Namibia Untamed Seven Rivers Expedition Ep5 [Kaokoland][Damaraland][Hoanib][Huab][AbuHuab]

Watch us endure the intense heat and flies of Damaraland as we pass through some of the most majestic landscapes known to man or woman
Puros conservancy borders the Skeleton Coast Park in Namibia’s Kunene region and the campsite is situated on the banks of the ephemeral Hoarusib river, for most of the year, this river is a largely dry and dusty, but for the years when there has been generous summer rainfalls, it dramatically changes and makes large parts of this area impassable. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the elusive grey giants, the Desert elephants, who silently roam this area from the Ugab river . If you are lucky you might even spot them around the campsite as they eagerly seek out Acacia tree seed pods and leaves.
The name Puros originates from the Otjiherero word “omburo” meaning underground water, this area is filled with artesian springs and one of the main attractions for the elephants as they dig deeply into the riverbed in search of fresh water. This area is also frequented by giraffe, Oryx, ostrich, baboon and very occasionally a lion or two.
The camp was first opened in 1995 and then upgraded in 2005, a firm favourite with us, the site consists of six sites generously situated under large camel-thorn trees, each with it’s own unique and private shower, flush toilet and small kitchen area with wash up facilities. The facilities are creatively arranged in the landscape as not to be intrusive. In fact when we first visited the camp we couldn’t even find the shower and toilet as it had been placed in the middle of a big bush, completely out of eyesight. This is the perfect place to find shelter from a dust storm or to sit quietly and watch Grey Louries chattering eagerly in the branches above. It is a place of dramatic scenery as you look out onto the unfenced desert. The staff are helpful and friendly and wood bundles are available to buy for the quintessential braai.
If you plan to visit Puros, remember to come prepared, only a few basics are available in the close by town of Puros, including tinned goods, fresh potatoes, onions and a savanna or two. But beyond this, Puros is a perfect place to spend a night or two.
From here we head to the Palmwag concession and we leave the Hoarusib behind and point towards Ampspoort, across the Ganias plains, on what could arguably be the worst road on this trip, corrugations set to rattle a few fillings loose. Our plan was to reach the Hoanib river and then make our way through the Palmwag concession. The Hoanib river is one of the 12 ephemeral seasonal rivers in the west of Namibia, and acts as a border between northern Damaraland and Kaokoland. Measuring 270km’s in length and considering its very low population density it is considered a veritable oasis to the wildlife inhabiting this region. The recently dry riverbed was teeming with large groups of wildlife, all finding respite from the intense day time heat reaching up to 42 degrees celsius. The riverbed and its giant Ana trees and Leadwood offer large tracts of shade to Oryx, elephant, giraffe and a few lion prides. The terrain is incredible, the valley being one of the last true wilderness areas in Namibia. Canyons created in weathered stone by strong winds and water erosion bend and twist their way through the landscape, and it is almost inconceivable that during occasional floods the water levels can be several metres high and last for a few days. Some years the water will make its way to the mouth in the Atlantic, whilst most of it will seep into the soil and become part of the subsurface aquifer.
Palmwag concession is a 550 000 hectare protected area, the landscape is vast and often very surreal in its appearance, created 125 million years ago by massive magma eruptions. The large basalt fields of the Entendeka plateau are home to large poisonous euphorbias and rare aloes and the elusive and rare hooked-lipped rhinos(The black rhino). There are a number of campsites, with no infrastructure, but the promise of solitude and tranquility, they are Elephant song, Mudorib, Blackridge, Theun’s, Crowthers and the Kai-Ais campsite. Just before the sun sets we find our little piece of paradise, watch the landscape transform into a photographers nirvana before quickly setting up camp and making a fire. The following day is spent moving slowly through the open plains, tackling the ever changing track and keeping a very open eye for the elusive game, but all we find are the spoor, someone circulated a memo in the animal kingdom stating that there are humans about, best you stay undercover.
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[@ianabrahamson785]

Love Namibia, was doing military service at Walvis in the 1970"s traveled quite a few places, and will never forget it . A perfect place to unwind and forget about all the cr@p back home

[@SoulTonicLife]

Very eloquently put 🤣, a truly beautiful country. Walvis has become very industrialised, but still has dramatic nooks and crannies. We cannot help but return every year to Nam, always something new to discover.

[@susannewoll2824]

Very Nice, we fly to Namibia on 07.08.22 So Happy to see your Films

[@SoulTonicLife]

Woohooo…it is going to be epic!

[@conloubser]

First!

[@AlpeshPatel-jh5ti]

love your videos. just finished the ones on Caprivi and found this one now.

[@SoulTonicLife]

Thank you…we go where the wild places are.

[@nqumthemba]

Thanks for bringing back this landscape and geologt. There was a Couple from Namibia who used to present us with the same Content driving white Land Cruiser, i wonder where are they now.?

[@SoulTonicLife]

Hi Themba, not sure who they are or where they have gone, but very happy that you enjoy our content. 👍🏼

[@pollybauermeister7524]

That was simply amazing! the landscape is stark and dry yet the distance presents itself so beautifully in gentle soft hues, and of course, at sunset, it turns magically. Your shots of all the animals, elephants and giraffe and baby are very beautiful. As you drove at one stage, the waving grass looked as if you were driving in a shallow flowing river and I had to really look well to see it was grass. Well done the two of you, I really don't know how you don't get lost in all that distance with nothing for miles around you. (With all the animals running away from you I can only surmise that they are been hunted. )

[@SoulTonicLife]

Thank you Polly... We love being able to share these experiences with you.😊

[@edwildlife2896]

Good grief, I got a serious fright during the Purros camp walk around, that was a proper jump scare.
Great video as always!

[@SoulTonicLife]

Thanks…you can’t script spontaneity 🤣

[@katweasel]

It looks brilliant - taking adventure travel to a new level

[@SoulTonicLife]

Thank you so much…we did say it was an expedition😃

[@EWOverland]

Very nice videos, loks like you know well Namibia. Were you live ?

[@SoulTonicLife]

Hi Emil, we love Namibia and love exploring there, there is so much to see and do…we could travel there for the rest of our lives and still not see everything…fortunately living in South Africa allows us to give it a damn good shot at uncovering all the amazing places.

[@EWOverland]

@@SoulTonicLife
Thanks

[@theninjaneersgrabouw512]

Third. Diane and Xtoph What an amazing journey you are taking us on. Thank you. BTW your Balls of steel and Full set of nuts are waiting for you to collect. See WhatsApp Photo

[@SoulTonicLife]

I am glad we could share this journey. It’s not quite over yet and there is still a hand forged pan up for grabs.
I will bank those steel balls and nuts for the next adventure thank you very much👍