When we hear or read the word island, most of us probably think of an island in the Caribbean lined with palm trees. For example, Carriacou, which is off Grenada, where we got engaged in 1992! However, the island we are talking about here is something completely different.

Kubu Island is around fifty kilometers from Orapa and can be reached via a track. This one leads over a wide plain, which, however, turns into a swamp in the rainy season. So, we were well advised to ask at the entrance to the park whether it had rained recently and what condition the track was in. «We just had some small rains a few days ago» was the ranger’s answer. Good thing, because what we saw explains why the track cannot be used in the rainy season, which is just around the corner. (Our car already looks like he took a mud bath with a dozen elephants!)

Shortly before 12 p.m., after an hour’s drive, we arrived at the place where you pay your fee if you want to spend the night on Kubu Island. (When it comes to the entrance fee, we always benefit from the fact that we have the Permanent Residence of Namibia and a corresponding ID!) We circled the island, which is only a few meters higher than the large salt pan surrounding it. On it stand mighty baobabs in all shapes – an image of gods!

Speaking of which: Kubu means hippopotamus in Tswana and they were here until 500 years ago, when this area was moist, green and inhabited by people and hippos.

PS: If you want to know more about Kubu Island, read here.