Road trip around Mzansi, Botswana and Namibia

DAY ONE

After our eventful drive from Pretoria to Gaborone, our group decided to take a brief stop at the Riverside Walk Mall on the outskirts of the capital city of Botswana.

We needed a quick break, some light snacks, and a few essentials for the rest of our journey. As we parked our convoy of cars in the mall’s parking lot, the excitement of exploring a new city filled the air.

Riverside Walk Mall was a bustling hub of activity with various shops, restaurants, and cafes. We decided to grab some light snacks at a local café to recharge before hitting the road again.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baking pastries wafted through the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. We found a cozy spot to relax, share stories of our journey so far, and make plans for the road ahead.

While at the mall, I realized I needed a local sim card to stay connected during our stay in Botswana. I headed to a small electronics store and purchased a Mascom Botswana sim card, ensuring I would have access to calls, texts, and data while exploring this new country.

The stop was also twofold for me, I had arranged a meeting to interview the newly elected President of the Botswana Football Association, Tariq Babitseng for our programme Soccer Africa on SuperSport.

With our snacks finished and our purchases made, we gathered our group, ready to continue our adventure. Back on the road, we set our sights on our next destination: Jwaneng.

Our route would take us on the Trans Kalahari Express, a scenic highway that cuts through the heart of the Kalahari. The barren landscapes, dotted with acacia trees and scrub vegetation, stretched out before us in a vast expanse of natural beauty.

As we drove towards Jwaneng, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the arid landscape. The sky was painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our journey.

The road stretched out like a ribbon of asphalt, leading us towards our final destination for the night. As we arrived in Jwaneng, exhaustion from the long drive had started to set in.

Our group was eager to find a place to rest and rejuvenate for the night. We had booked accommodation at a lodge called Epic Spring, a five-bedroomed charming retreat nestled in the heart of the town.

The lodge’s name evoked a sense of renewal and new beginnings, promising a peaceful refuge after a day of adventure. Epic Spring Lodge welcomed us with open arms, offering comfortable rooms, warm hospitality, and a serene ambiance.

The lodge was surrounded by lush gardens and towering trees, creating a tranquil oasis in the midst of the desert landscape. We were greeted by friendly staff who led us to our rooms, where we could unwind and relax after a long day on the road.

After settling into our accommodations, we gathered in the lodge’s dining area for a delicious dinner prepared by the talented chefs. The aroma of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices filled the air, whetting our appetites.

We shared a meal together, recounting our experiences from the day and planning our adventures for the days ahead. As the night descended upon Jwaneng, the stars began to sparkle in the clear desert sky. We retreated to the outdoor patio of the lodge, where we sat around a crackling fire pit, sharing stories and laughter under the blanket of twinkling stars.

The night was alive with the sounds of nature – the chirping of crickets, the rustling of leaves, and the distant howl of a jackal. As we gazed up at the vast expanse of the night sky, filled with countless stars and constellations, we felt a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the world around us.

Our road trip had brought us closer together as friends and couples, allowing us to experience new places, cultures, and landscapes. We knew that the journey was far from over, and that many more adventures awaited us on the roads ahead.

But for now, we were content to bask in the warmth of the campfire, surrounded by the company of good friends and the magic of the African night.