D12(1): Bushcamp - Van Zyls Pass (VZP) - (15km)

D12(1): Bushcamp - Van Zyls Pass (VZP) - (15km)

We started as early as possible - we had to tackle VZP today! The Terminalia Prunoidis gave us strength - in Afrikaans it is known as the "Sterkbos" (Strongbush!?!)

Sometime in the distant future, this climber will throttle the tree, but for now it's a wonderful sight to see.

Water tanks must be essential in this dry world.

Just look at the size of the Baobab and the Herero Sesamebush.

As far as we could see this smooth stemmed Corkwood was the Purple-stemmed variety.

This bark which peels in whitish to yellowish papery pieces to reveal green underbark belongs to the Sand Corkwood which is common on the banks of the Kunene.

 

See how the middle seam keeps the hillock in shape?

We had many discussions regarding this Shepherd Tree as Tom knew it by another name.

I couldn't resist taking a piece of the yellowish brown bark peeling in large papery pieces. According to our book (eTrees of Southern Africa) this is typical of the Blue-leaved Corkwood which grows in Kaokoveld. 

Guess the name of this spiky plant? It's a Bottle Tree (Pachypodium Lealii) - don't the flowers remind you of a Kudu Lily's blossoms? It should because they're both Pachypodia. 

The scar on the Bottle Tree where a branch broke off.

This Himba lady strolled out from her hut when we stopped. We think she thought we were going to camp at Van Zyls Community Camp. 
She was happy enough to be paid for posing for the photo. 

Our three vehicles approaching VZP.

The community camp is right next to the road. We popped in. The camping sites are very tidy but have no facilities.

This succulent (or is it a mini Euphorbia?) made a pretty picture.

Another Himba settlement.

And this is the official top of VZP. 

We decided it was TeaTime.