On our way to Grootberg in Damaraland
Again an early morning because we had to drive for 7 hours to Damaraland with final destination the Etendeka Plateau. We had made reservations in the Grootberg Lodge, situated in a location with a spectacular view! Only for that it was worth staying there.
Along the way we made a stop at Cape Cross Seal Reserve… the smell was awful, but our urge to see the animals was greater so we resisted it.
After a while we continued our journey along the coast on a salt road through the Skeleton Coast National Park. We entered via the Ugabmond Gate (where we had to register and pay a fee for passing through) and exited at Springbokwasser Gate. Be careful to check the entry and exit times before deciding to use that road! We had a van full of tourists asking us at the first gate if it was still very far to go to Cape Cross Seal Reserve… unfortunately they had driven by without noticing the signage. They could not turn back since then the gate to pass through the National Park would be closed. In addition, you may want to check the weather before leaving, driving on a salt road when there is fog is not recommended.
Luckily we managed to get through the park on time. The views we had until we reached our lodge were magnificent.
Grootberg Lodge
The Lodge consisted of little chalets (rather huts) with a wonderful view over the Klip River Valley. Experiencing a sundowner from the deck of the lodge was just a must-do. During our discovery of the lodge’s grounds, we spotted other little wildlife like lizards and rock dassies…
During dinner, they informed us that there were lions in the parking lot of the lodge. Those interested could jump into a jeep for a short night drive to spot these animals. They did not have to ask me twice. I left my dinner with the hope to get some nice pictures. The latter was unfortunately not possible. But having seen these animals wandering on the property of the lodge was already exiting in itself. Especially when later in the evening, we had to walk all by ourselves to our chalet. It became even more interesting, when in the morning, while going for breakfast, we found the leftovers of the lions’ dinner 50 meters from our accommodation…
Desert Elephants in Damaraland
At dinner time, guests had to register for the activities the next day. Unfortunately the tracking of the desert elephants was not on the agenda… What a pity since this was the reason why we selected the lodge. They saw our disappointment and informed us later that evening that they would arrange a private drive only for us!
I did not know that the drive also contained a walking safari… something I was not so fond of (I rather admire the animals from the jeep). But in the end, I survived… We were lucky to have spotted several elephants. As we got closer to these giants (even if they were a bit smaller than the ones seen in South Africa) we held our breath. Unfortunately, I did not manage to get a clear shot of them due to the higher vegetation, but the photo was good enough to get a flavour…
At lunch time we had a picnic together with the driver and the guide. Then we drove a bit around to spot other wildlife living in that area.
All in all, a very satisfying day and stay. We could not have been more grateful for the Lodge having organised this special activity just for us.
