Kalahari trip: Day One
« I’m in SA | Day 2 »It’s 18:30 now. We’re in “Van Zylsrus” near a campfire
waiting for the flames to dim so we can put our steaks on the grill. I’m starving!!!
Van Zylsrus… Can I call it a town? No I guess not. It’s about 200 kilometers from the nearest form of civilization, a few houses along a dirt road that stretches for miles & miles. It’s located near the Botswana border.
We found a farm in the middle of nowhere. It has a few rooms at the back of the garden where guests can obtain a room. Since the ride from Jo’burg was long (about 800 kilometers) and it is already dark to put up our tents, we decided to head for this bed & breakfast.!
A last night in a real bed is a really welcoming thought since the next 8 nights we’ll be sleeping on the floor in tents ![]()
Anyway I just looked up and all I can see is a southern hemisphere sky full of bright stars. At this point I should clarify that if you live in the northern hemisphere and have enjoyed bright skies full of stars, I’m sorry to disappoint you that it’s nothing compared to what I’m seeing right now. I don’t want to rag but it’s simply the plain and honest truth.
Our day started early this morning since we had to pick up our rental at the airport
we were curious as to what car we’d finally get. It turned out to be a Nissan. The name of the model escapes me now but all I know is that it doesn’t exists in Europe. It’s a white sedan you could compare to a VW Jetta: a spacious car to put our stuff. (Which is a lot, believe me!)
We then drove from Jo’burg heading South in the direction of Kimberly on the N12 (which we will then leave to take the N14 in the direction of Upington). I was fast remembered how well South African
roads are maintained! Speeding is not a problem on these roads although we’ll try to keep ourselves to the speed limit. These roads are really heaven compared to the roads of Kenya & Tanzania I had to take the last couple of years. (read potholes!!!)
I took over from Pete around Delareyville. I had (and still am) getting used to a right steering wheel
…
Anyway my meat is on the grill right now so I’m off before it’s completely burnt.
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