#1: [24-Jun-03] (incomplete)

10-Mar-2006 -- The visit to confluence 27S 18E was our first of three confluence visits. The others were 26S 16E and 26S 18E. I was introduced to the Degree Confluence Project by a guest who visited our lodge. We became very interested and after doing some research, we decided to attempt our first visit.

Confluence 27S 18E lies 48.2 km southwest of Keetmanshoop in the Naute Game Park. The park is not open to the public. I contacted senior ranger Wane Handly, he was very helpful and willing to accompany us to the Confluence.

We travelled from Keetmanshoop and followed the B4 in a westerly direction for 31 km. We turned left on the D545 and travelled for 20 km to reach the Naute Dam. 500 m south of the dam we turned left and travelled 3 km till we reached the locked gate of the park. There Wane met us and accompanied us to the Confluence, which was 6.35 km further. On the way we spotted some ostriches, oryx, and springbok.

The Confluence is situated a few meters south of a dry stream. It is guarded by the Karas mountains in the East and the Naute Dam in the North. We reached the Confluence at 15:58.

It is a strange feeling to find something that is there but you cannot see it. It is wonderful to be out in nature and experience the wide open spaces. We celebrated our achievement with a few beers.

Continued at 26S 18E.