As we arrived in Swakopmund we stopped at the first hostel/camp site that we came across, called Dunes Sky Lodge. It was my turn to run to reception to check facilities and prices. As I approached the counter, a rather sullen looking lady asked me if I wanted to camp here. I replied that, yes we wanted to camp, but I had a few questions about facilities first. She hurrumphed, “Yes?”

I asked a few quick questions about prices and cooking facilities, then ended with our usual questioning about showers. The conversation went like this:

Me: “Do you have showers?”
Her: “Yes”
Me: “Are they hot?” (Usually the staff umm and ahh at this point)
Her:”No, they’re icy cold” (no hint of a smile or sarcasm on her face)
Me: “Really?” (A little taken aback)
Her: “Of course they’re hot”
Me (slightly confused): “Oh, it’s just we’ve been travelling Africa for 3 months now and have rarely found a hot shower”
Her (still no break in her sullen expression): “This is SWAKOPMUND”
Me: “I’m quite aware of where I am but as I’ve never been here before I don’t know if Swakopmund has hot showers”
Her: Angry glare
Me: “Thanks for being so helpful, we’ll be going elsewhere”

And we did just that. We left the rudest woman I have ever met and went instead to the nicest campsite in Africa, the Alte Brucke Resort. Our pitch had lovely green grass, power sockets, a BBQ area and a private bathroom that was well furnished and spotlessly clean!

[Show as slideshow]