Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge - Page 2

sandbug · #51 01-12-11, 09:04 PM

Ons het op die oomblik geen gaste, so baie tyd vir werk. Geniet dit baie. Het tot my boep verloor. Desember is daar al besprekings vir die kampeerplekke, so ek is onder druk.

Kan nie wag om volgende jaar julle nuwe motor te sien. Gaan julle hom bring?

sandbug · #52 02-12-11, 07:01 PM

Progress:
Ablution block floor

Campsite facility

witklipbank · #53 06-12-11, 09:13 PM

Dit lyk goed Curt. Ja, ons gaan volgende jaar met die Amarok ry, die Terracan moet maar bietjie rus en eers 'n ander enjin kry - hy wil maar nie reg nie.

Jy moet lekker bou en bly dit vorder so mooi.

sandbug · #54 06-12-11, 09:19 PM

Ai Elize, die diesels. Kyk more of Donderdag weer. Dan gaan ek weer progress fotos opsit.

sandbug · #55 20-12-11, 08:32 PM

Struggling with progress. Can't get some stuff I need.

BUT, the tigers are biting like crazy.

Zambesi is rising and they are hungry. Caught 4 yesterday.

Hoping to do some more targeted fishing and possibly improve on my 6kg one.

sandbug · #56 21-12-11, 12:14 PM

Yesterday turned rather hectic. Returning from Katima we had to refuel a boat. With that done, I had to hurry back to take clients on a sunset cruise. It was a quiet leisurely trip on the river. We returned via the channel running between Namibia and Namwi/Hippo island.
Coming to the lodge we saw a solitary hippo in the river. I approached to try and get a photo opportunity for the guests. We've been seeing this hippo parked in the same spot quite a lot recently. He surfaced about 20m away. Looked at us and dived under and surfaced closer again. Instinct told me to move the boat from it's present spot.
Lo and behold, he surfaced where we'd been moments ago. Seeing us, he went after us, porpoising through the water twice. Incredible to behold, how such a massive animal can quickly move through water. Having made his point, he moved off.
Then after dinner had been served and the guests were relaxing, I decided to make some casts to see how active the tigers were. It was fairly quiet in comparison to the previous nights. Then I hooked one between 2kg or 3kg and landed it. I was pleased since the 4 from the previous night had all been smaller. I cast again and immediately hooked a big fish. After a bit of a fight he shook the lure off. I decided on one more cast and then call it a day.
And BANG, an even bigger one hit the lure. The big ones don't jump a lot, so I reeled her in as she allowed. I couldn't see the line and was unsure where the fish went. Then it jumped up behind me between our to boats tied to shore. She almost landed on top of our pontoon boat. That was when I thought the line would get snagged somewhere and I would loose my fish.
She went back into the riverand we managed to get her in the net. She was a 5kg beauty. After some quick pics, I put her back.
To my horror she just turned over (belly up) and drifted off down river. I grabbed the net and ran to try and catch her again. Coming off our sunset cruiser, I misjudged my step and hit mother earth full length. I was lucky not to hit anything.

I jumped up and saw she was too far from our boats. I ran to get the key for our fishing boat and went after her. We got her a small distance downriver and netted her again. We put the bogey-grip on her and took her into the current. After some time I decided to release her. She drifted off and I thought all my effort and the big fall had been in vain. But then her tail started moving and she swam off. I was chuffed.
So, how was your evening?

Pics to follow.

witklipbank · #57 29-12-11, 08:05 PM

Die foto's Curt. Dit klink goed.

Mistral · #58 29-12-11, 09:43 PM

Catch and release! I am liking the Caprivi more and more...

Curt apart from Tiger's what other fish are there?

sandbug · #59 01-01-12, 09:26 AM

Mistral, we also have different type of bream like three-spot, nembwe etc, barbel and other catfish (squeakers).

We definitely promote catch and release.

Mistral · #60 01-01-12, 09:42 AM

Thanks! What gear do you recommend and what are your rates for trips?

sandbug · #61 01-01-12, 10:32 AM

Mistral, what fish would you go for?

Attached hereto our rate sheets and further info.

witklipbank · #62 01-01-12, 10:51 AM

Hoe lyk dit daar by jul? Hoe gaan dit met die kampplek. Julie kom nader. Voor jy weet kom kuier ons by jou!!

sandbug · #63 01-01-12, 10:52 AM

Our guest just did a trial cast and this came out.

sandbug · #64 01-01-12, 10:56 AM

Elize, eintlik is alles op die punt om klaar te kom. Sukkel net om 'n paar goeters in die hande te kry om dit af te handel. Ligte en so aan werk al. Moet nog die geyser op sit en die krag klaar maak. Koue water stelsel in plek. Sal weer fotos laai.

Mistral · #65 01-01-12, 11:23 AM

Thanks Curt - good info!

sandbug · #66 01-01-12, 12:05 PM

No prob. Any questions, let me know.

sandbug · #67 29-01-12, 10:33 AM

Victoria Falls report:
Just over a week back I bundled some friends into the car and we went to go have a look at Vic Falls. Left after 8:30. Fairly late. The plan was to try and go through Chobe NP on the way back. I decided we'd play it by ear.

Half an hour on Nam and Bots border, through Kasane to Kazangula and there about 45 minutes through the border posts. Zim a bit of a schlep. Seems they don't trust anyone. At the gate some guy in civvies comes up. He's from the police and wants to see the vehicle papers. I decide to not challenge the absence of a uniform or identification. Is easier sometimes. And the Zim government has got no money anyway.

Off we went after passing that inspection. Me keeping a sharp eye on the speed due to all the horror stories I've heard about speed traps. Arrived in Vic Falls and went straight to the Falls. Paid the entrance fee of USD 20, if I remember correctly.
We went down the path to the closest lookout, seeing some local wildlife first. Two vervets were sitting on a branch with one grooming another's backside. :-)

We came to the Devil's cataract lookout. Wow. What a view. And the power of nature. Due to higher water levels the falls were stunning. Water rushing down and bursting over rocks. An unbelievable sight and something one should try and see in life. We continued down the viewpoints towards Zambia. Masses of water were pouring over the side and the wind created by this carried water up the opposite slope again. Spray was rising all around us and pouring down upon us. Clear skies and you get soaked! Completely! Down to the underpants. :-O

At the end were some viewpoints without barriers. Sopping wet and slick rocks. But the view down into the precipice is amazing. All the water channels through a narrow gorge and rushes down the rapids weelkonown for whitewater rafting.

We had a look at the bridge where they do the bungee jumps. Beautiful old structure. We then left and went back to the entrance, passing through an awesome rain forest.

After exiting we went to Mama Africa Eating House. Had some lunch. Took a while longer than expected. I'm used to Swakop's efficiency. ;-) We left and rushed back to Bots. It got later and later. In Kasane we had to fill up first. But first we got taking on a joyride by the GPS. After filling up, we realised that not enough time was left to do the Chobe. We just returned to the lodge and still saw some elephants on the road through the Chobe NP.

Gert du Preez · #68 29-01-12, 11:31 AM

LOL, Curt,

Isnt it funny that the country (or rather, the prez....) most opposed to "the West" uses the currency of the Posterboys of the Western world..

Why dont they use Pula (ooops, Puppet state....) or ZAR or Kwacha or seashells with holes drilled in them

Political satire aside, it seems like a jol. And not a million kms for you guys...

Hows the prices there? To my mind they should be quite a bit cheaper than Namibia or Bots? Who knows, maybe Zim becomes a "budget" destination again? I, for one, would love to go there. Problem is, time she is very few for me.

I have to make time to come visit you guys. Just one hell of a drive! Even if I hurry up and go as fast as 90

Mistral · #69 29-01-12, 11:54 AM

Nice pics! Water is high!
Beautiful country!

sandbug · #70 29-01-12, 12:02 PM

Quite right, Gert. I bought a pack of notes for N$ 36. Highest denomination I got was 50,000,000,000.

For me it's the ultimate sign of political satire.

Vic Falls is an easy day trip. Chobe as well. Prices in Vic Falls are reasonable. About same as Swakop. It's still a tourist destination, as you'll notice when there.

Bots reasonable in terms of border crossing. Zim a lot more effort and expensive, but not as bad as Zambia. Meaning if you use a car.

Yeah, you gotta hurry up and come visit. You owe me one.

sandbug · #71 29-01-12, 12:06 PM

Paul, some way to go. Zambesi has risen almost 2m and can rise 4m or more still. Then it must be awesome at Vic Falls, though I doubt one will be able to recognise much of the falls due to spray.

sandbug · #72 29-01-12, 05:24 PM

Our lurking croc. He's keeping a sharp eye on us.

Mistral · #73 29-01-12, 05:52 PM

Near your camping site?

sandbug · #74 29-01-12, 06:08 PM

Was on the island opposite us. Likes to cruise past when we're working on the boats.

Leeeeeettle bit scary.

witklipbank · #75 29-01-12, 07:23 PM

Mooi foto's. Maar ek wag nog vir die kampplek.

sandbug · #76 12-02-12, 09:37 PM

OK, Elize hier's paar.

Mistral · #77 12-02-12, 09:51 PM

Curt - Can't see pics?

sandbug · #78 13-02-12, 07:41 AM

Aaaaaaargggg. Will try again later. Off for the day.

sandbug · #79 15-02-12, 12:01 PM

We gonna be on DSTV Channel 206 now apparently. ASFN - fishing show.

sandbug · #80 26-02-12, 08:44 PM

Okay, took some new pics. Hope they good.

sandbug · #81 26-02-12, 08:49 PM

This morning Zambia disappeared

sandbug · #82 26-02-12, 08:53 PM

And just because the afternoon was so nice.

sandbug · #83 26-02-12, 09:10 PM

And because it's emerald season: Pics of our garden. The last one shows the entrance to campsite #4, bottom left.

sandbug · #84 26-02-12, 09:16 PM

For members with time on their hands and that want to see lots of water, we offer 20% discount until 15 April 2012.

I'll stop spamming

now after the last announcement for today: For those with Facebook you can click the link (FB) in my sig to like our place. (Thanks Walter (AboutAfrica) for the idea.

Mistral · #85 26-02-12, 11:04 PM

Curt - Looking good. FB pics are nice.
I can't believe what luxuriant plant growth you have there.Green green!
Ablution block looks great!

sandbug · #86 27-02-12, 09:39 AM

Thanks Paul. We're loving the green!

witklipbank · #87 13-03-12, 07:25 AM

Sandbug, ek sien jy is hierdie maand in SA 4x4. Geluk. Die manne praat goed van jou.

sandbug · #88 14-03-12, 08:53 AM

Thanks Elize. Hulle het dit sommer baie geniet.

Die safari bote is nogal 'n lekker aktiwiteit (dalk die verkeerde word want dis baie rustig). Die mense ontspan baie lekker op die bote want jy kan nie sommer afklim of so iets. Die meeste kliente is baie ontspanne na so 'n trippie.

kyle m · #89 26-03-12, 02:33 PM

hi Curt
how are the camp sites coming along?

sandbug · #90 03-04-12, 07:48 PM

Hi Kyle

We've already had campers who camped at a discount due to us still trying to get an electrician to come and connect everything. Next date is 10 April. Everything else is in place.

sandbug · #91 22-04-12, 08:04 AM

Campsites running well. Campers were happy.

sandbug · #92 23-04-12, 08:12 PM

Had an epic recovery yesterday.
Friend took his dogs for a walk. Front end of his Hilux dropped into a hole under water. Water that wasn't even there a week ago. Then it keeled over to lie on it's side. At least 60% submerged.
I arrived with the cruiser and pulled him back onto his wheels, but in the process got stuck myself. Cruiser dug some holes pulling the Hilux. Luckily friends arrived that could pull my cruiser out. First tried a winch, but it wouldn't bidge. Then a snatch and I was out. Then I got the Hilux out of the hole with the snatch-strap. Took about five runs. We drained the interior of the Hilux and towed him back to our place. Will get pics from the others there. My cell buggered up my pics.
Lucky me for the friends. Black cotton mud just loves holding onto cars.

sandbug · #93 29-04-12, 10:52 AM

Returned from camping at Ihaha and Savute yesterday. When it started getting dark the tigers started chasing the small fish around. Saw up to 5 big ones around.
Decided to try with a spoon to see if they were interested. Got a bite immediately, but was not able to hook it. Changed my position and had a huge fish on the hook after the 3rd cast. It just started pulling away and then jumped. Out popped the spoon. It was so big, that it managed to pull the hook off the spoon. I put on a new ring and hook, but by that time they'd moved on and I didn't have any more bites.
In about 2 weeks time the frenzies are going to start downriver. Will be nice to experience that.

Mistral · #94 29-04-12, 12:01 PM

And they call this work!

"In about 2 weeks time the frenzies are going to start downriver" - why... because rainy season is over?

sandbug · #95 29-04-12, 12:33 PM

Life's tough Paul

The floodplains will then start draining back into the rivers, where the barbel and tiger will be waiting for the fry that hatched on the floodplains.

Frans E · #96 29-04-12, 09:08 PM

Hi, looks like a ball of fun. Doen julle miskien enige vliehengel daar by julle of net meer tradisionele maniere. Moet plan maak om eendag in daardie wereld te kom. Weet hoe die bouery voel. Besig om huis te bou, dak is op nou die groot werk en doen amper alles self tussen my en swambo. Geniet dit en sit nog fotos op. Brand om self lyn nat te maak, maar is nie tyd vir dit nou nie. Groete.

sandbug · #97 06-05-12, 12:41 PM

Hi Frans Hier kom partykeer ouens wat vliehengel be-oefen. Ek self kan nie en sal seker hopeloos verstrengel raak in die lyn. Verder maar redelik tradisionele hengel. Tiere is nou lekker besig. Skat so 2 weke dan gaan ons baljaar met die frenzies. In die aande sien ons klomp aksie onder ons spotlight.

DJ TRITON · #98 09-05-12, 03:32 PM

Sounds fab and place looks great, can't wait!
Have a booking with you guys 26&27 June

Just another month (and a half)

sandbug · #99 09-05-12, 06:39 PM

Cool. See you then.

sandbug · #**100** 18-05-12, 11:47 AM

So this week I've already caught a 3.8kg, 5kg and 4kg tiger. Action is picking up! Who's coming to catch some tigers??