In which we slog it out, long, fast, and straight and change countries.
Here’s an update on our progress so far… it’s a fair way!
Today is what we call a relocation day – a long, fast slog from point A to point B. It’s usually not very fun and not very scenic. Today fit the bill – 550-ish kms down the Trans-Kalahari Highway from Windhoek in Namibia to Ghanzi in Botswana.
Over breakfast this morning, more wildlife came up to the lodge waterhole. In fact, a fairly tame impala and female ostrich came right up to the patio where we were eating – the impala would even eat out of your hand!
The run out of Namibia was smooth sailing. The roads in this country have been excellent (both tarmac and dirt) and I’d say usually in better condition than their equivalents in Australia. We left Auas at 8am and were at the Botswana border around midday.
The border crossing was incredibly smooth – much easier and faster than the crossing into Namibia from South Africa. We had arranged lunchboxes from the kitchen at Auas and they were great – sandwich, a schnitzel of some kind of game meat, an apple, water, juice, and a muesli bar. Much better than what we would have found on the road.
Once into Botswana, the difference was noticeable. Riding on the highways is more sketchy due to potholes (ah, memories of Patagonia) and lots and lots of loose stock grazing the “long paddock”. Goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, and cattle. They are generally calm and unbothered by us passing but you definitely give them a wide berth in case they react and jump out.
When we stopped in town for fuel, we were swarmed by the local kids, all looking for a handout of some kind. The fuel station attendants kept trying to chase them away but they’d keep coming back. Some of our crew are soft of heart and handed out biscuits. It’s amazing to watch these kids share them around, even with their dog (which makes the cynic in me say that they aren’t really starving).
Our hotel tonight is a very sanitised experience compared to the last few places… it looks like every mid-range hotel/motel I’ve ever stayed in anywhere in the world.
Tomorrow the group splits. Some of us (including me) are riding for about 300 kms to catch a flight into the Okavango Delta and stay at a safari camp for two nights. I’m told there is no wifi or connectivity there so there won’t be any updates for a few days. Don’t worry, I’m probably still alive.
See you in a few days!
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