Anyway, we had an exciting first 30 mins on the road encountering first an odd shaped human heap some 10m off the road where it had come to rest after what must have been a direct hit. The parked car that wasn't a police vehicle looked a tad crumpled with its human shaped indentation. (no pics, of course, what do you think i am?)
Then off again only to come to a full stop at one on the random police checkpoints. The only sign was a stop sign which Geoff obeyed. As no one seemed to pay any attention Geoff slowly proceeded only to be chased down by an indignant policeman who asked rhetorically "who said you could go". Actually answering that question would not have been smart. What followed was a masterful handling of an inflammatory situation where the police-dude demanded a $N1000 ($125) fine to be paid back in Windhoek. Geoff navigated a conversationally circuitous route by claiming we were never going back to Windhoek (a lie). "You wont ignore my stop sign again - you will pay the fine". The discussion went on for an age, around and around until i heard the man say the magic two words "... the next time..." and that's where it ended. Brilliant situational control by Geoff, never raising his voice or seeming to argue or worst, question the silly little man's supreme authority over those 10m of tarmac. Only last night at dinner Geoff said the two things to watch out for are eppaulette's and a peaked cap. (again no pics as i'm guessing they would cost $N1000 each)
Basically this lodge exists for those that don't want to drive non-stop from Windhoek to Etosha NP. ie us.
There is a small watering hole in front of the lodge which catered to two ostriches (big), numerous deer (small) and a solitary wildebeest.
Trying to get a small lunch at the lodge seemed too challenging so we hopped in the car and went the 3km on to Otjiwarongo where we ate at Dumptzy's - totally adequate, good pumpkin dish.
Then back at the lodge we set out to walk the longest of the trails through the park only to stop after all of 100m into the 5km trail at an hide. Geoff leading the way looks up into the thatched roof above and seriously pissed off the occupants of the hornets nest. Within 5 seconds he had been stung 3 times by some vicious and mean flying things that were huge. Geoff retreated to the lodge while we unscathed ones headed off on the trail. Fairly unexciting (ostrich and strange bovine noises) trail but we were'nt tip toeing.
Did i mention it is very hot.
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Location:Otjibamba Lodge, Namibia
