Namibia > Bus stuck in the sand

Around six o’clock, we get up. I’m starting to get used to waking up early, although the morning temperature still isn’t very pleasant. Fortunately, the first rays of the sun warm everything up a bit. During the night, we didn’t see any animals, but we could hear the hippos from a distance. This morning, we can choose between two activities: a new bush walk on the island or a mokoro ride through the Okavango Delta. We choose to do both. With the mokoros, we travel around the island to a nearby island.

Namibia - A walking safari across the islands in the Okavango Delta

There, we take a guided walk to look for tracks and wildlife. Theo doesn’t feel like taking the (dangerous) canoe trip and stays on our own island. He takes one of the polers and goes on his own bush walk. By half past seven, we’re already in the boats and are paddled to the island. Again, the Okavango Delta looks stunning at sunrise. On the island, it’s clear that elephants frequently visit—many trees are broken from the force of these massive animals. Unfortunately, apart from tracks and some beautiful birds, we don’t see any large wildlife on the island. We do spot Theo walking on the opposite island. By nine o’clock, we’re back on our own island, where breakfast is ready. After breakfast, we pack all our belongings and load everything into the mokoros. Shortly after ten, we push off. We sit with Daniel in the canoe. He promises to keep us dry this time. Because Daniel struggles with the boat, the polers switch roles. Lister takes over the heavy load in the mokoro, paddling much more steadily, while Daniel takes care of the lighter load: Susan and Sander.

Namibia - The bus got stuck in the sand and couldnt be pushed out

Back at the speedboats, the polers transfer the luggage. Everything goes smoothly until Cheryl notices that some luggage is missing. After checking the Jeep, we realize Guust’s sleeping bag hasn’t arrived. Supposedly, it’s on a boat that hasn’t come yet. After some waiting, we learn the boat won’t arrive until four o’clock. To reach the new campsite in Namibia on time, we have to leave now. The sleeping bag is taken by the next Baobab group, and Guust uses Thomas’s sleeping bag. After the delay and without a sleeping bag, we drive back to the village of Eshta 13. The bus is still where we left it. We quickly load the luggage and I hand out some candy to the local children. They are clearly experienced—“lining up” isn’t really their goal; they mostly try to get as much candy as possible (and they all look alike). Presumably, everyone gets at least one candy. We continue toward Namibia by bus. Time for a nap. Unfortunately for Thomas, traffic signs in Namibia aren’t always clear. Just before the border, we drive into a village, which turns out to be the wrong route. We turn back and ask a passing motorcycle officer for directions. He tells us to go back a little and then turn right. We had misinterpreted the sign at the intersection. Shortly after, we arrive at the border. As usual, we fill out paperwork at both the Botswana and Namibian border posts. There are no problems, and because we also set our clocks back one hour, there’s no time lost. We drive into the Caprivi Strip, a narrow strip of Namibian land north of Botswana. Here we enter the nature park. Through roads open to travelers, you can visit, but you must not leave the road. After an hour, we pass the Ngepi campsite, our overnight stay.

Namibia - The beautiful sunset in Botswana

We continue to the village to shop and see if we can get an extra blanket for Guust—no luck. On the way back, the bus gets stuck in loose sand at some roadworks. Despite our and the local children’s efforts to push, the bus digs itself deeper. A passing tourism official offers help, but it’s useless. He goes to the Ngepi campsite to fetch a 4x4 Jeep. Meanwhile, we enjoy a beautiful sunset and entertain the local children by showing them our digital photos. After about half an hour, the Jeep arrives. Unfortunately, the bus is so deeply stuck that the steel cable snaps. To lighten the bus, we transfer the luggage to the Jeep and attach the trailer as well. The Jeep first takes us to the campsite, then returns to pull the bus free. Thomas stays with the bus. By now, it’s completely dark. At the campsite, we set up camp in the dark, something we’ve become reasonably experienced at. We also start preparing dinner. Fortunately, Thomas arrives soon with the bus. The Ngepi campsite is large and relatively luxurious, situated by a river. The showers have a thatched wall for privacy, and the swimming area is fenced in the river. In the evening, we enjoy a nice meal and beers at the campsite bar. Before going to bed, I take a wonderfully warm shower under the stars, with only a small flashlight for light. Feeling cozy, I crawl into my sleeping bag.