Brandon Bosch Memorial Ride - Africa 2021

[DASKOP]

I stopped at the Nampower Power Station and sticker no 36 went up.

The Angolan border post was in the distance, so took the short drive there. The locals were a bit camera shy.

I stopped along the way back to take a last photo. Large sections of the water line are missing, so I was not sure how water would be pumped to Ruacana.

 

[DASKOP]

There was a turn-off to the Hippo Pool Campsite, so I went to have a look. This road also follows the river all the way to Epupa Falls, but I was warned, although the road is mostly gravel, there are some fairly long, deep sand river crossings.

 

[DASKOP]

Hippo Pool Community Campsite.

 

[DASKOP]

Brandon's sticker no 37, before I left Hippo Pool.

 

[DASKOP]

On my way back to Eha Lodge, I saw this peculiar construction on a little hill in the middle of nowhere, and thought I would have a look.

 

[DASKOP]

But, there was more, it seems like someone is building themselves a little little hide away place, with an amazing view. Most strange and there was nobody there.

 

[DASKOP]

Back at the lodge, I finished packing, settled my account, and put sticker no 38 on the lodge sign, back on the road, destination Epupa Falls.

I was going via Opuwo, as I did not want to take a chance with the sand on the road along the Kunene River. Long and boring road, fortunately I kept to the speed limit and only stopped at the police speed check for a break. I had a nice chat with very friendly police, but I was not allowed to photograph them.

At that time, due to lock-down regulations, locals were not allowed to cross "provincial" borders and these checkpoint were set up. There was a team of police there, and they would do duty for a week at a time, staying in the bush along side the road with only the most basic of essentials. There was not even a portable toilet for them.

 

[DASKOP]

The road to Opuwo, with a few villages along the way. Maybe I should have taken on the sand challenge along the Kunene. A quick stop at the Spar for some basic necessities.

 

[DASKOP]

180 km to Epupa Falls. All gravel. Hallelujah! Even Matilda was smiling.

The Arid Eden Route, but I had enough water, just in case.

 

[DASKOP]

Pictures do not do justice to this road, I was just enjoying myself.

 

[DASKOP]

Did I mention that I was enjoying this road?

 

[DASKOP]

Some local Himbas along the way.

 

[DASKOP]

It is getting to the last stretch.

 

[DASKOP]

The beauty of Namibia.

 

[DASKOP]

There it was, Epupa Falls.

The 180 km took me 4 hours and 15 minutes because I stopped many times, but I enjoyed every minute.

I booked in at Omarunga Epupa Falls Camp. My campsite on the river.

 

[DASKOP]

19 July 2021

My first photo, early morning, what a way to start the day with such natural beauty.

 

[DASKOP]

I took a walk to see the falls.

 

[DASKOP]

The water level was low at that stage, imagine when it rises by 2 meters, which has happened, and the lodge sites were totally flooded.

 

[DASKOP]

Epupa Falls Lodge and Campsite next door. Just for interest's sake.

 

[DASKOP]

It was time to explore the area, so Matilda was relieved of her normal cargo, and off we went.