To Buitenpos: into Namibia

November 14, 2015

"Yes, thank you!" Ginny and Trevor stop to give us a cold drink. They also stayed in the campground last night. We enjoyed dinner and conversation with them and Reana, the owner of Jungle Light Rest Camp. We have ridden 20kms when they pass us and realize this is what we have missed crossing Botswana, no place to stop and buy a cold drink throughout the day.

Slowly we are gaining elevation and making progress to the Botswana-Namibia border. The landscape becomes a bit greener. At the end of the day we cross into Namibia and one kilometer from the border we camp at the East Gate Rest Camp.

One more day of cycling to Gobabis and a rest day with Tinus, a Warmshowers host.

Impressions of Botswana:

1. Money is a Pula

2. Long straight flat roads

3. Wind and Water are the biggest factors in cycling in Botswana

4. People wear hats in the sun, have not seen this is africa

5. "Vehicle watch": when parking in shopping areas, official people watch your car...for a tip

6. Thorns! After 8300kms first flat and flats continued until out of Botswana

7. Kalahari desert

8. Okavanga Delta, Moremi Game Reserve

9. New term: Game Farm

10. Drought on top of dry season, people harvest the grass along the road, cattle are dying

11. Biltong (dried meat like jerky)

12. Towns are few and nothing in between. Towns seem to spread out rather than having a center

A friendly South-African couple we met at the campground last night passes us on the road this morning and brings us some cold fruit juice.

Farm entrance. No farm to be seen though, any buildings are set far back into the bush down a sandy road.

Riding into Namibia to East Gate Rest Camp

Just one kilometer into Namibia is a nice "restcamp" with green lawns, shade and a small pool. We celebrate our 21st country with a cold Namibian beer.

Today's ride: 97 km (60 miles)
Total: 9,663 km (6,001 miles)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	1
Comment on this entry	Comment	0