Report of the Southern Cross Safari of 29.07. until 19.08.2007
Day 01:
Sunday, 23.09.2007
Location: Cape Town (Umoya Lodge)


On the first day we explored the Cape Peninsula from west to east. We went to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, as well as the piquing colony at Boulders beach (a colony of penguins living on land). We had lunch in the Two Oceans Restaurant which directly looks out at sea. Especially the delicious seafood can be recommended. The weather was in contrast with all expectations, for a nice rainbow decorated the sky. On the way back, a couple of whales could be observed close range, which was the final highlight of the day. Back at the lodge, we spend the evening in a cozy bar with a cup of tea.

Day 02:
Monday, 24.09.2007
Location: Cape Town (Umoya Lodge)

For this day is a national holiday in South Africa (Heritage Day), we had to go up Table Mountain early which turned out to be good luck because later in the day at 14h00 the cable car closed due to strong wind. Indeed it was very windy up the mountain, but the fabulous view made up for it. Back down from the mountain, our tour truck took longer due to traffic jams. Then we went on a brief city tour during which we mainly visited the Malay quarter and afterwards we went to the Waterfront were everybody had enough time for eating, shopping etc. At 17h00 we were back at the lodge. We all went to bed early, because the next day we had a long trip to Namibia ahead.

Day 03:
Tuesday, 25.09.2007

“In Europe you have watches, in Africa you have time”
After a nice breakfast we got going. Today we would travel the longest distance in one day of the entire tour. Indeed, after what seemed an endless journey, interrupted by many short pit stops, we finally reached the border of Namibia at sunset. Here we were granted admission without any problems. Arrived in Namibia, we set up our first camp, where our guide Errol set up a delicious dinner consisting of chicken with mushrooms and pasta. Also building tents for the first time went fine. Going to sleep, we are very excited what the new day in Namibia will bring…

Day 04:
Wednesday, 26.09.2007
Location: Orange River (Felix Unite)


Today we went on a canoe trip on the beautiful Orange River. After a detailed introduction by our guide Oliver, we started a few miles from the camp to paddle back. On the river, we were able to observe numerous birds. After the canoe trip, there was time to relax until we took a walk in the late afternoon. Errol led us through the rocky landscape around the river bank and informed us about the peculiarities of the rocks and the animals living here. In the evening, we made a real South African barbecue, which is called a braai. Again this day was a joy.

Day 05:
Thursday, 27.09.2007
Location: Fish River (Canyon Roadhouse)

We broke up to head for the next camp early in the morning. From then on, we drove up the first unpaved road to the hot springs of Ai Ais. There we took a hot bath, after which the quite cool nights where very pleasant. Refreshed, we arrived at the camp and for the first time where able to look at the famous Fish River Canyon. In the evening we went directly to the Canyon (the second largest canyon in the world), where we had a fantastic sunset awaiting us.

Day 06:
Friday, 28.09.20073
Location: Sesriem (camp)

Today, again we had a long way to go so we left our camp early to reach Sesriem in time. On the way there, we had lunch against the backdrop of the castle Duwisib. When we arrived in the desert, we set up camp in dust and wind. These efforts were followed by a great BBQ diner, again a rewarding braai. It all tasted great.

Day 07:
Saturday, 29.09.2007
Location: Sesriem (camp)


“Getting up early pays of”
We got up before sunrise so that we were on Dune 45 to see the sun rise over the landscape of the Namib Desert. The light revealed a great deal of treasures to us. Strengthened by breakfast at the foot of the dune, we continued with our desert guide Franz to Sossusvlei and the Dead Vlei. The bizarre looking dead trees provided excellent motivation for taking all sorts of pictures. During the walk with Franz we encountered interesting desert species and wildlife. After this sweaty tour through the burning desert landscape, a cooling pool at the camp was just right. In the evening, we visited the canyon again. The rain water in the Sesriem Canyon floes directly into Vlei. For dinner, Errol prepared his specialty: Ginger Beer Chicken.

Day 08:
Sunday, 30.09.2007
Location: Blutkoppe (Wildcamping)

Again we got up very early today to get to our next campsite. This would be a challenge, because there was neither electricity nor water directly at the foot of the hilltop. En route, we enjoyed freshly baked apple strudel in the small Namibian town Solitaire, which is notoriously famous here. Again after a night at our camp we climbed the hill blood full of energy. Even though the mountain itself was not very high, this was a tough task. On the mountain we experienced a moment of absolute silence among the immensity of the Namib Desert. Next, we waited for a great sunset. Later, we had delicious pasta, after which we sat around a campfire together for a long time under a Southern star filled sky.

Day 09:
Monday, 01.10.2007
Location: Swakopmund (Municipal Bungalows)

Once all the tents were taken down again, we drove directly to Swakopmund, a small very quaint German town by the sea coast. Swakopmund has been frequently described to be more German than Germany itself. Finally, we could go into a city once again to do some errands. Than we all took a shower in the small bungalow houses in which we were accommodated. We particularly enjoyed the shower, as we experienced pure wilderness yesterday with no running water. In the ‘Swakopmund Brauhaus’ we had dinner in ‘German Gemütlichkeit’.

Day 10:
Tuesday, 02.10.2007
Location: Twyfelfontein (Aba Huab)


Today we left Swakopmund to continue our journey to Aland Twyfelfontein near the Abu Huab Valley. Already on the trip, we met the Herero women, typical for this area, and even a Himba girl, which is not often the case. The camp was established after which we continued with a guided tour through the visitor center Twyfelfontein. Among other things, we saw the famous lion of Twyfelfontein, whose too-long tail end with a hand print. We briefly stopped over at the ‘organ pipes’ and the ‘Burnt Mountain’. After yesterday’s visit to a restaurant, Errol spoiled us again with his culinary skills and prepared grilled fish with vegetables. Also this evening ended with a crackling campfire with singing and dancing of locals in the bar of the camp.

Day 11:
Wednesday, 03.10.2007
Location: Etoscha NP (Okaukuejo)

In time we left our camp at Twyfelfontein to go to Etosha National Park, where we should get to see wild African animals. Our path led past the ‘Petrified Forest’ and, at our stop to refuel our trucks, a German bakery where we had coffee and cake. Arrived in Okaukuejo, our first of three stops in Etosha Park, we were soon out for the first game drive. After seeing many Springboks, we saw wild giraffes for the first time that had come here to drink. We also saw a sleeping male lion resting under a tree.

Day 12:
Thursday, 04.10.2007
Location: Etoscha NP (Okaukuejo)


“A little early to start!”
Today, we again got up early! According to information we had to be at the gates 20 minutes before 6h00 to pass through the park. The number one topic of conversation this morning, however, was the nightly noise made by animals looking through dustbins. We went to the gates for the morning game drive – it was still dark – to find out that the gates did not open until an hour later, we were off too early. This however did not affect the good mood and there just was a round of tea and coffee. When we started the game drive, it turned out to be a resounding success. We spent the rest of the day quietly by the pool of the camp, under a hot sun. At night there were giraffes and rhinos at the water hole, later together with three lions in sight.

Day 13:
Friday, 05.10.2007
Location: Etoscha NP (Namutoni)

Today we got to the new and final camp after Namutoni in Etoscha NP. Halfway we stopped for lunch in Halali, in the middle of the tree main camps in the park. From there the trip went to Etoscha Pan. There was nothing other than space around us, emptiness and heat with no chance for survival. In Namutoni, we relaxed at the camp, set near a castle in the desert reminding from 1001 nights. At dinner there was now time for quite romantic candle lighting. In the evening we were very happy to see animals over at the water hole.

Day 14:
Saturday, 06.10.2007
Location: Rundu (N’Kwazi Lodge)


In Rundu, our destination for today, there were numerous activities planned. After we welcomed our new Christian passengers on board – who only came along for the second part of the journey – we went for a village walk nearby. Our local guide, the 14 year old Eric told us about the lifestyle of the people here. Many of them are still living in traditional structures, so-called Grail. In the late afternoon, we made a pleasant boat trip into the sunset on the Kavango River. At the other side of the river is Angola and we made a quick stop for some taking some illegal pictures. By gradually dwindling sun, we experienced a unique evening atmosphere on the boat. Later, we were invited into a lodge were locals did a traditional dance around the fire and prepared a traditional meal. We went to bed happy with many beautiful impressions of the African flat.

Day 15:
Sunday, 07.10.2007
Location: Okavango Delta (Seronga)

On this day we should get to the border to Botswana and spent the next few days in the isolated delta of the Kavango River. After a trouble-free entry into the third country in Africa so far, we stopped at Swamp Sepopa. Here we left our tour truck and reduced our entire luggage for the next three days to a minimum before loading the boats. From here on, it took about 1.5 hours to get to Seronga, our first station in the Delta. The tents where set up in a flash, where everyone could enjoy the afternoon for himself. In the evening we than had to improvise in order to get dinner. There was a braai planned but the grill unfortunately was left in the truck so we had a nevertheless delicious stew.

Day 16:
Monday, 08.10.2007
Location: Okavango Delta (Wildcamping)


Early in the morning, we went even deeper into the delta. This time with Mokoros, traditional canoes constructed of fiberglass. After a relaxing and fascinating journey through the jungle, we reached the island where we would camp. In the noon heat, we all rested and in the afternoon after a game drive, we went back into the Makoros. What awaited us was pure adventure. Not long from departure, we arrived at a water pool where we witnessed large numbers of hippos. This was truly a unique experience, to see these dangerous animals so close. On our way back, we had to take on an elephant, for it actually blocked the way. This took some time. With the setting sun we went back to the camp.

Day 17:
Tuesday, 09.10.2007
Location: Okavango Delta (Seronga)

We were up early to steer our group safely through the Delta in Mokoros, to do a game walk. On one of the islands laying ahead we first learned how to behave in the best way possible in the presence of wild animals. In addition, we learned a lot about the use of plants for medical and hygienic purposes, such as the Star Apple Bush that is used as toothpaste. Some of the plants also serve as a good lunch charm for fertility (Lucky Bean). Back on our island, we went back to Seronga for a late breakfast, where everyone could enjoy an extensive shower. Today we had dinner at a local restaurant. Beef with rice and salad was served, and pudding as dessert. Happy and satisfied with fantastic impressions of the Delta, a true marvel of nature, we went to sleep.

Day 18:
Wednesday, 10.10.2007
Location: Caprivi (Hippo Lodge)

By motorboat we went back to where we left our truck. Today when we left the delta, it was unusually cold as a cool wind from the south whistled. Furthermore, we left Botswana and traveled back into Namibia. Today’s primary goal was to get to Katima Mulilo, where our camp was located. We spent the major part of the day driving. Then we could see the sunset at the marvel Zambezi River.

Day 19:
Thursday, 11.10.2007
Location: Chobe NP (Thebe Lodge)


In the morning, the first rain here in Africa surprised us; however it should be the only one. When waking up, it had already quietly started to dribble. Since we did not have far to go anymore, most of the trip we put behind us yesterday, we arrived at camp very early. On the agenda for today was first a game drive through the Chobe NP and then a boat cruise. We returned to Botswana, pampered by the many animals we had already seen, we now saw crocodiles at the Zambezi River. The evening we spent together in the awareness that our tour would approach its end.

Day 20:
Friday, 12.10.2007
Location: Livingstone (Maramba Lodge)

“At the final stage”
Our last major highlight of this unforgettable tour was the Victoria Falls in Zambia. Arrived at the last camp, this time tents with beds in them, we wanted to strengthen ourselves with lunch. However, a fully grown bull elephant had objections and spotted our picnic place. So we had to patiently wait until the elephant had fed his appetite until we came to our food. In the afternoon, we finally got to face the Victoria Falls, but unfortunately resulted in very little water because there had been very little rain here. The local market here was lively and varied. If you want to haggle, you are just at the right spot here to find all sorts of African art treasures. In the restaurant in the evening we again had a close-up animal experience. Some of us stayed slightly longer at the bar and came to see late hour hippopotamus on land.

Day 21:
Saturday, 13.10.2007
Location: Livingstone (Maramba Lodge)


“A journey of the heart!”
This day was free and each of us used the leisure time in different ways. Be it a flight in the ultra-lightweight plane over the Victoria Falls, elephant riding or just a visit to the city of Livingstone, or relax by the pool. Today, we got a visit by a horde of monkeys, which raged in front of our tents. At our last diner together, we went to another restaurant around here, the last time we dined under the African Sky together. Whe have experienced a lot and once again we reviewed the highlights. Everyone agreed that this was a unique and unforgettable journey through Africa, and thus also a journey of the heart!

Day 22:
Sunday, 14.10.2007
Location: Livingstone (Maramba Lodge)

Today, our tour now officially came to an end. After a joint breakfast we now approached farewell. We all agreed it was a pitty, but the idea to soon be back home delighted us a little bit. Back home, we would still dream of Africa …!