The Namib Desert, Angola Pt. 2

We continue moving through the Namib Desert, the landscape always changing. At times it’s sandy and barren, and then other times rocky with the odd tree.

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Another campsite in the desert

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Morning walks to high vantage points

As we drive deeper into the heart of the desert we encounter more and more local tribespeople, who I think are the Mukawana tribe. All are extremely friendly, though speak little to no Portuguese and don’t understand any of my Spanish. One man in particular takes an interest in us and pays a visit one morning in camp. He brings his 13 year old daughter who he is very proud to introduce, and we “talk” with hand signals and smiles.

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Friendly man and his daughter

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Lots of dry river crossings. I have no idea how bad they could get…

When I offer a cup of coffee he is extremely happy, though he immediately spits it out after tasting it. Apparently he has no concern about offending me!

Finally I figure out it is sugar he needs, and after adding many heaping spoons he is much happier, and grins madly while drinking coffee with us. I love his flip-flops, made out of an old car tire and he is very happy to pose for a photo of them.

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I need to get a pair!

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A hut made by locals

Later in a small village we meet an entire family who again welcome us though we share no common language.

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A local family

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Tracks lead out of the desert into mountains!

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Transferring 13 gallons from the Titan into the main tank. Extra 5 transferred long ago.

The days are scorching hot, and the nights beautifully cold. I could stay out here a long time.

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I am happy to see the Southern Cross and Milky Way again!

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The stars here are everything I imagine

-Dan

5 Responses

  1. Terry says:

    Dan-
    This has been the best part so far! Thanks for sharing.
    -Terry

  2. Steve says:

    Dan,
    Absolutely amazing! How is the Jeep holding up, and what is the current mileage?

    -Steve

    • Dan Grec says:

      Hey Steve,

      It’s holding up great, no problems to report! Looking forward to a round of maintenance in Namibia when I eventually get there.

      Mileage is a touch over 100k miles.

      -Dan

  3. Wolfgang Wüst says:

    Dan, when transferring fuel from the aux tank, do you use some sort of pump?

    Thanks, very much enjoying your blog,
    Wolfgang

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