Driving further west, I passed through the small town named ‘Kamanjab’. It was another hot day out west, temperatures passed 30 degrees C by 9 am.

I arrived at ‘Oppi Koppi’ Lodge and Campground to watch the last rugby international between South Africa and New Zealand. I might as well stay here overnight too. ‘The rugby will be on most certainly’ friendly bar manager Bennie said. ‘One of the girls will check you into the campground!’ After confirming price and my permanent address in Australia, young local girl Trisha asked. ‘You are an overlander? A little surprised I replied, ‘If that’s what you want to call me, then yes!’ ‘Here we go’, I thought. ‘Overlander extra pricing!’ Well, it was in a way. Not the way I expected though. ‘Overlanders camp for free’ she added. ‘We just need a few details of yourself and will take a photo of you and your car before you leave!’ I thought there was a hidden camera pointing at me somewhere, as I never heard anything like this before.

I followed Bennie’s quad to campsite number one, right next to the ostrich paddock. Spacious, with its picnic table in sunshade, a sink and electric connection. Using this area without paying? Am I still in Africa? I watched the rugby match with a few beers and Jägermeister. ‘Namibia is the second largest country in ‘Jägermeister’ consumption, as well as beer consumption!’ Bennie proudly pointed out.

‘Is that because baboons drink Jägermeister too?’ I asked. Either way, the warnings are clear.

Even baboons enjoy a cold Jägermeister. There was an incredible relaxed homey atmosphere within Bennie and his very friendly and attentive young local staff. People sometimes ask me, what I like most about my travels. As it is generally hard to pinpoint, it’s moments like these. Arriving somewhere with little or no expectations and getting so much in return. A real home from home for a day or two. The All Blacks snatched a last-second victory over an impressive and determined Springbok team. Nothing a Jägermeister couldn’t fix. 

My neighbours were 6 ostriches. Having coffee and breakfast, they peaked their long necks and heads over the kitchen wall. This could have easily been a puppet show, appear and disappear. This is how I translated the ‘cchhhh’ into English.

‘Edna, come out here. Check out the new arrival in camp 1!’

 Edna???

Ohhh, he looks somewhat scrumptious.

I like it.

Ruby!

Ruuubyyy?

What is it?

Oh, I have never seen a zebra here before.

I best prepare for my welcome dance.

Yeah baby? Shake it, shake it!

Welcome to Oppi Koppi!

That’s how we do it!

Yep, African chicks dig deep.

I ended up staying two nights. I noted my details and quick info, a photo of me and Zimba were taken before we went further out west. A comfy desert oasis, highly recommended.