Twyfelfontein to Swakopmund

August 10

Twyfelfontein was a spectacular location with the lodge nestled in amongst the towering rocky cliffs, but we had to move on. En route to Swakopmund we passed by Brandberg Mountain. At 2735m it is the highest mountain in Namibia. The landscape is reminiscent of parts of Australia. It's just stunning.

We stopped at a set of roadside craft stalls where local Herero women this time, in traditional dress, were selling their wares, including costume dolls.

So many different warning road signs!!

The stalls along the road which Herero women sell their crafts including dolls in traditional costume

I bought a lovely cushion cover from this lady and asked if I could photograph her with her children.

Our guide mentioned the circumstances of the two different tribal groups in this photo where Himba tribal women are together with Herero tribal women. They are all married to one man who lives in Uis, the nearby town. He drives them out of town each day to sell their wares at the roadside. Our guide told us that he has spoken to these women on previous tours and apparently, the husband will remember to pick them up if he is not too drunk! There was a 4 cylinder Kalahari Ferrari parked in Uis too!

Himba and Herero tribal women working together at their stall

Brandburg mountain from the other side

Four donkeys = a 4-cylinder Kalahari Ferrari!

The last part of dirt road before we arrived at the coast produced an unusual sight. A cheetah was sitting out in the desert, about 50m from the road.

Look more closely you can see a town in the background!

He was getting quite a bit of attention with passing cars stopping, but totally unperturbed

Our first sight of the Atlantic Ocean was at Henties Bay where we had lunch. Then we took the road north to Cape Cross seal colony. This is the largest colony of Cape fur seals in the world. Up to 210,000 at any one time. A bit of a smelly stop but wonderful nonetheless.

The Indian Ocean, Henties Bay

Where we had lunch there was a rather unusual snooker table

Cape Cross Seal colony

Those that weren't playing in the surf were just chilling on the beach. Well warming up may be a better term, it was a cold day

Then it was back down the coast to Swakopmund our home for the next two nights where we stayed in a very comfortable hotel right in the centre of town.

August 11

Not too much of an early start today. Our first adventure was quad bike riding in the desert sand dunes which was loads of fun. Because of my hand I doubled with the guide so was able to take photos along the way. I did not have my glasses on, however, as the helmet pressed them into my injured eye socket, so I simply took pot shots as I couldn't see!

A slightly misty view from our room

Ready for some fun!

Looking very elegant before being handed our helmets!

Can't see with can't see without!

All set

 

A half way break in the middle of nowhere

We had seen a group which was apparently in the dunes studying wildlife. So we headed for a bush they had been interested in and found this little chap

The second half of the morning we walked around the Kristal Gallerie, a fascinating place with so much information about the different gems which can be found all over Namibia. They have the largest block of crystal in the world on display. Namibia is one of the world's leading producers of diamonds.

The largest crystal in the world

This is all amethyst

Our afternoon was at leisure. There is a lot to see and do in this town. After lunch in a quirky cafe with amazing food, we walked down to the foggy seafront and along the recently restored pier. Not sure how long it will last with the Atlantic trying to claim supremacy of the shore! Next we walked around the museum which was fantastic. Lots of information on Namibia, its history, geology, culture and tribes, as well as information on wildlife. Another day in this town would have been lovely.

It is clear to see the Germanic influence in the architecture

But it is still Africa!

Lovely arcades of great shops and cafes

Talking of cafes - this one was the best for food and atmosphere

We saw a group of young men order one of these - not sure which one it was but it was huge!

Wonderful quirky decor - and sayings!

No signs here!

Swakopmund is renowned for its fog which rolls in from the Atlantic and is created because of the desert backing right up to the coast. There was no fog while we were quad bike riding early in the morning but the town was still shrouded until early afternoon

Entrance to the heritage pier, built in 1905 and only just recently re-opened

It certainly gets a pounding from the sea

When we left the museum the sun was shining and we could clearly see right up the beach