grimbo
Explorer
We are just now coming out of the Namib Desert crossing and Skeleton Coast. In the top three travel experiences of my life.
Ever since I was a youngster reading Wilbur Smith and the like I've wanted to hit the Skeleton Coast
Expeditions 7: Two Years Around the World on all Seven Continents.
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
Ever since I was a youngster reading Wilbur Smith and the like I've wanted to hit the Skeleton Coast
Scott Brady
Founder
We are complete with our Namib crossing and starting to sort the 7,000+ images of the trip. This was a rare opportunity to be the first group to cross this section of desert from inland directly to the coast. Only one group had travelled this general route prior, a government envoy evaluating the feasibility of the new crossing. It was one of the most impressive landscapes I have ever experienced.
The mighty Sherpa proved its worth yet again, hauling fuel and supplies. All the drivers did an exceptional job - I was nothing less than impressed with Greg, Kurt, Paul and others behind the wheel. Only a few stucks along the way, and nothing a quick tug or winchline couldn't solve. Incredible given the weight of these trucks (3.5-metric tons)
The wildlife is magic throughout Southern Africa. Even in the iron-rich dunes of the Namib, beautiful species abound. The Oryx is one of my favorite!
The mighty Sherpa proved its worth yet again, hauling fuel and supplies. All the drivers did an exceptional job - I was nothing less than impressed with Greg, Kurt, Paul and others behind the wheel. Only a few stucks along the way, and nothing a quick tug or winchline couldn't solve. Incredible given the weight of these trucks (3.5-metric tons)
The wildlife is magic throughout Southern Africa. Even in the iron-rich dunes of the Namib, beautiful species abound. The Oryx is one of my favorite!
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crawler#976
Expedition Leader
Nice! Scott, your getting close to forcing me into joining Facebook. As long as you keep posting a few pics, I'm safe...
The AZ connection - the Oryx species was saved from extinction at the Phoenix Zoo, and reintroduced back into the wild.
The AZ connection - the Oryx species was saved from extinction at the Phoenix Zoo, and reintroduced back into the wild.
onemanarmy
Explorer
Keep the pics coming...
neat info on the Oryx
neat info on the Oryx
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
E7 awesomeness 
grahamfitter
Expedition Leader
Scott that's a great photo.
(I hope the team took some time off for dune boarding. Old school says head first on hardboard. More furniture polish makes you faster.)
(I hope the team took some time off for dune boarding. Old school says head first on hardboard. More furniture polish makes you faster.)
We are just now coming out of the Namib Desert crossing and Skeleton Coast. In the top three travel experiences of my life.
p1michaud
Expedition Leader
Thanks for posting some updates. Great photos as usual and good to hear no team members became an evening entrée or main! One day, perhaps over a camp fire, I'd like to hear more of your thoughts of the 70 series as world travel vehicles. They are heavy but extremely well built machines.
Scott Brady
Founder
The Sherpa crossing the narrowest point along the Skeleton Coast, the tide pushing against the tires. Even 20 minutes later and the crux would have been impassable and no means of escape. . .
crawler#976
Expedition Leader
What, no floaties in the kit?
Scott Brady
Founder
The Land Cruisers, dropping down to the coast line. Once you drop down, you are 100% committed to run the 30kms to the exit location further north. There are only a few opportunities to get above the tide line. This was one of the most spectacular experiences of my travels, and a pleasure to share with great friends. Kurt Williams at the helm!
The Skeleton Coast earned its name with everything from shipwrecks to human remains encountered on our travels through the region. At this old diamond mining shack, skulls of animals shot for food adorned the walls and floor. Old German books still lined the shelves, including several that provided an indication of the coming tensions and wars in Europe.
Moving inland from the coast, we encountered a moonscape, the wind howling and sand coating the camera and eyes. We were hundreds of kilometers from the nearest sign of civilization, all alone with the elements.
Scott Brady
Founder
Along the Skeleton Coast, you literally drive over garnets and diamonds. The gemstone laden coastline gleams with an array of semi-precious stones, including agate, red and maroon garnets, quartz, amethyst, magnetite and ilmenite.
The Namib Desert. One feels small and fragile in places like this. The sand bowl to my left was filled with bones of an animal that never found safety.
From Namibia, we turned south and back to Johannesburg. It was an incredible adventure with fantastic friends. As expected, not a single failure from the Land Cruisers.
While the trucks were getting serviced, Bruce, Paul and I traveled to Madikwe and Kruger National Parks in a few other Land Cruisers. I will be working on a different trip report with these awesome 70 series.
Nature's tank
This Rhino poaching problem needs to stop. I am all for cyanid lacing and shoot-on-sight, kill the SOBs directives.
The Namib Desert. One feels small and fragile in places like this. The sand bowl to my left was filled with bones of an animal that never found safety.
From Namibia, we turned south and back to Johannesburg. It was an incredible adventure with fantastic friends. As expected, not a single failure from the Land Cruisers.
While the trucks were getting serviced, Bruce, Paul and I traveled to Madikwe and Kruger National Parks in a few other Land Cruisers. I will be working on a different trip report with these awesome 70 series.
Nature's tank
This Rhino poaching problem needs to stop. I am all for cyanid lacing and shoot-on-sight, kill the SOBs directives.