We usually got up with the first sign of dawn, around 5:30, in order to do some of the walk in the pleasantly temperated morning hours. Breakfast was usually muesli with sugar and warm water which tasted surprisingly acceptable. On a few days we tried porridge or millipap which was edible, but much worse. On the first day we passed the waterfall once more and then walked for quite a while along the river with breathtaking views around each corner. Alone the contrast between the dry landscape and the lush green at the riverbanks and the brown-blueish of the water was amazing. Although there was a lot of rain this year the grass was already dry, but most trees still green. There were places at the river where you could think you were on a tropical island: fine, white sand, black washed rocks and Makalami palms. The seeds of these palms are very hard and the Himbas carve beautiful pictures of animals into them and sell them to tourists in the cities. The leaves of the palms are used to make basket with interesting patterns. After a careful footbath we left the river and went cross country through stony terrain. Towards midday it became very hot for walking and I wondered what people do here in summer! Eventually we reached the 4x4 track and were picked up by our Unimog to drive to a place nearby a creek where we put up our camp. The donkeys got there already, this time still without their load. In the afternoon we explored the surrounding, played chess, chatted with each other. When we were sitting on our groundsheet after the meal, drinking wine and chatting, a scorpion came crawling onto the sheet. It was quite a big beast, interesting creature. Our tour guide caught it, but we then moved around more carefully.
