A 41st Birthday at Palmwag, Namibia

To see our Namibia Photos, Click Here

The Pool and Bar at Palmwag Lodge

Poor little Peekay - we took him across some pretty lousy, washed out roads from Twyfelfontein up to Palmwag.  It was not a pleasant journey, especially because we were worried about puncturing a tire - then what????  Nobody around for miles, and very few vehicles!!  And just a small doughnut as a spare.
Peekay pulled through with flying colours though!!  Palmwag was just a little settlement, but backing on to the concession lands.  In the concession lands, the animals are truly wild, not like in the parks.  We even managed to spot 6 giraffe crossing the main road on our way there, roaming freely.  At the lodge, there were some beautiful hut accommodation, but, as usual, we went for the camping option.  Our campsite was great, and even bordered a river where apparently elephants come to drink.  There have been sightings of elephants walking through the campsite too.  No such luck for us though, as there had been some recent rains, so the elephants didn't need to come as far.

Desert Elephants

The next morning, we woke to beautiful blue skies, and a morning game drive as a treat for my 41st birthday.  We hopped on the open Land Rover and the driver, Peter, was really great.  The scenery up here is wonderful - a bit South-West US (Utah, Arizona) -esque.  It was interesting to see all the animals in this type of scenery.  Peter seemed hell bent on finding us some elephants, and was doing his 'tracking' thing.  He took us well off-road, and eventually I spotted a couple on the hillside, and then we moved in closer.  Eventually, 11 desert elephants came over the ridge and closer and closer to us.  One huge male, covered in red dirt that he threw on himself, and his harem of females.  They have smaller tusks than normal elephants because they lack the nutrients in their diet to produce the ivory.  Nonetheless very impressive creatures, but we were in their path, so had to hustle out of the way. 
We had been set for a 3-4 hour drive, but returned 5.5 hrs later, so were very impressed.  I wasn't expecting much for the day, but this drive outdid my expectations greatly.  What a nice way to start my birthday. 

Martin's Birthday Sundowner at Palmwag

We decided to have a big braai lunch, so set about making the fire and getting the coals going.  A long process, but eventually we got the chicken and veggies cooked.  Only to sit down and then get swarmed with flies - so annoying after all our hard work.
We enjoyed time by the pool, and a sundowner drink on the deck overlooking the concession area.  That evening we met a nice Dutch couple named Robert and Benedict, and enjoyed some beers with them at the bar.  Also, treated ourselves to a delicious burger at the restaurant, before retiring to the open top tent, to watch the millions of stars.  A good birthday for me!!!   *Stub

Birthday Burger Dinner with Benedict and Robert