#5: [15-Dec-20]

#4: [25-Jul-09]

#2: [23-Jul-03]

#1: [04-Jul-02]

14-Jan-2005 -- Following our successful visits to the Etosha National Park Confluences (19S 16E, 19S 15E, and 19S 17E) we decided to visit 19S 14E. We left Walvis Bay in two Land Rovers on Friday, 14 January 2005, travelling north. It became apparent that we would pass close to confluence 20S 15E, so we decided to visit it as well. We were able to drive to within 500 m of the Confluence and from there a gentle uphill walk. We reached the Confluence at about 10h45 that morning.

At the confluence site we spotted a "rain spider", better known as the Velvet mite (Dinothrombium sp.). These small arachnids emerge following the first heavy summer rains, coinciding with the emergence of winged termites on their nuptial flight. These are the velvet mite's sole food. Termites provide rich nutrients which allow for a brief visit to the surface to feed, mate, lay eggs and return to the soil.

From here we continued northwards, past Kamanjab (where we enjoyed an excellent lunch), past Hobatere Lodge, onwards to the Beesvlakte where we found a spot to camp for the night next to the Aap river. Due to recent rains, the river was flowing strongly - an unusual sight in Namibia. The following day we would proceed to our destination - confluence 19S 14E.