Madisa Campsite – Elephants, Giraffes and a Mechanic from Windhoek

Elephant encounter

Madisa Campsite, 19 July 2012

The campsite itself was fantastic. We were staying on the riverbank, where desert-adapted elephants wander along the dry riverbed. Occasionally, the elephants even wander into the campsite. We were instructed to talk to each other inside our tents if an elephant was standing outside, so that it would know we were there.

The following morning, 19 July, we were woken by Johan after a good night's sleep (despite dreams of elephants).

"Be ready in two minutes, elephants!" he shouted insistently. 

It was immediately clear that there was no such thing as academic quarter-hour here!

Two minutes later, my son and I were ready (my wife was in the shower and our daugther was still fast asleep). We jumped onto the back of Johan's pickup and raced off in pursuit of an elephant, which we caught up with after driving about 1–2 kilometres along the dry riverbed. An impressive sight!

Son and I off in pursuit of elephants on the back of
Johan's pickup with just two minutes' notice!
Near Madisa Campsite, Namibia 2012.

The rest of the day, we were stranded at the campsite while waiting for the mechanic from Windhoek. Several phone calls to Duane followed, putting pressure on him to get the problem sorted out. We wanted to make absolutely sure that the Land Rover would either be repaired or replaced that same day.

In the afternoon, Johan took us on a fantastic drive out onto the plains, where we encountered a herd of 11 giraffes and witnessed the most magnificent sunset over the Namib Desert.

Sunset over the Namib Desert – near Madisa Campsite,
on an excursion with Johan. Namibia 2012

unset on our way back to Madisa Campsite
Simply heavenly!!

Finally, at around 8 pm, our mechanic arrived, looking as though he had stepped straight out of a Tintin adventure. A seasoned white Namibian with a beard bigger than Father Christmas's!

He talked enthusiastically about the differences between various Land Rover engines while I held the torch for him in the darkness.

Various parts were replaced, and we were assured that the vehicle was now in perfect working order. There was apparently no reason for us to take the replacement Land Rover he had brought along.

This would turn out to be a major mistake the following day!!

While waiting for the mechanic,
we organise our luggage!
Madisa Campsite, Namibia 2012

The distinctive landmark of Madisa Campsite,
Namibia 2012.

Sunset excursion with Johan. Namibia 2012

Sunset excursion with Johan. Namibia 2012

Sunset excursion with Johan. Namibia 2012
Sun and daugther examining tracks

Sunset excursion with Johan. Namibia 2012

Update: In 2024, we had the pleasure of revisiting Madisa Campsite, this time with good friends. Read about our return visit and the excellent Campsite No. 1 at this link. Also, see new pictures.