Kubu Island

We headed east and aimed for a remote location called Kubu Island - which is best described as a rock outcrop in a salt lake - with no facilities, no water and no nothing really. It has evidence of habitation dating back to the stone age when it really was an island in the great inland sea that covered this part of central Africa. It was a case of set the GPS for South 20 degrees, 53 minutes, 44seconds; East 25 degrees, 49 minutes, 25 seconds and 'head in a southerly direction'. We were a bit nervous, given Harry's recent performance, but we decided if we don't get out there now, we never will! So, final check of the vehicle and equipment, let down the tyres for sand driving, last look at the bitumen road and we hit the dirt! Great fun - tracks criss-crossed all over the place and Gulliver, our trusty GPS kept us pointing in the right direction. Passed the occasional hut and cow heard until we came across the island. Set up camp and headed to the north-western side, sat on Harry's roof with a beer and enjoyed the sunset. Made ourselves dinner (great to be self-sufficient again) and finished it just in time for a god-awful wind-storm to hit. Sheltered in Harry from the dust and watched the lightening. It all settled down (thankfully) in time to head up to bed. We then continued south, aiming for the Botswana - South Africa border. Spent some time in the Khama Rhino Reserve which is where Botswana is re-introducing rhinos - nice place! Had the area pretty much to ourselves, so enjoyed the nice facilities (ie shower) which was great after our dusting in Kubu. Saw the rhinos and quite a bit of other game as well. Eventually, with much sadness, we crossed back into South Africa and headed for the great Kruger National Park.

7 Oct 2006