Raucana Falls Namibia Africa

While I was on my trip to Africa, we took a day trip from our main stop in Outapi, Namibia.  This was my first view of  the Kunene River which borders Namibia and Angola.  The picture just doesn't do that view true justice.  It was so serene and beautiful.  

We made a stop at Raucana Falls located on the Kunene River.  Unfortunately we didn't get to see it at it's most impressive time when water is flowing full force over it's edge.

We did get to see a tiny bit of waterfall down near the base of the mountain.  It looks really tiny here but this is actually quite large.  I can only imagine how huge it would be when flowing full force from the top.  

I was amazed at the color of the water.  It appeared to be a green color.  I am sure it probably had something to do with the type of rocks in the river.  It was quite beautiful.

Here is a view of the entire cliff face where water flows during the rainy times. 

We loaded up and headed off to see more sights. Can you see the rough spots over to the right of this picture?  That is smooth compared to how rough this road got.  The dips and bumps became so rugged in spots that our men had to get out and help guide the van over them.  I couldn't even take pictures it was so very rugged.

We finally made it over the rough patch and then we were facing this.  It doesn't look like too much does it?

It is amazing how much bigger it got as we came closer to the crossing.  I must admit that I was a bit concerned.  I wondered how the headlines would read back home if we floated off down the river or who would come help us if we got stuck.  Thankfully we made it across with no problem.

After a bit more driving we finally turned off into the Kunene Island Campsite.  They kindly allowed us to stop for a picnic and a bit of respite.  I was surprised at how similar the campsite was to those found in the United States.  It was actually quite nice.

 Some of our bunch decided to play a little in the water.  I decided it was much safer to stay on shore.  There are crocodiles in that river and that is Angola on the other side.  Thankfully everyone made it back safe.  

This is a view of the shower house/bathroom for the campground.  I bet you are wondering what type of facilities they have in Namibia.  

They had tents that look just like the tents that we use here in the United States.

Here is a peek inside the shower house.  I thought it was quite nice and even pretty in a rustic kind of way.

The roof was really impressive to me.  I wouldn't have a problem taking a shower here.  And just in case you were wondering, yes, they do have modern toilets (and toilet paper too).  The only difference was that theirs had a push button instead of a lever.  

We finished our picnic and packed up for the trip back.  Along the way, we came upon some Himba tribesmen.  They were herding some cattle.  The Himba are quite good cattlemen.  They herd their cattle by whistling.  It was quite warm that day so we stopped and gave these men our extra sandwiches and water.  


In Namibia it is considered quite rude to take pictures of the people unless you ask first.  We found that they are almost always glad to pose for you and let you snap pictures when asked.  The Himba expect to be paid or given something in exchange most of the time.  It is one of the ways this people group has found to help provide for their families.

If you are interested you can read more about the Himba people here.  There are also some great pictures to see here.   I must warn you though that the women by custom do not wear clothing on their top half and so don't go to either sight if that is offensive to you.  I hope you enjoyed coming along on our little day trip around North Namibia.

Until Next Time

Debbie

A Day in Namibia Africa

I woke to the sound of birds singing birdsong that I did not recognize, but it was very tropical sounding and beautiful.  Then I remembered that I was in Namibia, Africa!  

I rushed to get dressed, hoping that I might have a bit of quiet time and a bit of time to take a few pictures that were not from the inside of a moving van.

The birds were different, the sounds were different, the smells, the buildings, the plants and trees were different.  Even the leaves on the trees were different.  If  you look at the picture above you will see they look like angel wings.  These were mopane trees.

The staff threw out seed for the birds and this attracted many.  I was having a great time trying to capture them with my camera. 

This is the building where we ate a dinner of grilled oryx and African pumpkin the night before.  The food was delicious.

This is where several men had gathered around a fire the night before to visit. 

I saw many different plants but there were many that are grown in Texas too such as the fountain grass above. 

This was the little cabin where we slept the night before.

The staff were amazing.  They helped us with our bags and were ready to help us even in the night.  We were told not to go out alone at night because there was a possibility of dangerous animals around.  That was great advice except that I somehow ended up with someone else's suitcase (I don't wear men's underwear) so I decided that I would have to brave it anyway.  Thankfully there was a staff member ready to help me. 

Breakfast was pretty good too.  We were served eggs, sausage, yogurt, breads, cereal, coffee, a mixed juice, and an African favorite called roobios tea (and no we did not drink the water).  It was much like the meals we eat in Texas for breakfast but with a few differences.  It is funny how we were in such a different place with so many different things and yet there were so many things that were similar.  What an exciting place we found ourselves in. 

We would get into our van that day and embark on a great journey that would take us to many beautiful parts and many beautiful people in a very beautiful country.  I was looking forward to the adventure ahead of us.

Until Next Time

Debbie

Namibia, Africa

We had finally arrived in Namibia, Africa.  It had been a very long trip but we were finally there!  It felt almost surreal as we got into a van to drive to our next stop.  I was reminded that it was a different country when we had to go to the opposite side of the van to get in and we then drove on the left side of the road.  I was surprised by the landscape around me because it looked a lot like Texas, my beautiful home state.  It seemed so familiar but so different at the same time...

 One of those differences appeared by the side of the road.  It was a small herd of Giraffes.  They were beautiful.

We stopped by the side of the road to admire them.  I loved how graceful they were.  I loved how easily they hid in the bush.  I loved how shy they seemed to be.  I especially loved that I was in Namibia a beautiful country.

I fell in love that day...in love with a country...I would fall in love even more when I met the people...I won't pretend that everything was perfect there, but it was beautiful and it was amazing, and it was a place I hope to visit again.

Until Next Time

Debbie

Quiet Time

I thought I would check in with all of you and let you know that everything is OK.  I will be on the road and in the skies soon.  I have been preparing for a mission trip to Africa that is coming up very soon.  I like to spend lots of quiet time with the Lord before something like this, so that has meant that I haven't had much to talk about in the travel department.  I have been missing you all so very much and I hope to have lots of pictures to share with you very soon of a very beautiful country and people.  
Until Next Time
Debbie

Here and There, This and That

Have you ever had one of those spans of time when you have done lots but not much to remark upon?  That has been pretty much my life lately. I have been busy going here and there and doing this and that.  Lots of things and lots of places but not much that is very interesting.  I hope to have some interesting things to tell you about very soon though.  I have been working on getting my gear together for our trip to Outapi Africa.  I have my passport ready and I think I am ready.  I am excited though.  I guess that is all I have to post for now.

Until Next Time

Debbie