Ghanzi-Chobe fold belt

Stage 69 (51): bush camp to Ghanzi

Mornings are beautiful here in Botswana; the recent rains have turned the landscape predominantly green. Later in the year, the dun-colour earth tones will take over. But for now, it’s lovely.

The road conditions and traffic are much the same as the previous couple of days. The first half of each day’s ride typically goes quickly; the afterwards not so much. The temperature warms significantly by late-morning, and more so as the afternoon progresses. Energy inevitably flags and my butt feels every little blemish in the road surface. We stop every hour or two, seek out some shade under an acacia and drink as much as we can; getting going again is always a creaky process.

But the kilometres tick by.

Our route runs along the Ghanzi-Chobe fold belt, or as its now termed, the Kalahari Copper Belt. This extends from Botswana into Namibia, and is an emerging copper producing region, prospective for sedimentary-style copper deposits. The Ghanzi-Chobe fold belt was the subject of one of my earliest airborne geophysical projects back in the early 90s when working in Botswana. Interesting to see now signs of actual mines being developed almost 30 years later.

David spies a chameleon attempting to cross the road; we almost run over him in fact. As we investigate the little fellow further, a large truck barrels thru; somehow, all its wheels miss crushing the chameleon but the air blast tumbles it over and over. It seems unscathed although stunned. But eventually, it successfully reaches the other side of the road.

• Photo courtesy David Williamson

The predicted tail winds occasionally make their presence known, but just as often swirl around to crosswinds if not front quarter. But at least not full-on headwinds.

We (very briefly) discuss cycling an extra 5-7 km into Ghanzi itself to pick up some treats for the long day tomorrow, but opt out. PBJ sandwiches and hopefully some bananas scooped from breakfast will have to suffice. Plus the thought of returning that 5-7 km into a headwind makes it an easy decision.

Our camp tonight is luxurious; actual real grass on which to pitch out tents, and HOT water showers. A pool, and power points; wifi and a bar. Very welcome.