Botswana marked a major milestone in my journey through Africa, I got to ride my own bike again.
The Wheels of Steel were well and truly back on the road. On the pan flat roads of Botswana, I was flying along, faster than I had ever ridden on my road bike. so much so I could ride with the cool kids at the front.
One thing I think it is fair to say is cycling was just a sideshow in this country. Having spent weeks on the road surrounded by crowds of people, we literally saw no one all day., every day. Mentally making the long straight roads a challenge.
Botswana is very much about the wildlife and the excitement of riding the Elephant Highway.
On the first day we weren’t disappointed as we were close to being evacuated off the road due to a very agitated Bull Elephant.
The feelings of vulnerability and adrenaline in equal measure. You certainly know who is boss when you are in their environment.
Due to higher than normal rains this year we did not see as many herds on a daily basis as there is still a lot of water for them to access in the desert but safari on a bicycle was truly exhilarating.
Being so close to the Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta it seemed a no brainier to explore both areas this time by Cessna aircraft.
Like most times I fly I was totally bricking it, but sometimes your comfort zone is where your dreams end.
The final highlight of Botswana was something so simple which makes you realise how after being on the road for months, you appreciate the small things. A fresh towel, hot water, a bed, air conditioning and an ICE LOLLY.
If Botswana was flat Namibia was going to prove to be totally different as the rough roads hit.
Two countries to go before the journey comes to a close.
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