5 July 2012 - Namibia

Today we drive from Kang in Botswana to Windhoek in Namibia. We have to pass through 'Buitepos', the border post between the two countries on the A2. Its a total of 705 kilometres travel, but takes us the whole day. Though not without some adventure!

While driving from Kang to the border there are no other towns. You have to take a detour to Ghanzi if you need anything. The road is in mint condition, but you drive slowly due to the many animals next to it. We saw a herd of Oryx about 5 meter from the road, as well as many other animals, as per this list my wife kept by.

Birds:
Troupant 37
Geelbekneushoringvoel
Rooibekneushoring
Gevlekte lyster
Fiskaallaksman
Rooiborslaksman
Kremetartlaksman
Volstruis
Witborskraai
Swartkraai
Kwevoels
Kransduif
Glansspreeu
Boskorhaan
Kroonkiewiete
Witrugaasvoel
Witvlerkkorhaan
Mikstertvlieevanger
Rooivalk
Akkedisvalk
Blouvalk
Groot troupant
Bruin Jakkalsvoel
Tarentaal
Ringnekduif
Klein jagarend
Bruinslangarend
Witkatlagter
Kaalwangkatlagter
Namakwaduifie
Swaelstertbyvreter
Rooibekkwelea
Korttoonkliplyster

Animals:
Bobejane
Rooijakkals
Duiker
Gemsbok
Steenbok
Rooihartebees
Grondeekoring
Vlakvarke 48
Kuduooi
Gebande muishond
Rooibok
Blesbok
Damara dikdik
Kuduram
Boommuis

The landscape does not change much from before Kang to after Kang. This is the dry part of Botswana, almost desert like, with many trees at stages. A relaxing drive.

This time crossing the border was very fast. There were no ques and the officials were helpful. A pleasant experience. No one told us about the road permit you have to pay for until we reached the gate. They sent us back and we paid our R220 for it, no worries. We would later learn that my father-in-law also did not know, but could correct that.

The 100km from the border to Gobabis was very exciting. We saw plenty of animals, including warthog. As soon as they lift their tails, you better hit the breaks because that means they are running off, possibly in your direction!

We bought MTC simcards in Gobabis as it is much cheaper than roaming. That took us 5 minutes. They do not have the same stringent regulations as in the RSA. The best part is only certain people get that new number... Its another 209km to Windhoek where we sleep over, but first, time for lunch at Wimpy.

Its my first visit ever to Namibia and, as promised, I sleep over at Ruan, my flatmate from varsity's place. He promised to light a fire for a braai, and so we did. Namibia sell some of the largest chops, at a great price, thus I ate to much! A great way to finish the day. AND with a lot of anticipation for the next day!
https://www.dropbox.com/home#!/lightbox/home/Photos/Namibie%202012