unique. A vast salt pan sits in the
middle and is surrounded by low
bushland and plenty of wildlife. We
took an evening drive through the
park spotting most of those wild ani-
mals you’d expect to see in Africa; the
driver very knowledgeable on most
animals.
Wanting to see the animals in a dif-
ferent light and setting, we rose early
for the morning drive. We weren’t
disappointed, coming across a herd
of elephants around a lagoon and
were able to park and silently observe
them. It was fantastic.
After having an extra rest day, we
had a two-day drive to the border
with Botswana, a farm stay stop along
the way. We’d rung the owner and
asked how the track was going into
the farm and how much sand.
“The tracks fine”, she said.
“Shouldn’t be a problem.”
It was too sandy to be riding two
up and loaded with luggage. I didn’t
need a wrecked clutch so we rang
the owner and she sent a four wheel
drive out for Marina and some of the
luggage. It made a difference.
Similar arrangements were made
for the following morning to take
Marina and luggage to the front gate.
It didn’t stop me from dropping the
bike along the way; twice! I was to
TRAVERSE
96
glad to see the main road ahead of
me.
The border came after an easy ride.
The crossing very straight forward.
Nothing like we had expected, you
know, the usual bribes and baggage
search you’re often told about. No,
none of that, but we still have a long
way to go … SD
Shane and wife, Marina, have travelled
extensively by motorcycle through southern
Africa as well as their home of Australia.
Together they've had wonderful experi-
ences and continue to tell the tales of travel.