Old Legs Tour Angola 2024 – Days 38 & 39
Etosha, Namibia – waterholes, wildlife, and a warrior.
We entered Etosha just after sunrise, and for a few kilometres, we were starting to worry if our expectations were too high. Impala and zebra were all we saw at first. But then, as we reached the first waterhole, the wildlife exploded.
Hobatere campsite was a gem! The donkey boilers fuelled by Mopane wood provided the best hot showers we’ve encountered on this trip, and the open-sided, roofed concrete campsites meant we didn’t need a tent. Hobatere gets a solid five stars from us!
We entered Etosha just after sunrise, and for a few kilometres, we were starting to worry if our expectations were too high. Impala and zebra were all we saw at first. But then, as we reached the first waterhole, the wildlife exploded. Oryx, zebra, springbok, vultures, and a variety of waterfowl and jackals – it was like a zoo!
And then, at the next waterhole, the real highlight: a lioness and her two cubs. They followed the cars around for about 30 meters, giving us plenty of opportunities for amazing photos.
The next waterhole was another smorgasbord of wildlife. Giraffes mixing it up with oryx, blesbok, wildebeest, and springbok. Then, a massive, thirsty herd of elephants, numbering at least 30, joined the party. The elephants approached at a leisurely pace, the young ones leading the way with their mothers flanking them, while two massive matriarchs brought up the rear. As they caught the scent of water, their gait quickened, transitioning from a slow walk to a trot, then a canter, and finally a frenzied charge into the pool. There, they took enormous gulps and filled their trunks to overflowing.
No other animals had a chance and they knew it, moving back in deference as the elephants just totally took over.
The elephants knew the freshest, cleanest water was at the centre of the pool. They lined up along the bank, then slowly advanced in a line, their trunks extended as far as possible towards the centre, scooping up trunkfuls of refreshing water.
Their thirst quenched, the elephants now turned their attention to bathing and cooling off. They rolled in the muddy water with pure delight, spraying themselves from head to toe. Some wallowed in the mud, while others headed to the dry dust to roll around. The young elephants ran back and forth between the mud and the dust, enjoying the playful contrast.
After a while, the mothers gathered their young, and the herd slowly began to depart. A few elephants returned, then ran to catch up with the retreating herd as they vanished into the scrub. The pool was now left to the lesser folk. What an incredible sight.
After that and the lion sighting, it was going to be tough to top it. But then, we stumbled upon a group of five jackals tearing into a springbok. Had they killed it? Doubtful, but whatever had was long gone, and the pecking order was now with them. The vultures surrounding the melee just had to wait their turn.
Tonight, we’re camped at Okaukuejo, right in the heart of Etosha National Park. The waterhole here is teeming with wildlife, including rhino, jackal, giraffe, and countless other animals. For those who flew home – you blundered guys, the tour is still on!
Once again, we are so grateful to be part of this epic journey, and we are ever mindful of the #DoGood aspect of the Old Legs Tour. Today we’d like to tell the story of Mr. M from Bulawayo, a true warrior! He was injured during his time in the army, and over the years, his pain only intensified. We stepped in and introduced him to the amazing Mr. Mthethwa who recommended a total knee replacement. Just as we were about to get Mr. M into surgery, some neighbourhood dogs attacked him! Can you believe it? But we didn’t give up. We got him the medical attention he needed to sort out the dog attack and finally, in June 2024, he received his brand-new knee!
Fast forward to today, and Mr. M is still beaming with gratitude. He regularly contacts us to express his thanks for giving him a new lease on life. We’re thrilled to see him thriving! And we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of Mr. Mthethwa and his team. You guys rock!
A huge shout out today to our amazing Bronze sponsors! Your support has been instrumental in helping us change lives like Mr. M’s. We’re so grateful for your contributions. Here’s to Fawcetts, Sign of the Times, Danes Designs, PHI, Mike Gibbs, Coolsure, ICC Paints, Cropserve, EFT, Dumile Butchery, iClik, Surrey Farms, Providence, ProGlo, and Tandamanzi – you’re the real MVPs!
Until next time,
Have Fun. Do Good. Do Epic.
#OldLegsTour #Angola2024 #EvenMoreEpic #PedallingForPensioners #HaveFun #DoGood #DoEpic