Boteti River Camp --> Maun

3 May Friday

We woke up to the neighbors packing up their camp, only to realize it was 6 am. However, Chris got up and made a nice cup of coffee for us and we lay in our tent disucssing that we both couldnt fall asleep from the very loud snoring man next door. Despite the flat foam matresses, which Chris has decided he does not enjoy sleeping on, we had a successful first night of camping. Initially the plan was to stay two nights at Boteti, however, we both agreed that we going to save our money and not go into the Makgadigadi NP and make our way to Maun a day earlier.

We packed up camp very easily and in no time we said our goodbyes and on the B300 we continued. The landscape has changed quite a bit this side of Bots with a few more potholes, lots of cows, no fences and Acacias. The road was a bit busier this morning with lots of 4 x 4 vehicles and roof top tents, we didnt feel quite so special with our fancy camping car.

We got the Old Bridge Backpackers where we were due to stay tomorrow night so although surprised to see us a day early, the staff openly welcomed us. The campsite was fully booked though so we stayed in their dome tent accommodation which I sure am not complaining about! Its a tent underneath a bed of leaves with a little stoop. The Backpackers is amazing - the reception and bar is an outdoor plan, with old wooden stools which over looks a dam with SO many crocodiles!! If you know me, I LOVE seeing crocodiles in the wild, for some reason I just find them so fascinating! Its such a cool set up here, the bathrooms and a common kitchen area are covered by river reeds with no roof.

After some leftovers for lunch we took some time to relax before making our way into Maun. The town is very rural, with under developed houses, random kraals scattered around the streets. We came across a kind of “shopping Centre” with a Spar where we topped up on some food supplies, a local grocer Choppies, and surprisingly a Woolies! We found a curio shop just outside the International Airport which is tiny, yet, apparently the busiest airport. I obviously purchased a curio (locally made bracelet) while Chris patiently waited for me.

Our tent is in there!

A beer watching the crocs at the Old Bridge Backpackers

We watched the sunset with a GnT, and a hippo munching on some grass. Chris made an amazing braai in the Backpackers communal braai area right next to the Bar which seems to be a popular evening restaurant. There was good vibey music playing, creating a really nice ambiance. We made contact with a fellow Rhodent, Angus who came to visit. With him were two of his friends from Maun as well as Lyle Rawson, who I go as far back as Uplands days with! We had a great evening in our campsite with a few drinks, lots of chatter and laughter