Day 5, Sept 13 – Epupa Falls Campground

We awoke to a beautiful day in a spot that I can only describe as magical.  There is an energy associated with moving water and here at Epupa Falls that energy can be felt with your entire being.  Over the next couple of days I took pictures of the falls in an effort to capture the magic but it is a place well worth visiting in person.

View of river from campground

View of river from campground

We originally planned on camping at Omarunga campsite but after looking at Epupa falls campground we decided to settle in there among the Makalani plams.  Here we saw the red tailed palm thrush…which is found only in NW Namibia.

Campsite among Makalani palms

Roelof, Rykie, Tom, Salome and Nico

Tom and Nico enjoying a sundowner along the river

Almost all of the campsites we stayed at had some combination of amenities; such as laundry services, connection to electric power for charging batteries and cell connection.  At Epupa falls, there was an Herero woman who organized the locals to provide laundry services and to run the local gift shop.  Her name was Marianna and she was quite a gal! Since we had been on the road for a few days, I decided to take advantage of the laundry services…here is where I made my mistake and left my cell connection stick in my shirt pocket and it was thoroughly cleaned with the rest of my laundry.  After the cleansing, I tried to dry it out with Roelof’s help but unfortunately it could not be revived!  Without the cell stick I could not log on to the internet so that is where my blog started getting seriously behind.  It would have been further behind with out the help of Sean and Benita Braines, the managers of Omarunga Lodge.  This gracious and friendly couple let me use their internet and recharge my camera batteries. 

Sean's father, Steve Braine, is a well known naturalist who lives in Swakopmund.  He owned and ran Hobatere Lodge, outside of Etosha, until it tragically burned earlier this year.  Steve, his sons and John Lotter collectively own Batis Birding, which specialises in Namibia and Angola birding trips.  Sean's brother Dayne has taken one of the only pictures of Swierstra's Francolin (I think he said) found only in Angola and threatened with extinction.  And for camera buffs...Sean has a full frame Nikkon camera!!! Although I haven't been on a Batis Birding trip, the credentials of the owners must make for excellent trips and I can say that Sean's knowledge of birds was impressive.

Omarunga Lodge is a beautiful and well kept place within walking distance of Epupa Falls campground.  It has several chalets located in a peaceful setting along the river.

Later that day, the adventerous four; Dawn, Martie, Salome and I, decided to take another canoeing trip.  After all, the canoeing at Kunene Camp was a breeze and now we were experienced!  Unbeknownst to us class 3 rapids were waiting. 

Ready to load up for the trip upstream

After some hesitation I decided to take my camera along.  The canoeing/rafting company provided a waterproof bag that looked pretty strong and besides, my confidence was high.  Below are some photos taken during the truck ride upriver.

The "green" ribbon of river winding through the hills

Makalani palms along the river

Hang on gals!!

The river provides essentials for the survival of life

We arrive at our point of embarkation.

Ready for action!

Martie and guide on water

Group shot as we illegally stop in Angola for a drink (note welcome sign)

It was shortly after here that we hit some "big" rapids.  The bad news is that Salome and I failed "canoeing".  The good news is that we passed swimming!  Salome was in the front seat of the canoe and as we hit the main rapid I remember her flying gracefully through the air into the water.  I wasn't far behind her.  Fortunately the canoe didn't turn over and I was quickly able to grab onto the side.  Salome "popped" up shortly and we began our river trip outside the boat.  I was impressed by Salome's enthusiasim...she said "that was great!" immediately after popping up from the water.  We had just been thrown into crocodile infested waters but her spirits were high! 

6 foot crocodile seen just before being thrown from canoe

We were close to our destination so I did not take my camera from its waterproof bag.  I just hoped the bag worked!! Once we landed, I opened the bag and the camera was dry.

Note to self: Next time leave the camera behind on trips with class 3 rapids and higher!