It was a very wet Sunday morning 12/12/2010 when our 26 day trip started 
Some info:4 vehicles: All Hilux4x4 Club Members9 x Adults, 6 Children
– Hilux 2.5 D4D (OOOOMS / OOOODS + Kiara(5))
– Toyota Prado 120 (Derick ‘Vellies’ / Belinda + 4 kids, Charlize(8), Charl(8), Bertus(11), Rene(13))
– Land Rover 110 TD5 (Marius Smit / Carmen + Olinka(10))
– Land Cruiser76 SW (Cassie / Magda + Anabell(23))
Trip details / distance:
Round trip 7410km
Radio Comms:
VHF Hilux 4×4 club frequency
General rules:
Leave at 08h00 – 08h30 in the morning
Find a camp site by 14h00 daily
Men – make fire, coffee, braai meat, bake bread
Ladies – make salad
Kids – dishes
Countries visited:
From Johannesburg / Pretoria
Botswana (Chobe / Moremi)
Zimbabwe (Vic Falls)
Namibia (Caprivi & Kaokoland)
Accommodation:
Camping, camp sites, bush – no lodging!
No pre bookings 
Here is a map of our route travelled:
Day 1: Travel from Jhb / Pta to Nata (Botswana) – 900km via Groblers Bridge Border post
We arranged to meet at the Zambezi Garage (Pta) at 02h30 fill-up…..well that was the plan when ‘Vellies’ and his crew overslept and arrived at 03h00….good start….., well this gave us a chance to have x2 cups of coffee And time for me to fit a http://www.hilux4x4.co.za sticker on the Marius’s Land Rover 
Sleep at Nata Lodge: S20*13.515 E026*16.121 http://www.natalodge.com/
Camping rates BSP – 60 Adlts, children BSP 40 (R1.05 = BSP 1.00)
After a hard day’s drive we decided to quickly set up camp……(tell you about that later)….have a dip in the pool
set up camp,
and have supper in the restaurant (fair prices and food) OKish….)
Nice, clean abutions!
The next morning we would head for Kasane 312km(Chobe River Lodge) S17*48.512 E25*08.770
Where we planned to stay 2 nights 
Arriving at Kasane, one could certainly feel that this is quite a busy little town. Banks, ATM’s, Spar and a few garages to choose from. Lots of trucks waiting to cross over to Zambia!
Fuel prices (diesel) varied from BSP 6.13 to BSP 6.37….not bad….
Quick stop at the Boabab tree, as you enter town:
We headed straight for Chobe River Lodge where we would set up camp, on the bank of the Zambezi. http://www.chobesafarilodge.com/
Camping adults: BSP 70.00, children BSP 55.00
Nice pool area:
Campsite with very nice clean ablutions
Vellies booked and paid for an afternoon boat cruise which I would def do again You get a boat / guide / on-board drinks and snacks. Beauty of it all is that one can really get up close to the animals without too much effort! Here are a few pics.
3 Hour boat trip: rates link,
http://www.chobesafarilodge.com/rates.php
Lots of calls……no…..not telephone calls…..from the beautiful unmistaken fish eagle
We even spotted a lion about 100m from the bank, watching some buck from a distance. The lion was about 200m from a lodge…..
Herd of ellies crossing from an island to the mainland
What a wonderful experience!!!!! A must do
That evening we just chilled out and listened to the night-life…
Entrance fee to see the falls $20 per adult and half price for children under 12. Remember to take your pasport with to the entrance gate otherwise you will pay international tourist rates 
A comfortable walk through a forest area with the roar of the falls in the back round….amazing!!!
The famous Livingstone statue
The falls:
Oh, and don’t forget to take a raincoat along…..it get’s pretty wet!!!!!!!
A pleasant walk to the Zimbabwe / Zambia bridge, where the brave can bungeeeee…..
The heavens opened up, not that we were wet enough……after a long walk back to the car park we decided to visit the Elephant and Lion Hotel just a few km’s away for something t drink and eat. Very nice hotel, pool and gardens in immaculate condition!
http://www.e-gnu.com/elephant_hills_hotel_zimbabwe.html
Falls view from the hotel
Thereafter we headed back to the border post / Chobe Lodge.
Caution!!!! Cassie and his wife decided to give the Hotel a miss. When entering Botswana the took all his meat….. 
Entrance to Chobe National park, you will have to pay the following:
BSP 120 per adult, BSP 50 pe vehicle, children under 8 free
We did not see a lot of animals, however lots of birds, rooibok, kudu and some ellies
Luckily I obtained a letter from the Namibian Parks board where they advised me we were allowed to take 10kg of meat into Namibia without any problems. So they let us go!You can not get your TIP (temporary import permit) at the border and have to drive to Katimo Mullilo (TOTAL Garage – S17*29.798 E24*16.156) to get the papers, Namibian $200.00 per vehicle.
Thereafter we drove into town (P&P, bottle store, pharmacy) to stock up on some of the supplies.
Soon we had to get all the troops together and find a spot to camp
Lovely, clean and very well managed. Sorry no co-ords just their contact number 
+264(0)66254188 email namwlsi@iway.naCamp fees: N$ 90.00 per adult, kids (3 – 11) N$ 45.00Camp site on the banks of the river!
So on with the trip, we headed South from Katima Mullilo toward Linyanti Swamps along the 1 C49.1 C49 heading South
‘Rickety’ bridge we had to cross….
It was evident that there was plenty of water around
We eventually arrived at a point where we could not go any further due to the wetlands being un-drivable and camped at Rupara S18*19.742 E023*39.742.
Camp fees N$ 60.00 adults, children free
Each camp site (x5), with running water, thatched area, toilet and shower with donkey.
Brunch next to a lake in the reserve
Most pools were full of hipo’s
I
These clouds did not make the ladies happy as washing was piling up……
We arrived at Goabaca Community Campsite S18*06.777 E021*34.877
Camping fees: N$ 60.00 adults, children U12 free
It was evident that the Okavango was pretty much in flood Beautiful!
Each camp site (large), with a deck, thatch lapa, shower & toilets
Kids having some starters. Stokbrood!
Vellies….stoking the donkey
View from the deck
The next morning we headed for Rundu first crossing over the Okavango river
Rundu…wow what a busy little town…..
All lodges in and around Rundu were flooded so we headed East to find alternative camp site.
Samsitu Riverside Camp S17*50.993 E019*40.164
Nice pool and clean abutions:
Wow….what a beautiful camp!
The next day we decided to detour via Eenhana / Ondangwa / Oshakati then Ruacana
On route: Cassie
Marius making dust again…..with his LR…..
Quick visit to the Boabab tree at Eenhana:
Inside the tree is a small chapel….for special occasions…
For those who have’nt seen Ondangwa / Oshakati in some time…… wow since I was there….things have changed. And lots of rain! Lots of memories and brought a tear to my eye seeing what was left……
Ondangwa has grown…..and the Air forcebase now controlled by the Nam police.
Remember this?
Main gate
We could not believe the amount of pub’s in and around town….literally 100’s!!!
Now even with CTM…..
From there we headed to Ruacana, Kunene Island Camp site, where we met Wynand our host:
Email: kunene.island@gmail.com
S17*25.777 E14*09.205
Camping fees: N$ 60.00, children free, vehicle N$ 10.00
Ablutions clean, boat trips available on request.
View entering Ruacana falls:
Neat and tidy camp site with free wood
Wynand and his wife quickly introduced themselves and made us feel at home!
Some ammo found lying around
The next morning Wynand agreed to show us around town, free of charge, no obligation and we gladly accepted his generous offer
He took us to the old SA base, some may recognise, now manned by Nam army….
Ruacana Falls
The brave took the walk down to the falls…..not so brave and fresh afterwards, but I knew there would be a cold one waiting back at the car-park…..if we made it….
Wynand then took us to some ‘secret’ pools in the mountains Where we could have a swim!
On our way to the next pool, Belinda accidently slipped cutting open her knee…..
We had no choice but to turn around and get her back where we could clean and evaluate her injuries! It was decided to take her hospital where she could get some stitches.
Please note the pain liquid in her hand 
When we got back to camp, Wynand decided to take the kids on a trip along the river 
View of the river from our camp site
Beautiful sunset
Amazing how things change within 10 mins
We stayed at Kunene Island Camp site for two nights as we felt very welcome.
The next morning we headed off towards Swartbooisdrift along the Kunene river. Nice drive where we would camp at Epupa Falls the following night 200km
Now what can I say….congrats, some guys know how to pack – no trailer!
Here are some things that I knew of that went along
1 x Roof top tent with room extenion
1 x 95l fridge
2 x tables
6 x chairs
2 x jerry cans
1 x 40l water tank
4 x disco beds for the kids
4 x ammo boxes
Pots and pans
Now for those who think space is a problem…..speak to ‘Vellies’ he will show you how
Respect
ps Cassie aka Caskru goes down to CT for a long weekend, him his wife, two small kids for a weekend…….and has to tow a trailer
From Ruacana we took the recommended scenic route via the Kunene river to Swartbooisdrift. A beautiful journey about 52km river side, till you get to Swartbooisdrift. There we turned left on the D3701, to Epupa.
What we should have done is continue along the Kunene via Swartbooisdrift to Epupa, but only found out later that the route was in fairly good condition.
Here are some pics: leaving Ruacana
Some locals
Just before Swartbooisdrift we stopped off at the Dorslandtrekkers Monument
S17 20.725
E13 50.739
Then back onto the D3701
We found ourselves in some tight situation as ther was no turning back….so Vellies and Marius convinced me we would make it! No choice in the matter we pushed on having to deflate our tyres. Fun it was indeed. Some did not think it was toooo funny Somewhere here:
S17 36.958
E13 28.908
Then Marius followed
Toyota leads….others follow….
The 120 Prado impressed me the most….effortlesly through the thick sand!
Then Cassie’s Cruiser
Till we came out here
Continued in the dry riverbed
Some obstacles we encountered
Note: Riverbed driving can be very dangerous, floods occur and rain 100km away can cause rivers to flood. So before doing this make sure you check the weather patterns and weather forecasts.
And some local Himba’s
The camp site was pretty empty
S17 00.133
E13 14.640
The Deck, nice place to relax, have a drink and view the falls
A lot more water than last year
Primitive ablutions, but clean!
Local curio shop,
Note: there are no shops / fuel around this area, the closest is Upuvo
View of the falls from the hill
We would travel down via Upovo and meet them 2 day’s later at Puros.
I have asked Marius to continue the report taking you through Van Zyls, Marienfluss, Camp Syncro and the Puros.
Tx M
By the time we reached the camp site it was passed 17h00 and the local camp adminastrator has “left the building”
We took a drive through the camp site and decided to camp slightly away from the general camp site as the cow dung was every where and that attrackted a lot of fly’s ect.With sites like these that doesn’t get visited so often during this time of year,the locals let there hair down and get a bit slack when it gets to keeping the camp site clean and mentained.Within an hour the camp adminastrator made his appearance and sorted out the running water and got the donkey started up for hot water.The community camp with flush toilets,hot showers etc was all we needed to sleep over and freshen up for the next big day.
With everyone being exhausted and no one feeling like making dinner, me and Derik decided to braai ‘n lekker skaap ribbetjie. Seeing that Cassie had his long awaited Bully Beef and went to bed not longer after that, left me, Derike and Andre and the ladies to feast on the rib.
Andre and Louise left early the next morning while we packed up camp and got everybody ready for the big day. With Andre and Louise being 2 hours ahead of us, we were expecting to see them soon as they were travelling with a caravan over Van Zyls pass (and a “Jeep”) and we would easily catch up……
Some beautiful scenery along Van Zyls.
More scenery, rocks and beautiful, amazing and funny looking trees growing in this harsh part of the world.
A real “voetspore” photo. The 3 trust worthy vehicles making it to the viewpoint on Van Zyls.
The few hurdles, dongas and ditches between the viewpoint and the end of Van Zyls.
Some misfortune of previous travellers on the Pass.. This made us greatful and happy to have done Van Zyls pass safely and without any problems.
Himba Kraal down at the bottom of Van Zyls/start of Marienfluss.
The last official ritual, finding a rock, writing our names – WE HAVE DONE VAN ZYLS!!
As we reached the end of Van Zyls pass we realised that we did not pass or caught up with Andre and Louise but noticed that they wrote a rock and also left us a smiley face packed with rocks in the ground. Very happy and surprised that they made it we would be seeing them at Camp Syncro, we set of to conquer the Marienfluss.
We are officially entering the Marienflus with an up-side-down board welcoming us.
We had to stop and take a photo. With only dents and scratches our landy is still going strong. Unfortunately can’t say the same for this burnt out landy. This must have been a landy coming with the Dorslandtrekkers
… and then finally we caught up with Andre and Louise in their Jeep and Jurgens caravan. They immediately pulled over and although they were happy to see us things weren’t going so well for them. As you can see from the picture the caravan’s axle bent beyond repair. While they were waiting for us at the bottom of Van Zyls, Andre was winching the axle side ways up and down through the Marienflus trying to straighten the axle but with no success. After they waited for us for an hour and a half, and a half a bottle of whiskey later, Andre and Louise decided to start driving towards Camp Syncro hoping that we would catch up with them, which we did. We assessed the damage and decided that it would be best to continue with the axle as far as we could hoping to make it to Camp Syncro…..
Some scenary of the Marienflus with Angolan mountains in the back ground.
At this time of the day anything that lives is seeking shade. We saw the most amazing gemsbok, ostrich and springbok on the Marienfluss, all standing in perfect harmony.
Driving at 30km’s per hour we escourted the Jeep all the way to Camp Syncro. What felt like a day’s drive, we eventually reached Camp Syncro and we all were very grateful that the caravan made it.
In Nov a car burned out due to electrical fault and a part of the camp site was totally destroyed.
The water from the river was inviting, it was VERY hot.
After all the formalities of setting up camp, myself, Derik and Cassie went to help Andre stripping the axle from the caravan. In the meantime Louise was making long distance calls trying to organise spares to the closest town which was Opuwo (a day’s drive to Opuwo and a day’s drive back to Camp Syncro). After a cost of R10 000 Andre and Louise left the next morning early for Opuwo to pick up the new axle. Keep in mind this was the 24th of December. (Waar ‘n wil is, is daar ‘n weg). Cassie and Magda joined them. Unfortunately due to illness in the Cassie, Magda & Anna had to cut their trip short. That left only Team Smit and Team Vellies (aka the 9’ners) to complete the rest of the trip to Puros (via a few other scenic stops) where we would meet up with OOOMS and OOODS. Still after all the hassles we had time to social and build great bonds with Andre and Louise the last evening we were all together at Camp Syncro, two very pleasant people from the Eastern Cape.
eish, ook maar goed ons het nie gaan swem nie… A cold shower is much saver than a swim in the river.
Early the next morning we set off to the furthest point of the Marienfluss at the Hippo pools where we came across a ” former cruiser club member” who obviously did not make it.
On our 10km detour we reached this breathtaking oasis in the middle of the “almost” desert.
From the Hippo pools we back tracked past Camp Syncro and the Himba village camp (also a nice camp site). Through the Marienfluss and then taking the road over the Haertmansberge.
We stayed at Pupa Falls for for an extra night and would meet up with the 9ers a day or two later at Puros.
We (myself, Danelle and Kiara) leisurely packed up and headed South for Opuwo S18 03.691 E13 50.360
Quite a busy town with lots of irritating hawkers. Town is filthy unlike other towns in Namibia.
We filled up the vehicle with diesel, went sopping at Checkers to stock up with supplies and headed down a good sand road. Soon the road became rather bumpy and the going was very slow towards Orupembe S18 09.612 E12 33.960. Beautiful scenery, rocky and also passing the beginning of the Puros riverbed. We spotted lots of elephant spoor but saw only assssstretches and buck.
Near Orupembe we spotted a sign Campsite ‘ Little house on the Hill’ so we decided to camp there in the middle of nowhere. We were very surprised expecting nothing….however the camp site was indeed very neat and tidy. Nice showers, hot water and a goat wandering around.
We were the only people there
The next morning we headed for Puros Camp site S18 44.115 E12 56.573 dipping into the lovely riverbed where we would meet up with Marius and Derick (9er’s) whenever they got there
Marius floor’s yours …………..
at the top of the Haertmansberge the landscape changes dramatically, getting the feeling that almost nothing can survive in this part of the world.
As mentioned we left Camp Syncro very early and was driving the whole morning. This part of the trip felt like forever. Looking at the scenery of rocks, dust and dry river beds it felt like you are the only people there for thousands of km’s and that you really not making any progress untill we finally reached Blou Drom. From what we understand this is one of the few “drom” beacons in this part of the world. As you look around you everything looks the same and you can get easily lost. These beacons have been put there to give you some guidance. Luckily these days we have GPS! With our hopes up high I made a quick “call” to OOOMS telling him that we are on course and will see them soon.
and before you know it the landscape changes again driving through mountains towards Orupembe. We stocked up on cold drinks and beer at a Spaza shop in Orupembe, called Shop 1. Orupembe consist of Shop 1, Policy Station & a few donkeys.
We climbed into a dry riverbed and followed it for a couple of km’s following the green tree trail. We knew that we would find elephant and giraffe and soon enough we came across these beauties.
After a few hours of dry riverbed driving we reached Puros Conservancy. This road leads through a mountain pass down the canyon and into a dry river bed which led us straight to Puros Campsite an hour or 2 later, where we met up with the very happy OOOMS and OOODS. It was the 24th of December! We achieved a personal goal by doing Van Zyls pass, Marienfluss and the Haertmansberge all the way to Puros. This is something that every keen 4×4 and nature enthusiast should do at least once in their life time. There’s many places to be visited in Africa, some better than others, but the memories and the experiences we encountered from this trip will stay with us forever and we encourage everyone to stop dreaming about a trip like this and just do it!
Thanks Mark for allowing us to capture our experiences on this leg of the trip report.
Keep on reading this trip report, we are only half way and there is a whole lot more to share!
OVER TO MARK, Mark Mark Mark kom in….
This meant that they were no more than 30km away and we would have company for the the rest of the trip.
The camp site is not easy to find as it is ‘on an island’ in the rainy season so you have to keep your eye’s peeled to spot it. There are only 7 camp sites and x3 were still available. But as the camp sites are about 200 – 300m apart we opted for 1 large site.
It took the 9ers about 20 mins to find us as the site is a bit hidden…..Finally through the bushes came 2 vehicles ….. not 3 (Marius and Derick) no Cassie and Magda…..?
Puros camp site:
S18 44.115 E12 56.573
Here on the map:
Purros campsite reception area:
As it was xmas the kids decided to build a xmas tree while the men made a roast beef, ribs and the ladies made salad and veggies. Belinda made dessert and the little one’s decorated the tables.
To say the least we had a feast
Nice and shaded camp sites all with donkey shower, toilet, basin with running water
Purros a special place in our hearts
We waited and waited for Derick….but he didn’t come. called him on the radio and no answer….strange….Derick likes to talk on the radio….
Then my phone rang, it was Derick, his car was smoking….inside (Derick does not smoke!)
So we hooked up the jumpers, started the vehicle and the smoke began….from the A-pillar!Switched off, stripped and traced the problem. The wires running in the A-pillar had chafed through and created a short. IMO due to all the corrugation of the previous days driving.
In 30 mins we were ready to hit town(Purros)…..as Derick’s petrol Prado was thirsty!
We found nothing……..(all his cans were empty)
So we headed South
There was quite a lot of water, more than last year.
Some ellies wandering about
Beautiful rock formations, in the Canyon
Then you see this lodge….abandoned….empty…..eye sore….you head left out of Purros Canyon towards Ganias Flats
Gary’s favourite pet…..
We stopped for lunch in the Hoanib river where we were sure to spot lots of game
The most amazing scenery
This really made our day!
About )10km via the riverbed) you get ‘extreme dust warning’ on your GPS also known as powder dust. Quite nerve wrecking driving through it, but also a lot of fun at the same time. Warning: Keep your windows closed….it’s better that way Note this is what you see from inside the vehicle, pics are not blurrrrred!
Marius and myself having some Low Range fun
The excitement soon ended when we stopped next to the pump…………..
Hmmmm….no fuel since the 01/12 today was the 26/12….!
With no other choice we headed for ‘Warm Quelle’ where we would camp for the night.
Rocky campsite, not my favourite but liveable with refreshing pool!
All road lead to Rome when you get to a vet control point: We had no hassles!
But then for the first time on this trip it poured with rain….
Arriving in Kamanjab we were surprised to find all the shops closed…..
Town….
cause as we found out it was a public holiday in Namibia….so we filled up and drove to the first and nearest camp site, literally 1km from town.
There was a lovely notice on the gate ‘Closed until 12/01/2011’ The owners were on holiday and as it is their off-peak season…closed!
So we headed off towards Outjo where we camped at the Himba Village Community camp site.(approx. 30km from Kamanjab)
Everyone relaxing after a hard day’s drive!
Marius taking care of the meat
Beautiful sunset!!!
Next morning we headed for Outju, South of Etosha as we wanted to be at the gate early morning! But proved to be wrong……
We ventured into town found a nice place for brunch
Thereafter we headed for the the butchery and OK to stock up on supplies!
We drove about 5km out of town towards Etosha where we found a nice lodge with campsite.(Bushveld Lodge)…..more about that later…..
We were the only visitors in the camp site / lodge we all had a dip in the pool
That evening at about 20h00 it started to rain, Danelle put Kiara to bed and I still sat with Derick and Marius having a last cuppa.
At 21h30 we decided enough was enough as the rain was becoming a bit of a problem under the awnng….so we all headed for our RTT’s as we were going to be up early 05h00 and head for the gate at Etosha…..
As I would usually do empty my pockets and put it on my seat, Danelle asked from the RTT ‘do you want me to lock? I said no it’s safe here and no one is around anyway accept us……..’Big Mistake’
We slept like babies the whole night through…..
Woke up at 05h00….when I opened the door of my van….I found this…….
Not a nice feeling at all….I was asking myself 100 times, why didn’t I lock, why……!!!! But the deed had been done. Fact is we had been robbed during the night….and that’s about that!
Passports, both camera’s, both cell phones, DVD players, all our ZAR cash & USD and my bag with goodies in……
We started combing the area and Danelle found a paper trail down a footpath about 400m from the campsite.
Our Passports was our greatest concern….
You do not want to loose your passports in a foreign country….it’s a major schlep 
Under a small bush were some ‘unwanted gifts’ the thieves did not require…..
Our passports were amongst the stuff and vehicle papers….wet but that was OK
So the cops were contacted and arrived 20 min later, but could not do much and requested us to come down to the local police station and open up a case. Which we did (took 2 hours….).
We then had to find a bank and draw cash as we were not planning on ending the long awaited trip just then.
We then drove to Etosha still fuming and disappointed at the same time….we arrived at the gate at 11h00 (not as planned )
S19 19.909 E15 56.392
There is plenty of game in the area and it wasn’t long before we realised the beauty of Etosha
Not long and we spotted 7 cats lying 10m next to the road
Beautiful pans of Etosha!
Overgrown!
Anyone know what these are? …and no, they are not normal Rooi bokke
More!
There was plenty of rain around….the rains had come early this year
Out of the park we headed for the camp site Sachsenheim S18 45.328
E17 15.520
Camp site was nice and tidy but the restaurant was closed as the owners were away, but the skeleton staff would gladly assist us
Food was prepared, while my dear friend Marius attended to his LR……!
After some investigation we found his front universal was poked….removed the front prop-shaft and would continue till Tsumeb where we would hopefully find some spares!
Beautiful sunset
Pretty dirty vehicles from all the rain at Etosha
My number plate…..
The salesman directed us to his wife’s nursery (just around the corner), where we were pleasantly greeted by his wife
Before we knew it she hopped into her car, sped off and said “I am quickly going to fetch Trevor…..” ummmm OK!!!
3 mins later Trevor arrived and we had a cuppa and chatted The ladies shopped in the nursery / curio shop, while we decided how and where we going to repair the LR. As it was not a big job we did it on the pavement!
Trevor’s fly away pet….
Once the universal had been repaired Trevor recommended we drive to Bush Baby Lodge where he would later catch up with us about 60km towards Grootfontein.
Weather looked fine behind us….!
Ahead was a different story….!
We entered the Park from the South (Sikereti camp). The road was wet, very wet, but had lots of fun driving through the puddles!
We visited ‘Dorslandboom’, quite a sight! More here from WegRy: http://www.wegry.co.za/bestemmings/nami … ste?page=3
The Tsetse flies really bugged us, so he hurried along!!!
Sekereti kamp is petty run down….sad, but you are almost assured to be here alone!
The ablutions are pretty neglegted, although Khaudum a beautiful Park
While off-loading some wood we had collected, Maruis fell off the back of the LR…. injuring his shoulder….good excuse for a ‘bush massage’….
The following morning off towards Khaudum Camp.
Not long and we came across a heard of ellies!
The bush was very dence and finding animals proved to be very challenging!
It started to rain again as we stopped at Khaudum camp, had brunch and headed North!
But the rain was here to stay. Khaudum camp was also run down due to lack of funds.
We quickly looked for a camp site on our GPS units and found a camp site nearby, on the Okavango river. Be prepared to pay more, a lot more for these prime camp sites.(N$160.00 p/p camping)
The girls seemed very amused with the horses roaming around the camp site!
Heading for Muhungo Game Reserve (drive through free) we prob saw the most animals of the entire trip!! S18 10.712 E21 40.814, just sign in at the gate and drive through.
Drive till you get the Muhembo Border post entering into Botswana
Road in pretty good condition….here and there…but is rain, rain, rain…which did not suit the Mom’s at all Washing was piling up and clean clothes was becoming scarce!
We headed for the nearest lodge ‘Gumo’ lodge on the banks of the Okowango (Pula110 p/p/n camping, but the place was nice!
Nice camp sites and clean ablutions
Then it was off to Maun / Moremi
We camped at Camp Audi, not the best (very commercial) but at 55Pula for adults, suppose it’s OK….
Washing clothes was the first and only item on the agenda and everyone helped….us all looking like a bit of a squatter camp…
Everything, even insects are bigger in the Delta
My favourite Mopani worm!!!
In Botswana there are many, may vet check points. Taking meat from South to North is allowed even through the border. But not allowed from North to South. If your meat is found you can be assured it will be taken. The officials enforce this law!!!
We soon spotted our first ellies cossing the road
Then took the more adventurous route to the Moremi….and more scenic, along the Khwai river Getting stuck here is not an option…..you will!!!
The bush is very dence in places and difficult to spot animals…unless if you happen to drive into a heard of course, which is very likely to happen! Plenty of water lying around everywhere as the area is pretty flat.
Plenty of bird life around in these swamps
Plenty of these river crossings….fun and at the same time nerver wrecking….
View from inside Marius vehicle.
Note the water coming over the bullbar!
Derick almost getting stuck….Icould hear Marius saying….” Ek gaan vandag ‘n Prado uitsleep” He, he, he….he didn’t, the Prado 120 amazed me!
While driving, every now and again I would hear a funny noise coming from the Lux….. 
No…can’t be, must be my imagination, but then I heard it again…..
“No, not here”… I was thinking, all that water / mud surely ain’t good Having little to no choice in the matter we added bearing grease, wrapped the CV with duct tape and cable tied the lot together. This was however the best we could do for the time being. Now I know why Uys has looked at designing these CV boot protectors.
Just another handy tip I picked up from Marius, have a piece of cloth 2m x 1m handy so you can lie on when in the bush Just incase, it’s handy to have and does not take up a lot of space or weight 
This patent is held by LR 
Once done we cleaned up and had lunch / brunch / left-overs
The Hornbills always around when there is food. Actually quite sweet
Back on the ‘road’ again not more than 30 mins later, everyone drove around this ‘little’ mud hole….except me…and walla Mr Grootbek Toyota was stuck….. 
Derick was quick to the rescue, and a little tug an we were off again!!!
S19 10.258 E23 45.062
…..Park Fees…. Hmmmmm, they are expensive here in Botswana…..1 x vehicle, 2 Adults and one child….980.00 Pula for the night…….
Well we did not have much choice as the ladies were not about to camp with us in the ‘bush’ so we swallowed the bitter pill and paid…
That night at the camp site lions kept us awake and alert almost every 20 mins calling, making the 150m walk to the loo feel like 5km. The sound of lions calling absolutely amazing even if they 1000m or more away…but they were coming closer
The camp site: very basic, no tap with clean ablutions (150m) and a lockable dustbin
That evening it was we made a huge fire and everyone huddled around it…wonder why?
That evening we planned to have ‘Man’ seize steaks – with chips (slap type chips)! Marius and Derick had picked up some tips from the Voetspore team and tonight they were going to put it to the test
* Take a steel pot
* Fill it half-way with cooking oil
* Heat up the oil to 200deg (very hot….!!!)
In the mean time get the gals to peel and cut the potatoes (wedge of normal chip seize)
Once the oil is piping hot, (caution, this can be pretty dangerous!!! Get all to stand back )
Then throw the sliced potatoes into the boiling oil….like so:
20 – 30 mins later…crispy slap chips covered with a lovely juicy mushroom and black pepper sauce made by Belinda & Carmen…..WOW 
Here are some pics of their adventure.
Walking / wading through these rivers ain’t pleasant……
Kids having a ball 
We managed to find a complete CV, shaft, boot and bearing but opted to drive home (good choice!)
Our holiday time was now running out, fast….. and we headed home leaving us with fond memories of our 26 day experience.
Good friendships were made, another memorable outing, looking forward to the next overland trip, currently being planned (more of that later…)
Smile….
Handy crew
Derick doing the daily washing
No man….not another snake chaser….
Hilux finatics
Family of Derick….
Morning run
Coffee anyone?
Ag Ma, ek miss jou baie en ons drink glad nie…..