Ai-Ais to Lüderitz via Sendelingsdrift
455km 7h01min
We were at the restaurant at 7 for breakfast, which turned into a mission. We had to go order our breakfast inside – the insolent waiter told us breakfast is only served inside. When I asked him where that was posted, I got a dirty look.
Yesterday we had 2 beers and a lemonade at the bar and bought ice and 2 Lunch Bars in the “shop”. Neither had change available so it was charged to our room. Paying for that took almost an hour.
Will I go back to Ai-Ais – only when camping – the place is brilliant, but the staff lack of maintenance and and lack of common sense is SHOCKING.
Driving to Lüderitz was a long drive, but with very interesting contrasts. First the snaking road through the rocky ridges near Ai-Ais, then the long, open gravel roads to the Aussenkehr area. Driving along the Orange River was amazing, it varied from bushy and green to desolate and barren. From Sendelingsdrift via Rosh Pinah to Aus was a struggle with a very strong easterly wind making driving a pain and the slightest lapse of concentration very dangerous.
All in all a day of contrasts – but another great day. The images below, although jumbled, give an idea of what we experienced.
We turned into the access road to Kolmanskop – V’s first view of her bucket list item.
One thing – the gravel roads in Namibia are EXCELLENT, better than most surfaced roads in SA.
Our hostess as Villelodge, Margaret de Villers is a gem. She gave us a very thorough briefing about the town, places to see, restaurants etc. After our experience at Ai-Ais, she is a shining beacon of efficiency and hospitality!
Die pad deur Rosh Pinah het my veral bekoor. Dit het my laat dink aan die outydse “Cowboys en Crooks” films waar die Indiane agter die rotsformasies weggekruip het, gereed om aan te val. Johan het ook heel tè vinnig gery en die karavaan het soos ‘n visblik agter ons aan gesleep. Sou graag weer teruggaan soontoe ….