Richtersveld

It's always good to get back to Joburg. We got to spend Easter at Zebula before heading to the farm to prepare for the big Richtersveld trip. It's a long drive to Augrabies Falls but we got there about 5pm, met up with Tommy and Mandy and had a braai! Aah! To be camping! We had to spend a bit of time checking out the falls the next day so we were 3 hours late in leaving! The trek to Richtersveld via Springbok takes longer than you think but we made it to Sendelingsdrif Camp for the night. Over very rutted dirt roads that shake your bones as well as the old bakkie and caravan ( and that's the off road Explorer BTW )We were pleased we hadn't pushed through to De Hoop the previous day because we really enjoyed the drive via Akkedis Pass. This driving is not for the fainthearted! Especially with both vehicles towing! After the trek over  ragged mountains and through desert plains De Hoop Camp is an amazing oasis on the banks of the Orange River. Gert, Sharon, Danie and John where waiting for us, camp set up and brunch cooked! What a relaxing two days of swimming, fishing and chilling we had! Driving out via Helskloof Pass was probably more hair-raising than getting in.

The road to Senderlingsdrif

Akkedis Pass

Orange River at De Hoop

Driving Helskloof

 We had a full day of driving to get to Namaqua National Park. Here again we had an amazing campsite; this time right on the coast. Luckily for us the weather was lovely because I am sure the wind howls and the sea rages a lot of the time out there. You need to let the tyres of your 4x4 right down to .8 bar to get through some of the stretches of sand dunes especially if you are towing a heavy caravan! Everyone felt a return trip to the region is in order when we all have more time.. it's a LONG way from anywhere..