Off to the Coast.

From Mokuti, we headed towards the coast making a stopover at Erongo Wilderness Lodge. The lodge is just off the beaten track and built in between huge stone croppings. Crazy to think that all the building materials had to be carried up to the site. We even had to be transported to the lodge by a 4x4 just to get over the top.

We spent one night there and were treated to baboons and a beautiful sunset. From our tented rooms (with ensuite) we could sit and enjoy the surrounding serenity. Something that is actually very easy to find in this country.

From Erongo, we made our way to Swakopmund. This was were I had spent my New Year on the beach. We rented a flat and weren't too sure what it would be like. I had some help from our neighbours next to the lodge who helped plan this trip and they recommended a flat over a hotel room. And it ended up being the right choice.

The flat had 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room and large balcony overlooking the ocean. It even had a garage for the Toyota to sleep in. No doubt the right choice, and much cheaper. I even paid for it!!!

We explored Swakopmund and I was able to get out and wander on my own. A few bars pulled me in and I met some more great people. It so happened that there would be an Oktoberfest that weekend and we were keen on checking it out. With a full band and 100 people, I think the whole town showed up!

Every evening was spent on the balcony waiting for the sun to go down and every night the sunset turned out perfect!

Just before we left Swakopmund our little Toyota suffered its first flat tire.

My House, My Home, My Life

Now it was time to show my parents my life. Where was I spending my last 8 months...without much time off.

Mokuti, just outside Etosha National Park, is 525km north of Windhoek. So the stop at Okonjima broke up the journey. Not to say my 160km/hr+ driving did help speed things up. The roads are straight, smooth and quiet. Not to mention that my first time behind the wheel in 12 months was going to be exciting. Pedal to the metal!

At Mokuti, my parents were treated to a fantastic room and were able to do nothing but relax. The only appointments were for wildlife safaris and of course, the spa. What a way to live. And get this, they saw 87 elephants at one waterhole. Four herds coming together. Quite spectacular.

I introduced my parents to all my new friends and colleagues; Anand, Ina, Chris, Vendi, and the whole bar team, Jackson, Daniel, Patrick, Erenst and Daement. These are the faces I see everyday...every...day.

I did spend some time in the office, but at least dinner was a family event and I think the liked what they saw.

The Fam in Nam

It didn't take much convincing, but my parents finally made it to another continent. I would get some time off and we would explore Namibia and all its treasures.

Their first night was spent in Windhoek to catch up on some sleep and relax for a bit. We had rented a car and our first task was to pick it up. Just as a general note I told my Dad not to expect to much in terms of customer service and punctuality. Sure enough, I didn't have to repeat myself after we finally had the keys to the rental in my hand.

That evening we had a fantastic dinner with colleagues at The Heinitzburg Hotel.

After a night in Windhoek we were headed to Okonjima Lodge. The lodge used to be a hunting farm now turned into a conservation area for big cats and hyenas. Our two nights there really kicked off the trip.

Our first activity at the lodge was to drive into one of the cheetah habitats and search for the cats. Not too much longer and five cheetahs were circling the truck. The cheetah are obviously used to the people and cars so they are somewhat habituated. Still, to see these creatures so close really makes an impression. Most of these cats are either orphans or don't have much chance to return to the wild. Cheetahs are one of the only cats that learn how to hunt from their mother. Other cats can do it instinctively. So when a cub is orphaned it stands little chance in the wild.

The next day would be leopard spotting. Once again, these cats also stand little chance of surviving in the wild. They are all fitted with radio collars to help with the spotting. Now, make no mistake. The conservancy is on a huge farm. And even if you get close enough by radar it still doesn't mean the leopard is out in the open. The first day we had no luck and didn't find anything. We headed out a second time and after traversing a dry river bed, up and over rocks, we spotted a leopard hovering over its warthog carcass. Again, at close range we see how impressive this animal is.

Without any complaints and leaving bewildered and astounded by the first stop of our trip we would head north to Mokuti lodge to relax for four nights before making our way to the coast.