We left Mata-Mata camp site at 08h00 this morning as we entered Namibia today and the border post only opened at 08h00 – it is literally a 1 minute drive from the camp site. We were the only ones there so all official business was taken care of quickly and efficiently and we were done in 15 minutes.

We drove through to Keetmanshoop (translation: Keetman’s Hope) to replenish our groceries and purchase a Namibian mobile package via MTC so that we will be able to update our blog. Philip stood in a queue for 40 minutes before being served … queuing is not his strength ... enough said. Our impression of Keetmanshoop that it is a town with a lot of beggars asking for money.

We drove to the Fish River Canyon lookout before proceeding to the Ai-Ais resort. I think this is the 2nd largest canyon in the world. Philip has hiked the 86 km trail 4 times. The last time (about 15 years ago) he did it in one go which took him 17 hours.

We decided to have dinner at the Ai-Ais restaurant. The chef decided to finish watching sport on TV before starting with our meal! Everything is good for something…It did give a chance to taste the local lager...a few times – just to make sure that it was up to scratch!

Ai-Ais is known for its warm mineral springs which feed into a large outdoor swimming pool. Unfortunately the pool was empty for repairs but reception did inform us that the indoor Spa pool was available at no cost (good stuff).