Crossing the border

Departing Groot-Marico the previous day I'd headed for the camp at the dam 14km away which was described as a nice camping spot. Correctly. However even with a later start it was just after 12 when I arrived. Nope, couldn't just lounge after the last few days. There was a smallish safari camp another 30km along that was worth a look. Around 4 pm I rocked up outside the locked gate and phoned in. The owner was on holiday in Namaqaland, out of Capetown. Several hundred km south. However the caretaker could open up if required. It was I decided. Heading down the track to the small chalets I saw 3 large giraffe grazing on the surrounding trees. They scattered upon my approach. Eerily quiet Islept pretty well getting up at 6 am to get an early start for the 120km to Gaborone.
My first overland border in 7 years, since the Great Divide, where I crossed from Canada into the US.
39 km of the dirt took me onto the largely shoulder free highway to the border. Without much traffic it was pretty conventional riding.
The final 33km into Gaborone was on well sealed avenues, reaching the outskirts in good time. My first attempt at accommodation was a dismal failure. Budget friendly, in a difficult to locate area, and with no signage. Owner also absent, but a good guy, some loitering "guests" informed me. I decided it wasn't for me and headed off to a close by and more traditional guesthouse, with its own list of deficiencies which were in opposition to its ostentatious decoration and other facilities. Time being of the essence I signed up unloaded and went looking for a meal. Ended up nearby at the Caltex , where chicken & chips were on offer.Read more