Namibia: Fish River Canyon to Aus

Daniel:

We left Roadhouse Canon after a delicious breakfast and headed back to the Fish River Canyon for photos in morning light. The canyon was apparently created by a tectonic event and not erosion.  It is in total almost 100km long and up to 1.5km wide.

Fish River Canyon

We took the scenic route through the southern part of Namibia. The mountain ranges surrounded us all the way to Aus. The mountains are absolutely spectacular, varying in height, formation and color. The dirt road is in a very good condition all the way to Oranjemund from where it is tarred, with the longest stretch of straight road being almost 26km long.

The mountains are forming layers.
How the first people found their way through it is beyond me.

The color of some of the mountains are at such a
contrast with the surroundings.

Just south of the Fish River canyon we found this old vehicle abandoned next to the road. There was a very strong wind blowing from the north, causing the radiator fan of the car to spin and an amazing rate, as if it the engine was still running.

Going nowhere quickly

Diamonds were discovered on the northern banks of the Orange river in the 1930s. A long stretch of the road running parallel to the river is still a restricted area, and although you are allowed to drive through it, one is not allowed to stop and leave the road.

Diamond mines on the Northern bank of the Orange river

One the gems you will find in this semi desert area is the patches of plants growing next to the road. They are definitely worth stopping for so keep your camera close by when you drive through here.

Surprised to find a bee in the flower in this desert area.

We arrived at Klein Aus Vista campsite and found that our campsite was already occupied, not by other travelers but by a large nest of very sociable birds. They made themself at home on the wooden railings while we were having supper and happily came to eat crumbs out of my hand. 

Our neighbors for the night at Klein Aus

After a long day on the road we opted for a Back Country's freeze dried meal, not bad at all, and ready in no time, not to mention that one has minimal dishes to do afterwards.

Dinner.