Etosha National Park
In this camp look out for the Scops Owls around chalet no 34 and the White-faced Owl outside no 25. Ask the helpful gardener or one of the security officers to help you.We took the drive to Okakeujo camp and were fortunate to stop at one of the waterhole which seemed to have two lions resident. Firstly we noticed how ALL the animals (there were literally hundreds ranging from zebra’s to springbok, gemsbok to wildebeest) were queuing up almost single file on their journey to the water. Once there they seemed very skittish and rightfully so as from the shade of the bush above the water came the distinctive roar of a lion. The male and female lion just hanging about patiently taking a look at the day’s menu. But with a lot of driving still to be done it was onwards we went. A “quick” lunch at Okakeujo – which let me add was an extremely pricey N$40 club sandwich which looked more like a toasted bacon, egg and cheese with a dash of tomato. So after wasting 45 minutes waiting for this sad meal there was not much else to do here but rush on back to Halali.
Our return saw 5 large desert elephants where previously there had only been one. It is fascinating to watch the pecking order at these spots. The lions still near their waterhole, but rather more interested in each other than anyone else.
We decided on another buffet dinner given what it was like the night before, however we would have been better off with our own braai and relaxing time at our chalet. (I do suppose the new year eve’s buffet was extraordinary). But at least the accommodation was of a luxury style and a far cry from the previous tented camp. Though with the rates being so exorbitant, you do tend to want to nit pick at everything. For example, we did not hand in our key when we left for the day and ask for the room to be serviced. Which is generally not much of a problem if you’re just there for two nights, however they only gave us a half a roll of toilet paper to start with so was very glad we had packed in our own. Another bathroom problem was that to start off with our shower was blocked so you basically had a foot bath at the same time. Still in the bathroom which does not have outside windows – the lights went off at 6am which leaves you in the dark. Yet another bathroom issue – Mags’ toilet was leaking. Yet another issue is that we had the minutest of fridges which basically was the height of a 1.5l water bottle. Fortunately Mags had a slightly bigger one to fit more of the cooldrinks.
Also we requested chalets next to each other on the fence line, but only one was there and the other was 3 chalets away.