Day 10 - Etosha

After the warmest night of the trip so far, we were all well slept and ready for a great day of looking for animals!

A 6am wake up call followed by coffee and granola and quick pack up and we were crossing the gate at 7.20 just in time to witness the beautiful red ball of fire rising in the sky.

We went straight into the safari mode; binoculars in one hand, wildlife book in the other, all windows opened - despite the chilly 9°c morning - we were operational and on the lookout for any movement.

Etosha didn't disappoint. Just a few minutes in, having stopped to check on a Goshawk, we noticed 2 black spots moving around the open plain. Jumping of joy realizing we were looking at Honey Badgers on their morning food run. A first time spot for the both of us!
Barely starting the car again, 2 little pointy ears showed up in the distance, those of a little Black-backed Jackal. Chuffed by these morning wins, we could not believe our eyes when 2 massive elephants walked by us in their morning stroll just a few minutes later.
The rest of the morning, we were gifted with herds of Zebras, Springboks and Wildebeest from every point of view.

Out surrounding were of a very deserted nature. Dust, dust and more dust covering the plains. But the few bushes around still managed to give a good hiding place for our friends the cats. None in sight!

As we moved east and closer to the center of the park, we noticed the vegetation changing to a timid green especially around the wannabe lake turned into salt flats.

A quick tea and rusk break and we were back on the hunt. Ostriches, Giraffes, Elephants, Lapwings, Spotted thick-knee’s, Kestrels, Kori Bustards and a yet to be identified bird of pray.

We stopped for a lunch under the Halali camp trees, fighting of the blue Sterlings and squirrels and figuring out our next move.
With no reservation for the night, we were hoping to convince one of the camp managers to make up some space in the park for a cute couple on their honeymoon.

Arriving on the other side of the park in Namutoni, we tried our luck at the camp site but were welcomed with a very expected "fully booked".

Time to check the options outside the park. Just on the border with the gate we found a beautiful place: Makuti lodge. When they greeted us with fresh wet towels and a home brewed ginger tea we knew we were in for a treat. If the grand architecture, designer furniture and massive pool were not proof enough of course!

Slightly out of place, full of dust with our safari boots and shorts, we quickly blended right in by the pool. Leo reading her book in the pool bed under her massive hat and Lars catching up on world news and sports actualities.

At a delicious restaurant dinner we enjoyed a lovely evening and good food. Only to come home to our bedroom having especially been decorated for a romantic honey moon!
Cherry on top for us road trippers? The fresh linen and comfortable bed!Read more