Tuesday 26 November: Elephant hunting

 Another early start and we head off at 6.30am in an open sided safari jeep with a Scottish couple from Henley and a Swiss German couple. It’s cold and we wrap ourselves in blanket ponchos as we drive up the Hoab Riverbed in search of the Desert Elephant. We see some majestic giraffes. Such extraordinary creatures. The beautiful scenery distracts us from the 2 hour hunt before we see fresh poo and footprints. Finally we find the herd and while away the time watching these magnificent creatures decimating trees and shrubs. They have evolved with  longer legs and larger feet in order to manage the desert and mountain terrain. There are one or two trucks around us but nothing intrusive. It is magical. Back for a light lunch and relaxation before heading off in the truck again to see volcanic burnt mountains, organ pipe shoes rocks of basalt and the ancient rock carvings at Twyflfontein from 6000 years ago. Sundowners at the top of the hill and supper overlooking the setting sun.