Camp Kipwe

The day started with a flat tire. It was fortunate that the owner of the guest house noticed and advised us at breakfast. It was even more fortunate that there was a Bidvest office 4 blocks away. Our tire was pumped enough for the drive and Bidvest took care of the rest. In the end, there was only a 30 minute delay from our planned departure time which was acceptable!

Driving northward and inland towards the Damaraland, the cool coastal weather gave way to hot and dusty conditions again. In place of a sandy desert, we now have a rocky desert!

Camp Kipwe was another oasis in the middle of vast nothingness. The camp has 9 huts, each one tucked away within the rocky setting. The rooms were surprisingly cool inside despite the heat outside. Even so, Malcolm was relieved to see that there was an air-conditioning unit. The bathroom is outdoors! It was secluded and private, and somehow there were no flies…Jonah declared that even though the inside of the hut is less luxurious than Sossusvlei, this place is way more cool.

Uis, former tin mine town. Now the handful of miners who stayed erect roadside shops s

Our "hut" at Camp Kipwe

Unobstructed views

The very comfortable inside of the hut

Outdoor bathroom!

Including shower

The children couldn’t wait to jump into the small rock pool hidden away amongst the boulders. They were only held back by the complimentary afternoon tea of lemon cake. The prevailing argument during swim time was whether or not the water was “thick” on account of it being from the natural spring. It was never resolved…Despite the water being cold, the heat saw everyone seeking the cool of the huts. We napped, and the children somehow entertained themselves without wifi.

We met up again to watch the sunset at the top of hill with our sundowners. The scenery was stunning and would have been better if my time lapse video wasn’t foiled by other guests walking in front of my camera! Dinner was a four course affair. It was tasty but not spectacular, almost like a good meal at a wedding party.

Everyone was most excited about a sleep-in tomorrow. No activities planned for the morning. Gasp!

Very simple but striking and appropriate table Christmas decoration

Comfortable nooks in the common lounge area

The appealing rock pool that the children just could not resist

Lounge chairs cleverly hidden such that it was barely visible when walking on the ground

Malcolm's best attempt at camouflage

Gotta love the sundowners!

Stunning sunsets

Dinner time!