Monday 6 April - Kwanokeng to MakgadiGadi Pans

We started early and after having breakfast and refueling the bikes we leave Kwanokeng and head towards Serowe for our next fuel stop - all tar. Shortly after Serowe, we turn onto the first sandy section – a service road that follows the vet fence towards our overnight stop – MakgadiGadi pans. We came across a group of 4x4’s en route in the same direction and we pass each other a few times – dust – until we split off to follow a different track!!! We stopped every 15 km to regroup and also for a lunch break. The road gradually disappeared until we were just following the somewhat overgrown clearing along the fence and we had to cut our way through the brush in places to get the vehicle through. The surface was badly washed away at some of the streams which took some time to get the support vehicle through.

We finally reached the pans at sunset and decided to set up camp on the outskirts so as not to be disturbed by the 4x4 crowd. This was our first real long and tough day, but the scenery and surroundings were beautiful and no-one complained.

Sunday 5 April - Kwanokeng Rest day

After crossing the Botswana border at Martinsdrift yesterday, we set up camp at Kwanokeng lodge.

This morning we enjoyed a hearty breakfast on the deck after which we took an exploratory ride around the area to get ourselves acquainted with the Botswana dirt roads.

Louise managed to score first when she put her bike down while practicing a sand corner.

After returning to camp we spent the afternoon around the pool while waiting for the support crew and vehicle to arrive.

We also had to fix the first and (in hindsight) only puncture of the trip.

Support crew had a smooth border crossing and arrived safely just before sunset. In the evening we enjoyed our first “bush meal” prepared from the food supply that was so thoroughly put together by Louise.

Saturday 4 April - Leaving Pretoria

The vehicle, trailer and bikes are loaded and we are ready to leave Pretoria.

Today we will make our way to the Martinsdrift borderpost 400 kms away - mostly tar and we will camp at Kwanokeng just across the border.

We were also due for our second repeat of Malaria tablets

Friday 3 April - Pretoria

Today is spent in and around Pretoria.

In the morning we took a quick ride out to Rietvlei nature reserve and then to Fort Klapperkop from where we got a nice view of Pretoria.

Then we had a quick stop for brunch. 

Back at Johan's house we start packing the food crates. This will be loaded into the vehicle and onto the trailer in the evening. The packing happens at a slow pace - this will be our last relaxing day before leaving for Botswana tomorrow.

Thursday 2 April - Arrive in Johannesburg

We arrived in Johannesburg on time and found the bikes to be in good condition - what a relief!!

From the station it is a 60km ride to Johan and Louise's house and this takes us nearly 2 hours in the traffic.

We arrive safely and after fuelling up we stop at a little sidewalk restaurant first for a cool drink to quench the thirst and calm the nerves.

 

At Johan's place we unpack and there is time for a shower before going out to supper.

Wednesday - 1 April - Departure

....and so after a long and restless night the wait is over and we awake to a beautiful morning. We have lots of time to do the last few things and there is even time to have a hearty breakfast.

Then we say goodbye to our neighbour Theuns, Gary Bresleau whom we only met yesterday, and our 2 dogs Kumba + Nina before hitting the road. We brave the back-end of the morning traffic into Cape Town - I find comfort in the thought that for the next few days we will be riding through the African bush where the only traffic is elephant crossing the track!

At the station we wait for the train which arrives 30 minutes late and we are given 5 minutes in which to load and secure the bikes as well as find our own compartment. Here we are on the platform and ready to load.

A huge rush and I am quite concerned about the bikes being strapped in properly. But we are now on the train on our way to Johannesburg and hopefully we will not get a huge surprise when the luggage compartment is opened at our destination 28 hours later!