Proper Wet season rain
Botswana Thunderstorms
More rain
Very slow driving in the rain
Plenty of water all around
AND EXTREMELY slippery track surfaces.
This is what you get when you visit Botswana in the Wet Season.
Come and join us on our Epic Botswana adventure in December 2022
We left a nice and dry Nelspruit after we filled up with fuel, which turned out to be our highest expense for the trip.
As we left Nelspruit the clouds began to gather and not long after that, the first drops started to fall.
We kept pushing forward and had rain for most of the way to Matamba bushcamp, our first stop of the trip. (www.matambabushcamp.com)
Hidden away in the heart of the Limpopo Province, lies the beautiful Matamba Bushcamp in an area classified as Savanna Grassland. Less than 300kilometers from Johannesburg, it takes around 3 hours to get there, and from Nelspruit, it is around 450kilometers, but due to bad road conditions it is more than 5 hours drive to get there
This unique destination offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
The ablution facilities are all very well maintained and clean.
For the more adventurous there are outside showers as well, and just like the main bathroom it is also very well maintained.
As the days can become quite warm, guests can relax at the small splash pool at Tau Camp.
Guests can enjoy hiking and mountain biking on a large stretch of sandy tracks, but no driving is allowed on the farm. For bird enthusiasts, the campsite offers an opportunity to spot some of the 300 bird species found in the area. Adventurers can explore the hides and waterholes that are along the 5 trails on the farm. Us, we enjoy sitting in camp and taking in all the wildlife that can pass through the camp
After 2 days of unwinding at Matamba, it was time for us to pack up. And today we are crossing the Limpopo into Botswana
We used the Stockpoort/ParsHalt Borderpost, as it has always been very quiet when crossing. The only downside is that the road turns into gravel as you enter Botswana.
We arrived at Khama Rhino Sanctuary around midday, and got allocated one of our favorite sites, site number 8. Arriving early gave us enough time to get the camp ready and still enjoy what Khama has to offer. Also, enough time to go and check out all the other Campsites available.
The wet season brings out an abundance of game at Khama and it is highly recommended
We once again hit the road after a good night’s rain and headed toward Letlhakane. Here we top up the cruiser and all the jerry cans with fuel.
We also do our last shopping at the Teemane Mall where there is a well-stocked pick-n-pay and all the other necessities that you will need before heading further north into Botswana.
And of course a burger for the road from Nando’s.
The Botswana clouds start to gather on our way to Rakops and it is clear that a proper storm is brewing in the distance.
Within a few minutes, the roads were flooded with water
As you turn off the main road towards CKGR, the scenery immediately changes.
The roads were flooded and very slow going. It took us more than 3 hours to reach the Matswere gate.
After all the admin at the gate, we were hopeful that the roads were going to be easier to drive. But we were wrong. The pools of water became deeper and deeper. And the clay surfaces became extremely slippery.
But finally, we made it to deception valley. And arrived at Kori Campsite 3 just before sunset.
Equipment used:
Nikon D500 - www.ormsdirect.co.za/nikon-d500-dslr-body
Nikkor 200-500 - www.ormsdirect.co.za/nikon-af-s-200-500mm-f5-6e-ed-vr-lens
Nikkor 14 - 24 - www.ormsdirect.co.za/nikon-af-s-nikkor-14-24mm-f-2-8g-ed-lens
Nikkor 18 - 140 - www.ormsdirect.co.za/nikon-af-s-18-140mm-f-3-5-5-6-g-ed-vr-dx-lens
Rode Videomic GO2 - www.ormsdirect.co.za/rode-videomic-go-ii
GoPro Hero 4
GoPro Hero 10 - www.outdoorphoto.co.za/gopro-hero10-black
Hero 10 Media Mod - www.ormsdirect.co.za/gopro-media-mod-for-hero9-black
Rode Lav 2 - www.outdoorphoto.co.za/rode-lavalier-ii-microphone
Rode Wireless Go 2 - www.outdoorphoto.co.za/rode-wireless-go-ii-microphone-system
Benro Travel Angel - www.outdoorphoto.co.za/benro-FTA28AB1-travel-angel-aluminium-tripod-kit
GimPro Mk2 - www.gimprogear.com/product/door-mount
Music from;
Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/
Artlist.io - artlist.io/Martin-2428674
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