I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting a few unusual places over the last few weeks. Please join me on an unforgettable journey along the highways and the byways of southern Africa.
Above: This is the vehicle we traveled in. A 2,0 l bi-turbo charged VW crew cab. Situated in the back were a small fridge (had to keep the drinks cool somehow!) and a bigger freezer to keep the meat frozen. On a sliding bed we had all the other supplies stashed in hard boxes. The hard cover could open on both sides, as well as the rear. A separate battery system provided power for the fridge and freezer overnight and was charged during the day while driving.
With high temperatures during the day the second battery went slightly flat during the nights but was not so low that the food went hot or bad.
Mounted on the roof and on the hard top were two roof-top tents.
Above: Accommodation at the Augrabies National Park a short distance from Upington in the far western parts of South Africa.
Above: The Augrabies (Place of big noise) waterfalls can be a whole lot more aggressive than was the case when we were there. The Orange River, one of our largest rivers, feeds the Augrabies
Above: It is an arid area. Semi-desert and hot hot hot. Average daily temperatures are 100 deg F + during summer, ie, January 2012!
Above: Driving into the park we had to cross this valuable piece of water.
Above: Only the toughest of the tough survive. Gemsbok, eland, giraffe, klipspringer, leopard, and springbok are a few of the hardy living in that park.
Above: Our 4-wheel drive vehicle from the side.
Tomorrow we take the long road to Namibia. Please rejoin us then for another interesting section of the journey!