Firstly I would like to thank Mark OOOOMS for all his advice and willingness to give help.
The trip took a couple of months to plan and all said and done, it was decided that we would stay were we find a place to stay. No booking was done.
We were four vehicles travelling in the group. 2009 Hilux with a conqueror trailer, 2005 Hilux with an Echo trailer, 2010 Prado with a conqueror trailer and a Nissan Navara with an Echo trailer. We needed the Navara to at least have some fun.
We left Krugersdorp on Saturday the 25th of June at 04h00 and had to meet the people driving the Navara in Mafekeng. After meeting them we then headed off to the Botswana border post at Ramatlabama. Hassle free through the border crossing we preceded to the B202 to Kang where we planned to overnight. We reached Kang close to 13h00 and the overnight place was closed, we then decided to proceed to Buitepos where we would overnight.
All going well, everybody still fresh and happy to travel, we then hit the long road to Buitepos. About 250km from Buitepos we came to a grinding halt. My lux was leaking water from the radiator. A stone from a previous truck that we passed through up stones and yip my luck. Thank goodness for new technology the vehicle went into safe mode. Stranded next the road and who would think that something like that would happen we had to make a plan. We tried to close the hole and nothing was working. The only alternative was to take out the radiator and try and fix it. So that’s what we did.
We cut the fin that had the hole in it and turned it a few times and pinched it closed. Boiled water and put the radiator back and off we went to Buitepos.
After crossing the border post at Buitepos we then headed for Zelda’s Camp and B&B. We stayed in a family room that can sleep four people and that included breakfast the next morning. Zelda’s is very clean and neat. We reached Zelda’s at about 21h30. Everybody hungry and tired and quickly put steak on the gas braai and had steak rolls for dinner.
Breakfast was served at 07h30 the next morning and straight after breakfast we headed for Windhoek. We decided to overnight in Windhoek before heading for Swakopmund. We camped at Arebbusch Lodge and campsite in Windhoek. Very nice place and friendly staff. We dined at Joe’s Beerhaus and what a place. Early Monday morning I went to try and see if someone would sort out the radiator and get antifreeze. At Toyota they advised that it should be fine as there was no water leaking. Went to LA Sport for a protector plate and was advice to go to and engineering place close by. Protector plate made and installed and off to Swakopmund.
We stayed for three days at Mile 4 in Swakopmund and did all we could there.
Mile 4 has 100 campsites and 16 private campsites with its own ablutions.
We did all we could there from Sand boarding down the dunes, Crystal gallery Moon scapes etc.
After our short stay at Swakopmund we headed for Sossusvlei. We stayed at a place called Bestesda.
Just a few pic’s of the road before we reached our destination.
Refuel at the well known place I don’t think I should mention.
We then headed to the well known Sossusvlei and what a magical place.
Before entering Sossusvlei we made breakfast and took in the view as you can see. What a place.
- R0012470 (Small).JPG (19.69 KiB) Viewed 2122 times
After spending some time at the dunes we headed for Sesriem Canyon.
Short stay at Bestesda we were on the move again to Luderitz. We stayed to watch the rugby at Aus and yes sorry no pictures of Aus, could not find the camera.
We stayed at Shark Island in Luderitz and the wind blew us away.
Did all we could in Luderitz, Kolmanskop and the rest.
The wind was so bad that we decided to head for Ai Ais Hot Springs. What a beautiful road next the Orange River all the way down to Ai-Ais.
After the breathtaking views we reached Ai Ais Hot Springs where we would stay for the last couple of days before heading off back to SA.
We also did the Fish River Canyon.
Well all must come to an end. After a few days of rest and relaxing we were on our way back home but first we had to stop at Augrabies.
All ended well and my lux is getting its new radiator this week.
We did 5150 km at an average of 9.1l/km and without booking managed to find place to stay.
Once again to Mark for all your assistance and kind words before we left a great thank you.
Cheers
:o
