So there I was sitting at Retha's kitchen table with all my maps and the big plans to either drive to Botswana (Chobe, Kalahari, Okavango Delta, Kalahari Gemsbok Park, Upington and back) or along the South African coast (Swasiland, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Upington, Kalahari Gemsbok Park and back). Besides that none of the students would join me Stephan, Retha's son and Retha herself finally convinced me that both trips are too far, too much of a hustle and I would probably spend most of the time driving. Plus Botswana has a rather underdeveloped road infrastructure and most of the camps in the Delta are supposed to be really expensive (€300+ per person per night...damn!). Well, as usual I'd rather plan a wee bit too much and then narrow it down to a reasonable amount. But still...it all looked so good on the maps.
Well, what have I finally decided for? Yes, the Kalahari Gemsbok Park and Augrabies Falls. It's supposed to be amazing for game viewing and it'll be at least 2-3 days of driving for the approx. 1500 kilometers. Hey, maybe I even get a peek into Prof. Clutton-Brocks meerkat project in Van Zylsrus. Well, should I really enjoy it I will stay in the area until the 5th of September. And if not or if I plan do add a bit more spice to the recipe I might drive all the way back to St. Lucia at the eastern coast. Damn, I would still have loved to see the Delta. What the heck...next time.
But now, however, it's really getting exciting. I am a bit worried about my camera equipment and driving in the Kalahari desert, but I have an insurance and last year I had mastered basically every 4WD trail I chose to drive on, so what the heck. This time I will have 2 spare tanks, a tent, lots of water and food with me so that will not necessarily be a problem. Ian has just brought me the car and I will take off at aroung 8 tomorrow morning. My first stop will be...make a guess...Niel and Nicolette in Centurion. THe second one will probably be in Kuruman or Upington, but we'll see about that. It looks as if my GPS hasn't arrived in Makhado so this time please cross you fingers with even more enthusiasm, ok? ;)
Kind regards to you!
Stefan
P.S.: Funny how August 12th made it to the blog twice. Whatever... :)
Well, what have I finally decided for? Yes, the Kalahari Gemsbok Park and Augrabies Falls. It's supposed to be amazing for game viewing and it'll be at least 2-3 days of driving for the approx. 1500 kilometers. Hey, maybe I even get a peek into Prof. Clutton-Brocks meerkat project in Van Zylsrus. Well, should I really enjoy it I will stay in the area until the 5th of September. And if not or if I plan do add a bit more spice to the recipe I might drive all the way back to St. Lucia at the eastern coast. Damn, I would still have loved to see the Delta. What the heck...next time.
But now, however, it's really getting exciting. I am a bit worried about my camera equipment and driving in the Kalahari desert, but I have an insurance and last year I had mastered basically every 4WD trail I chose to drive on, so what the heck. This time I will have 2 spare tanks, a tent, lots of water and food with me so that will not necessarily be a problem. Ian has just brought me the car and I will take off at aroung 8 tomorrow morning. My first stop will be...make a guess...Niel and Nicolette in Centurion. THe second one will probably be in Kuruman or Upington, but we'll see about that. It looks as if my GPS hasn't arrived in Makhado so this time please cross you fingers with even more enthusiasm, ok? ;)
Kind regards to you!
Stefan
P.S.: Funny how August 12th made it to the blog twice. Whatever... :)
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