Kunene River Lodge
After checking out the resident owls again we are on our way out of the park via Namoutoni camp and exiting at the top gate. Must stops on route are the Goas waterhole – fabulous sightings here, be sure to drive all the way around to the back of the waterhole. Unfortunately time did not allow us to travel around Fischer’s Pan, but we did do a quick stop at Andoni waterhole – here there was a young zebra which given it’s position and the heat we assumed was dead, as assumed the two vultures lurking about, after about 5 minutes it jumped up and walked away as did the vultures. Now as for the exit gate on this end – BEWARE, the guard there tried telling us that we had short paid at the entrance and he wanted more money from us as he must now correct their mistake. Now personally if it’s their fault I don’t see why we as the customers must be disadvantaged for it, however this was not the real issue here. The problem was that he did not have any form of receipt book or anything to give us proof of paying the additional R240 and he wanted to keep our permit and receipt from the first gate. So after being ripped off by the whole Etosha experience costing us over R1000 per person per day we were on our way dodging goats, horses, donkeys and cattle. Another word of warning – when travelling around Namibia and especially up north, you need to add at least an extra hour on to your travel time as you have to stop for the animals – seems they were well training not to run across the road…..they run up to the side and then take a casual stroll across with a breather in the middle and then idle off. **We were taken aback at Ruacana** thinking it was our last stop for petrol before Kunene, well they were out of petrol, but we were fortunately travelling with 2 full jerry cans so had an extra 40 litres which sufficed. We rushed on with only a quick stop to look for the Grey Kestrel which did not turn up at the designated stop. With speed drastically reduced by the terrain we forged ahead to Kunene River Lodge were we were met with a warm welcome by Peter and Hillary Morgan. What a wonderful couple, they gave us their full attention for the entire time we spent there. Dinner on their deck over-looking the river is a must and having received our dinner order earlier by phone was ready and waiting for us upon our arrival. The luxury rooms were wonderfully spacious and relaxing – in comparison to the fortune we had paid for Etosha, this was heaven.Kunene River Lodge