not even water to the camps! We enjoyed a beautiful night, without electricity (water, we had it: o)) at the Arch Rock Camp
After a relaxing two days and one night in the "Wild" we went to Windhoek (Namibia's capital city). Even this route, we drove mostly on gravel roads and thus had the opportunity to ride one of the steepest passes in Namibia. A large truck and trailer "sign in front of the pass entrance had also pointed out that one should turn the reduction gear. Papperlapapp thought Flo, I'm from Switzerland and dänk know how to ride passes ... But denkst'de, without reduction went really nothing more, o) and with the black cloud of smoke rising behind the last Tchova we probably have been stoned by every Swiss environmentalists o)
But Tchova mastered the rise brilliantly and thanks to the slowness with which we drove up the pass, we discovered early enough, the turtle, which began in the middle of the road in the sun. was rewarded
the climb with a breathtaking view.
Windhoek Just before we were stopped by the police. The officer wanted to see some of us a document to repeated questions, which he meant the document, he said it kindly, in Afrikaans ... "Ka nid verstaan Afrikaans" helped us unfortunately, no more o)
When the nice Polizisst realized then that we are probably somewhat limited, he began an inspection tour around our car insurance and found a label (for West Africa) on our windshield! which of course was passed. Repeated observations on our part that this sticker has nothing at all and absolutely nothing to with Namibia, the friendly officials deliberately ignored and started the "date which we have today" game. Eventually he sat down on the guard rail and stared at our car. Flo sat on it also to the guard rail and stared the Police officers (of course with a smile) to. After several minutes, the nice police officer then noticed that we are probably very limited and really let us go. As a parting thought he was still that he was hungry, we said "we also ..." and finally went on to Windhoek. Auc hNamibia is still a bit of Africa; o)
(Thank God he did not discover also our 2008-Swiss motorway vignette, o))
back to civilization, we found a camp opportunity in a backpackers , 5 (Swiss), just on the center. (The receptionist said there were 15 minutes from the backpackers O))
stuff we had to do in Windhoek, which can include the zippers to repair our roof tent and the next oil change at Tchova was in order. After several days, met Peter and Marcia (the Swiss Brazilians of pair with the Chinese pickup) also in the box. They had no visa to enter Angola, despite the absence of problems in the DRC. Eventually we were given by Jonas and Xenia (CH-D-pair), which we on the trip had taken a couple of times a text message. The two were at a campsite just outside the town and were waiting for a package from Switzerland.
Windhoek is indeed a beautiful city, and has more places for fun, but Jonathan's proposal for a weekend trip to Spitzkoppe was immediately adopted unanimously. So we drove along a beautiful morning going. Unfortunately, reduced our group of six, after the first few miles again to 4 (Tchova and crew + Jonas and Xenia). A huge column of smoke from the engine compartment of Chinese forced Peter and Marcia (probably because of poor visibility, o)) per tow back to Windhoek.
The pointed tip is a funny-looking mountain plateau Rock paintings from the ...- time, hiking and respect, without electricity and water! O)
Here we spent the weekend with hiking, Braaien and nature enjoyment.
Back to return , ck in Windhoek, we did not want to stay right in town and decided to Jonas and Xenia in Elisenheim camping stay. At night, freezing cold, but some idyllic as the middle of the city. And the day quite exciting, if again passed by a horde of Pavia to the dustbin of looting.
Here we tasted for the first time since the mitgefahrenen Switzerland, solar zeppelin (sponsored by Uli from Frankfurt, thanks Uli). And behold, he flies; o). 
After the patched tent, were Tchova serviced and all other todo's done, we said goodbye to Jonas and Xenia. The two had to wait for a new passport for Xenia, because their old, almost blank pages had more and want to move up the two or the East Coast. The waiting period, they used a trip to Botswana and we vereinbahrten that we possibly go back in Cape Town meeting and the Garden Route along.
Our next stop was Camp Gecko. Guided by Swiss Farm Lodge with camping and possibility. For the first time since the beginning of our journey, we made a reservation because we had heard that the best pitch of the Camp Gecko is often full. we reserved, even before the departure, the Hilltop Camp
We were not promised too much! The Camp Gecko is slightly elevated in front of a plateau surrounded by mountains allowed and the Hilltop place us a breathtaking view of the landscape.
Unfortunately we spent on the Hilltop a less spectacular (sleepless) night because of the strong wind which blew up here. It was not far enough into the ground floor that we (our sleeping within Tchovas) had to rein in, but we had to be temporarily often blown away the Chill soon.
Nevertheless, we decided to stay another night. However, this time with the wind a little more sheltered tent bungalows.
We spent a lazy day at Camp Gecko. By afternoon chugged a Land Rover, a number with IW at camp. A Grüäzi was friendly on our part, however, answered with a heavy English accent: o). Milan, Louise and Nick (NZ, SWE) were also to go the other route, but some time in Southern Africa. Her companion Nick (Canada) and living in Hong Kong have come to visit them. All three have a Swiss passport, o).
Since the three also wanted to look at the world famous sand dunes in Sossusvlei, we decided to abruptly again to a Toyota Land Rover convoy. The religious war between the two drivers make of car is of secondary importance in Africa and is limited to occasional sharp comments O)
In the southern part of the Namib Naukluft Park, where there are just the famous sand dunes, there is no n. Overnight opportunities within the park. One is thus forced Touri as day trips to make and can be used for Sr. .. a lot of money on the edge of the park the night at a campsite. The park gate is gecshlossen just before sunrise and sunset. The most beautiful sentiment on the dunes is exactly then. So is it as Touri practically forced to more or less crooked tours, if one is the best Images not to be missed: o).
already quite late we were about 60 km from the campsite to the dunes under the wheels and made it just still so up to a small dune, before everything light was gone.
Really nice pictures gabs no longer, because we really were a bit late: o (
In the dark of night we went back to the entrance and were looking forward closed before the response of the parking attendant ...
So we stood at the gate output. The park warden tried after a few minutes, shuffling step and out of her house, and kindly pointed out the rather obvious fact that the door was too. "The gate is closed" but that does not read a manner which sounds half as good ... therefore we try this quote something ver "phonetics": "da geet iiz gloosd"
Well, what excuse does it present as Overlander, if you stand in front of locked gate to the park? A very obvious of course! they had gotten stuck on the sandy slopes and had to help each other. But now we were traveling in a Toyota and a Landy. You see the dilemma: who lowered his car and would admit that one of the largest competitor has helped out of trouble: o)
As already mentioned, the Landy-Toyo-religious war in real overlanders not as pronounced as in gravel pits and Panzerpistenoffroadern. Tchova took also (very slightly grudgingly) the role of Eingesandeten.
(It should be emphasized, however, expressly, neither had the Tchova nor the Landy any problems with the sand), o)
The lady at the entrance However, no key for the gate and had only their colleagues, who just enjoyed his gate closure-after-work beer at the bar had to call. As it then appeared after a few minutes he greeted us by saying ... (Guess you have): "da geet iiz gloosd. He also told us that we would actually pay a tight and possibly even in court. "Toyota has to eingesandet and had to be pulled out of Landy" In our history he reacted by saying he had not been there, and therefore could also not 100% know if we tell the truth. In other words: He knew perfectly well that this was nonsense. He hit exceptionally a blind eye and let us out.
Unfortunately he did not have the key's "Geet" which was "gloosd" it had to return again to the bar
Eventually we made it finally has from the park out ... O)
clock at 05:00 the next morning, our alarm clock rang. We wanted not to miss the sunrise yet. and we raced over 80 km / h 60 km to the dunes (in the park the way, is the highest speed to 60 km / h limit, because the "Geet" jedoech little is opened before sunrise, is it possible to race without ever time ... and with over 80 km / h is one of the slow among the park visitors.
Our stand was insanely early rewarded with a beautiful sunrise.
left after sunrise the tourist crowds slightly (only entwas) and we boarded the now almost empty Sossusvlei Dune (Dune each has a different name) and were also here with rewarded with a beautiful view.
And the best is on a dune climb down the race after
After Sp & # 228; Zmorga th we said goodbye to Milan, Louise and Nick and went back to go south. We have long had to once again keep an appointment. Iris should make us even on 17 June in Cape Town visit, and until then there were still some miles! A fixed date! hard to imagine after about 7 months ago Africa: o)
So we sped more or less the border with South Africa. Namibia and left with some more beautiful views and with the knowledge that we come here again.
South Africa Jun 24, 2009
drove in just two days, we, with the deadline mentioned in the neck, according o) Cape Town. Tchova needed a great service, and other minor maintenance. This is what we wanted to do before Iris's arrival in Cape Town.
In the city itself, we found no camping facilities. About 45 minutes drive away, however, we discovered a place with lots of charm. The Chapmans Peak Caravan Farm.
The name does not promise too much! There are cows, horses, peacocks, geese, ducks, various X Hünerarten, pigs, Dogs and now and then a camper. And what's more, the owner of the Chapmans Peak Caravan Farm (Chris) looks like the Santa Claus in the summer holidays, o) and is just as friendly and helpful.
addition, we have discovered the best barbecue around the western route, and while traveling!
Work on Tchova we could leave at Raphael (Sarah's brother) Execute. He works here in Cape Town in a car garage. A good tip by the way for other Overlander looking for a reliable garage in Cape Town.
(Steenberg motor coordinates: S34 ° 04 286 'E18 ° 27 664')
Very early on the morning of 17 Yunis we went still pretty sleepy on the way to the airport to our Trans-African visitor to the airport to pick up. Apparently, early rising in Africa and we were often rewarded on the way to the city a magnificent view of Cape Town at (almost) Night.
course we would not have to get up so early. Since Iris' luggage was stuck somewhere in London, we had another quiet Hour can sleep longer, o).
After leaving the airport, including iris, but without the baggage, so we had to get first a sleeping bag. otherwise our visitor would probably have frozen to death on the first night. Very glad we were on the sponsored Xenia dachshund garage (a tiny one-woman-tent) that we could do for our guests very well. As long as it does not rain anyway: o)
(Thanks Xenia)
The suitable sleeping place for our guests, we had Of course, too, and blew it for iris (the first time at least, o))
few days we spent, now for three of us, even in Cape Town. Sarah finally had a shopping Gschpöönli, which has slightly more stamina than Flo. In a visit to Raphael's Host Family Derik then showed us also how to South African Braait. We could try a real cape town specialty, a fish (Snouk) (looks like a barracuda).
Then, when the work on Tchova done and all spare parts were ordered could begin at last. Along with Iris, we wanted to achieve the first objective of our trip, the southernmost point of Africa and then to visit the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth and the National Park on the way there. So we went one morning going (not too early: o)) towards Cape Agulhas (the name by the Portuguese agulha (needle) is derived, as apparently at this point, the compasses on the ships back proper format , ss worked)
And we did it !!!!!
chugged after 25'194 km, the Tchova the southernmost parking Africa. On the southernmost point itself we had to run because there are no cars allowed. For us but would have to make an exception: o (
(Thanks Tchova, you gave us well-brought here)
! Wait a few minutes we had a Tourifreies window, so that we (who have indeed deserved here to take pictures;! o)) could make our obligatory photos.
Next day, it went along the Garden Route eastwards to Knysna. Since we put a rest day.
Touri Our first stop was at the Elephant Sanctuary Plettenberg Bay. A mixture of sanctuary and petting zoo for the large pachyderms. And still very impressive, sometimes so close to stand next to a giant gray!
After the one-hour visit including elephants feeding sweet potatoes powers we continue along the Garden Route to the east. The Tsitsikamma National Park we stayed directly on a beautiful campsite by the sea. With Baden was unfortunately nothing. First, the sea, for Sarah and Flo least sowiso too cold and secondly read anyway not to the high surf a Schwumm in really cold water.
Iris, however, enjoyed a beautiful night with a sea rumble (noise would be an understatement something) and the next day we went, after an extensive Breakfast on. Next stop was the Addo Elephant Park No, not again a petting zoo for elephants but real safari, o) we had to sleep
outside the park on a nearby campsite, as the camps were fully booked within all. So it was early (schonwieder!) going to enjoy a safari in Addo full potential. Among South Africans, this park also known as Warthog (Warthog) Park which certainly has its place. From the funny fellow you see a surprising number and look for the first hour, we asked ourselves slowly Warthogfüddli whether there are other animals in the park ...
But our patience was rewarded, we enjoyed a wonderful day African wild live and a very exciting moment as we are one of the more remote trails in the park were sailing. The aforementioned track was blocked with a chain, a small Schlid warned: "high clearance vehicles only!" (Only for vehicles with high ground clearance). Have we yet ... and off we went on the narrow track. Thus, when we thought about driving, high ground clearance means that probably 4x4. Now, our Tchova but manual freewheeling hubs. Will called: need the 4x4 you must go out first out of the car and lock the hubs (manual). After several of these warning Schiel Dern:
considered it of course twice if you really want to get out of the car ... But getting stuck is usually associated with longer stays outside the car so had to stop for a few seconds Flo run around the car.
soon back in Tchova are crossed an African buffalo about two feet behind the street Tchova (buffalo to the more aggressive animals and that no tourists have eaten, but but some had already badly damaged ....)
Well, we had not used the 4x4 and the ride height lowered one Porsches also been insufficient o)
heard from that moment it was also made to "only" Warthogfüddli.
And of course:
time in the wild!
Here's a funny fact from the Addo NP: the dung beetle is a protected species and the Addo seems often to be found. Then the little crawler its eggs preferably in elephants, sometimes in stores Büffelducg it is prohibited in the park to ride on dung heaps.
led after the eventful day in the Addo Elephant NP us our trip to Iris slowly back towards Cape Town.
course, we also tried to make our trip as memorable experience and we visited some other tourist attractions near Plettenberg Bay. In just one day (what a stress for the two drivers Trans Africa), we visited a big cat breeding center, a monkey and a bird sanctuary.
In Tenikwa big cats breeding station
The Monkey World:
And in Birds of Eden:
Sarah and Flo got a volunteer leader in the bird sanctuary, o) Sarah's Kakadu goodbye when leaving the area with a lovely bite to ears: o)
with side trips took the nearly 2000 km long tour with Iris again at the end of her Santa Claus Chapmans Peak Caravan in the farm. Some things we had not yet for the conclusion repealed. So we made up for the long overdue visit to the Cape of Good Hope, with Iris.
Note: Again, we had to get back to KNIPPS do the obligatory pictures can. After three full Bussladungen Japanese, German, .... then we were allowed our EHLICH DESERVED take pictures: o)
impressions from the Cape:
A visit to the Cape Town Aquarium rounded Iris' visit from us. And this aquarium is in contrast to the genuine in Swakopmund, the hammer!
We were indeed said that Durban was still better ... we shall see: o)
On the evening of 17 July, we had to be separated even from Iris.
Hi Iris, we hope your visit here has given you as much as we did. And you've got a little insight into the Trans-African life. Good luck with your own travel plans, whether through Africa, South America or anywhere else ... and here's a small promise: "We come up to visit then too!
Danka for dis Bsüächli.
Also you by Dear blog readers, we want to say goodbye until the next entry. If you then learn how to Jonas and Xenia have met again, what Cape Town has to offer and how else do we finally open the way to our main goal of the trip: (! Are we) Mozambique
Abraço grande Sarah, Flo and Tchova
