Day 14 Epupa falls to Ondangwa
The original plan was to do the 4X4 route from Epupa to Swartbooidrift. We enquired from the locals about the condition of the road and were warned by all we asked not to take that route. We for once listened to their advice and took the road back to Onkankwati en then the D3701 to Swartbooisdrift.
Our original plan was to do the route to Swartbooisdrift and camp there for the night. The following day we would ride to Ruacana and sleep there. The day thereafter we would ride to Rundu. As we were not doing the 4X4 route we will see how far we will get. The day’s route will be from Epupa to Onkankwati, the D3701 to Swartbooisdrift, and then the road all along the Kunene to Ruacana. Depending on the time there, we would decide where too.
After another good night’s sleep we were well rested for the day ahead. Our camping gear and sleeping arrangements is working well.
We returned on the same road we came in, to Onkankwati.
In Onkwankwati we stopped to see if they did not have freshly baked bread. Years ago we stopped here with our 4X4 and they had the nicest bread on offer.
Our luck was out, but they were busy with some Kentucky chicken. Kentucky was not on our menu for today.
On the outskirts of Onkankwati I saw a bag lying in the road. I normally do not stop for things like this, but today I stopped, why, I don’t know. My wife got off the bike and I told her to be careful, there might be snakes in the bag. She carefully opened the bag and there were 7 turtles in the bag. They looked almost dead to me but we decided to load them and release them in the Kunene River at Swartbooisdrift. The turtles were in for a bike ride to Swartbooisdrift.
On route to Swartbooisdrift.
The monument of the “Dorsland trekkers” at Swartbooisdrift.
Kunene River at Swartbooisdrift.
Here I am releasing the turtles into the Kunene
I could not believe my eyes, they all looked dead to me, but as soon as they were in the water, they started to come alive, some dug themselves into the mud on the banks of the river and others took off as if they were swimming a gala.
Some needed a little help.
Six survived and swam off into the river. One was dead, his shell was broken. This most probably happened when they fell off the vehicle they were transported with.
Well, my wife was happy that we rescued them, and if my wife is happy, I am happy.
It was time for a brekkie and what better spot that right next to the Kunene.
After the brekkie it was on the road again to Ruacana. This is a beautiful road full of twisties all along the Kunene River.
Then we started to move away from the Kunene, a clear sign that we were approaching Ruacanna falls.
This truck was blocking the road just before Ruacana.
With a little help from some of the locals, we managed to pass the truck.
Over the hill and Ruacana was in the distance.
It seems as if it was low tide at the Ruacana Falls.
On the way to Ruacana dorpie.
We filled up in Ruacana and phones my niece who stays in Ondangwa. They had a bed for us and we decided to visit them.
On the way to Ondangwa.
The tar road to Ondangwa was long and boring, but we were treated to some of the best T-Bone steaks.
And poeding ook nogal.
