Windhoek to Aus
After a couple of nights in Windhoek, it was time to head south first to the Quiver Tree forest outside Keetmanshoep. After a night in a quaint ‘igloo’ we explored the quiver trees. So-called because the bushmen used the bark to make quivers for their arrows, the trees are a distinctive sight.
Nearby is a wide expanse of rock formation. They make it look like giant kids got to play with a large quantity of boulders and started stacking them in piles, needless to say, it’s called the Giant’s Playground!
A large road hazard!
As it just so happened, our route passed close by to a gin distillery that just had to be visited. Their products were great, even if they dented the wallet somewhat. As an aside, they also serve great coffee and cake there!
The story of how the distillery came about also is fascinating, making it well worth the small detour.
Aus is a small town between Keetmanshoep and Luderitz. It was originally an important staging post for the wagons particularly with challenging weather conditions and minimal shelter between the two. Today it has the air of somewhere now by-passed by the world. The fine new road has taken the place of the smaller winding one through the town itself, and the hotel has a faded grandeur. It still serves a good afternoon tea though!
Klein Aus Vista is still a favourite stay of ours. This time we had booked several nights in an Eagles Nest cabin, some 7km along a sandy track to the base of some cliffs. We had a bit of a struggle getting the trailer up to the cabin, and yes, that is the cabin just peeking out from behind that huge boulder!
The locals quickly became apparent, with dassie rats showing themselves almost immediately outside the back door. There are also mice that must have taken steroids given their ability to try and break into food containers. But nothing can detract from the spectacular views and the absolute tranquillity.
Twice a day, freight trains make their way up the tortuous climb past the mountain, and on their return, the fast descent. Not that the wildlife takes any notice, such as this secretary bird, or the astonishing sight of a line-up of Greater Kestrels waiting to pounce on sand grouse at the waterhole.
Freebooter 