Voetpomp
Pack Dog
Nice Guys.
Throughly enjoyed this RR!!!
Throughly enjoyed this RR!!!
BACK TO BOTS ~ KUBU ISLAND @ High Tide !
- Thread starter wildside
- Start date
Straatkat
Race Dog
Wow, we missed you guys by the slightest of margins. When we reached that river my courage dropped and my first thought was that this is going to spoil our day! But we thought it through and decided to do the safe thing even if it takes us an hour or two, otherwise the alternative would be too ghastly to contemplate, drowning the Cricket again! So I taped up all the bits and we pushed the bike through as Xpat said.
So there was actually 7 bikers on the pans that time. Not really as deserted as we thought. Glad Jacques and Steyn could help with the puncture repair, did they have to unpack that mountain of gear on the back of their bikes?
Great RR you guys!
So there was actually 7 bikers on the pans that time. Not really as deserted as we thought. Glad Jacques and Steyn could help with the puncture repair, did they have to unpack that mountain of gear on the back of their bikes?
Great RR you guys!
Fantastic, awesome, amazing! :thumleft:
I am really ashamed after seeing these photos and reading about your trip. I have lived "just" up the road from Kubu for 18 months, and have never been there :lamer:
I am really ashamed after seeing these photos and reading about your trip. I have lived "just" up the road from Kubu for 18 months, and have never been there :lamer:
wildside
Pack Dog
Mr G (David) said:
Hahahahaha.....mmmm that hair....well now! :
We did have a Garmin....would probably still be there if we didn't :thumleft:
Good to hear from you Dave. Glad you're enjoying the RR. When you going to Nam?
wildside
Pack Dog
Xpat said:
Apparently you all left about an hour before our arrival at MAC. We saw no other motorbikes so they must have taken another track...which is easy to do out there. They were also surprised to hear that Kingsley had also just popped out from the Kubu Island road and Roxy and I never saw them either as we travelled west.Thank goodness for there assistance but apparently were also in a hurry to continue their trip...obviously had a long way to go.
wildside
Pack Dog
Straatkat said:
A pity we didn't join up at some some stage...always nice to have company out there. Fortunately our bikes behaved well considering how much time they spent in the water. Sorry to hear about your bike problems but you guys had an awesome adventure.
wildside
Pack Dog
Sardine said:
Thanks Sardine....perhaps this will be motivation for you to go out there and enjoy what Botswana has to offer. It's such a magical place to ride. My very first adventure ride was also through Botswana but very tame (RR- Botswana 09). We saw some wonderful places.
wildside
Pack Dog
REST DAY ~ PLANET BAOBAB
Waking up without an agenda was such a treat. We needed this day to do a bit of bike maintenance as I had broken both my mirrors and Roxy’s one mirror had also worked its way loose which Kingsley took off and put on my bike. I had also jammed my accelerated from all the muddy falls and couldn’t go faster than 80km/h either. Kingsley needed to change his front tube as it had gone flat again and put fuel into our tanks. So we had a busy day, or should I say Kingsley had a busy day while Roxy and I lazed around the pool for a while.
Just before lunch we decided to visit Gweta, about 10 kms down the road, to get fuel, some supplies and have a bite to eat at Gweta Lodge. On arrival we saw two motorbikes in the parking but never came across the owners. We got chatting to Una, the lady behind the pub, and enquired about Kukonje Island as she was involved with some safari group a few years ago. She convinced us it was the place to visit and was sure that we would reach the Island despite all the water. The decision was made to end our trip by going down there for our last night. We were all quite excited. She also told us that the route to Chapman’s and Greens Baobab were inaccessible so we didn’t even attempt that.
On our way out of Gweta we stopped at the fuel station only to be told that there was no fuel available. We couldn’t believe our bad luck. This was crazy. Our only hope now was to find some fuel at Planet Baobab but they didn’t have either. I decided to phone Una at Gweta Lodge and Roxy went to get the number from reception explaining our predicament. She told us about a guy near Gweta who sold fuel from his home and gave us directions.
So off Kingsley and I went to refuel. Down a little dusty track we found the pink house. He was a very pleasant guy and warned us that he was expensive, 5L costing us P55. We were only too happy to get fuel.
Directions for anyone heading off in that direction soon are as follows:
Driving towards Maun pass the Gweta turnoff and look out for the remains of the first road sign on the left...now just a steel pole with no sign attached. Turn left down a narrow track through the hedge and about 30-50m on the right you will find a pink/peach coloured house. You will find a very pleasant chap inside.
We managed to relax for the rest of the day and enjoyed a second night in this comfortable spot.
PLANET BAOBAB to ELEPHANT SANDS.
Today was all tar but to a destination that I had been looking forward to. It was a slow ride as our maximum speed was 80km so it seemed to take forever. Being a weekday Nata was abuzz with people and vehicles. We managed to refuel, find some food and promptly head out north on the road to Kasane. We found a quiet shady spot to enjoy our breakfast.
It was a pleasant ride and the whole time we were on the lookout for ellies. We were only heading about 50 kms north and a few kilometer before the turn off we found the ellies. This was so unreal and such a treat. The GoPros captured some lovely footage and after a few photos we decided to leave them in peace. This was now the time that Roxy’s bike decided to play up and refused to start. With much haste and effort from all of us we had to push start it a few times before it started again. We were in a bit of a panic but fortunately the ellies had moved into the bush and out of sight.
From the turn off to the lodge is about a 1.5 km sandy drive. Fortunately there were still campsites available for P90 per person and we found a comfy spot next to a fallen down tree trunk which came in useful for hanging up damp clothing. Before setting up camp we settled down around the pub for a quick drink and swim. The rest of the afternoon we spent on the verandah in front of the watering hole hoping to see the ellies close up. But it was not to be. Apparently they had not visited the watering hole for a couple of months and now with so much water available all over it was highly unlikely that they would make a special appearance tonight. In fact nothing visited the waterhole, which I found very disappointing as we had seen so little wildlife to date.
Later in the afternoon we heard some more motorbikes arrive and realized that it was the same two guys we had seen at the border post. It sounded like they were also having a good ride and were heading up to Kasane. By the end of the day this popular spot had filled up with so many tourists.
ENJOYED A VISIT FROM THE HAPPY HORNBILLS.
We were spoilt with a pretty sunset and just sat back and enjoyed a lovely relaxing evening and were entertained by a pet bushbaby belonging to the owners of the lodge.
It was some time during the night that Roxy frantically woke us up as she had heard the rumblings of elephant nearby, however, we hadn’t heard anything and tried to convince her that it was her imagination.
Waking up without an agenda was such a treat. We needed this day to do a bit of bike maintenance as I had broken both my mirrors and Roxy’s one mirror had also worked its way loose which Kingsley took off and put on my bike. I had also jammed my accelerated from all the muddy falls and couldn’t go faster than 80km/h either. Kingsley needed to change his front tube as it had gone flat again and put fuel into our tanks. So we had a busy day, or should I say Kingsley had a busy day while Roxy and I lazed around the pool for a while.
Just before lunch we decided to visit Gweta, about 10 kms down the road, to get fuel, some supplies and have a bite to eat at Gweta Lodge. On arrival we saw two motorbikes in the parking but never came across the owners. We got chatting to Una, the lady behind the pub, and enquired about Kukonje Island as she was involved with some safari group a few years ago. She convinced us it was the place to visit and was sure that we would reach the Island despite all the water. The decision was made to end our trip by going down there for our last night. We were all quite excited. She also told us that the route to Chapman’s and Greens Baobab were inaccessible so we didn’t even attempt that.
On our way out of Gweta we stopped at the fuel station only to be told that there was no fuel available. We couldn’t believe our bad luck. This was crazy. Our only hope now was to find some fuel at Planet Baobab but they didn’t have either. I decided to phone Una at Gweta Lodge and Roxy went to get the number from reception explaining our predicament. She told us about a guy near Gweta who sold fuel from his home and gave us directions.
So off Kingsley and I went to refuel. Down a little dusty track we found the pink house. He was a very pleasant guy and warned us that he was expensive, 5L costing us P55. We were only too happy to get fuel.
Directions for anyone heading off in that direction soon are as follows:
Driving towards Maun pass the Gweta turnoff and look out for the remains of the first road sign on the left...now just a steel pole with no sign attached. Turn left down a narrow track through the hedge and about 30-50m on the right you will find a pink/peach coloured house. You will find a very pleasant chap inside.
We managed to relax for the rest of the day and enjoyed a second night in this comfortable spot.
PLANET BAOBAB to ELEPHANT SANDS.
Today was all tar but to a destination that I had been looking forward to. It was a slow ride as our maximum speed was 80km so it seemed to take forever. Being a weekday Nata was abuzz with people and vehicles. We managed to refuel, find some food and promptly head out north on the road to Kasane. We found a quiet shady spot to enjoy our breakfast.
It was a pleasant ride and the whole time we were on the lookout for ellies. We were only heading about 50 kms north and a few kilometer before the turn off we found the ellies. This was so unreal and such a treat. The GoPros captured some lovely footage and after a few photos we decided to leave them in peace. This was now the time that Roxy’s bike decided to play up and refused to start. With much haste and effort from all of us we had to push start it a few times before it started again. We were in a bit of a panic but fortunately the ellies had moved into the bush and out of sight.
From the turn off to the lodge is about a 1.5 km sandy drive. Fortunately there were still campsites available for P90 per person and we found a comfy spot next to a fallen down tree trunk which came in useful for hanging up damp clothing. Before setting up camp we settled down around the pub for a quick drink and swim. The rest of the afternoon we spent on the verandah in front of the watering hole hoping to see the ellies close up. But it was not to be. Apparently they had not visited the watering hole for a couple of months and now with so much water available all over it was highly unlikely that they would make a special appearance tonight. In fact nothing visited the waterhole, which I found very disappointing as we had seen so little wildlife to date.
Later in the afternoon we heard some more motorbikes arrive and realized that it was the same two guys we had seen at the border post. It sounded like they were also having a good ride and were heading up to Kasane. By the end of the day this popular spot had filled up with so many tourists.
ENJOYED A VISIT FROM THE HAPPY HORNBILLS.
We were spoilt with a pretty sunset and just sat back and enjoyed a lovely relaxing evening and were entertained by a pet bushbaby belonging to the owners of the lodge.
It was some time during the night that Roxy frantically woke us up as she had heard the rumblings of elephant nearby, however, we hadn’t heard anything and tried to convince her that it was her imagination.
wildside
Pack Dog
ELEPAHANT SAND to NATA LODGE.
To Roxy’s delight we heard this morning that the ellies had been around the camp last night. From early light people started waking up and packing up and heading off in various directions.
Whilst eating breakfast we decided on a getaway plan if Roxy’s bike cut out and refused to start whilst we happened observing the ellies. It was with much amusement that they both rehearsed tossing backpacks and Roxy jumping clumsily onto Kingsley’s already loaded seat. Fortunately we didn’t have to put this into practice as the ellies we came across on the driveway moved away without any fuss when they saw us approaching. We were treated to more ellie sightings on the way back to Nata where once again we refueled and stocked up with supplies and water for Kukonje Island.
We decided to stop in at Nata Lodge, which was on the way south, to finalize directions to Kukonje Island only to be told that we were crazy and there was no way we would be able to cross the rivers as even the 4x4s were not using that route. The ranger took great delight in telling us a story of a group of tourists who recently got stuck at the island and it took one of them three days to walk back.
Okay, so we were convinced but terribly disappointed as now our adventure had suddenly come to an unexpected halt. None of us were quite prepared for it to be over and it left us feeling unsettled.
We decided to spend another night here and booked into the only wooden chalet left. It was very comfortable and we finally managed to relax around the pool for the rest of the afternoon.
SHE CETAINLY NEEDS A BATH!
The next morning found us with bikes loaded and heading home….a long trip ahead but we decided to break it up with a night at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and a private game reserve in South Africa.
We exited at the Stockpoort/Parrs Halt border Post which was a quick and easy 10 minute process.
Below is a re-post of the link of Roxy’s video showing the highlights of our short adventure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7oIzM2smFc
Sadly our bike adventure ended on a sour note in Laphalele where Kingsley turned in front of an oncoming vehicle resulting in three written off motorbikes, a trailer and a Ford Ranger. Fortunately and surprisingly there were no injuries.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO READ AND POST ENCOURAGING COMMENTS ON THIS RR. HOPE YOU ENJOYED READING IT AS MUCH AS WE ENJOYED RIDING IT. :ricky: :ricky: :ricky:
To Roxy’s delight we heard this morning that the ellies had been around the camp last night. From early light people started waking up and packing up and heading off in various directions.
Whilst eating breakfast we decided on a getaway plan if Roxy’s bike cut out and refused to start whilst we happened observing the ellies. It was with much amusement that they both rehearsed tossing backpacks and Roxy jumping clumsily onto Kingsley’s already loaded seat. Fortunately we didn’t have to put this into practice as the ellies we came across on the driveway moved away without any fuss when they saw us approaching. We were treated to more ellie sightings on the way back to Nata where once again we refueled and stocked up with supplies and water for Kukonje Island.
We decided to stop in at Nata Lodge, which was on the way south, to finalize directions to Kukonje Island only to be told that we were crazy and there was no way we would be able to cross the rivers as even the 4x4s were not using that route. The ranger took great delight in telling us a story of a group of tourists who recently got stuck at the island and it took one of them three days to walk back.
Okay, so we were convinced but terribly disappointed as now our adventure had suddenly come to an unexpected halt. None of us were quite prepared for it to be over and it left us feeling unsettled.
We decided to spend another night here and booked into the only wooden chalet left. It was very comfortable and we finally managed to relax around the pool for the rest of the afternoon.
SHE CETAINLY NEEDS A BATH!
The next morning found us with bikes loaded and heading home….a long trip ahead but we decided to break it up with a night at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and a private game reserve in South Africa.
We exited at the Stockpoort/Parrs Halt border Post which was a quick and easy 10 minute process.
Below is a re-post of the link of Roxy’s video showing the highlights of our short adventure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7oIzM2smFc
Sadly our bike adventure ended on a sour note in Laphalele where Kingsley turned in front of an oncoming vehicle resulting in three written off motorbikes, a trailer and a Ford Ranger. Fortunately and surprisingly there were no injuries.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO READ AND POST ENCOURAGING COMMENTS ON THIS RR. HOPE YOU ENJOYED READING IT AS MUCH AS WE ENJOYED RIDING IT. :ricky: :ricky: :ricky:
windswept
Race Dog
No man, after such a lekker jol, but at least you are all okay.
hondsekierie
Race Dog
Eish, what a sad end to a brilliant trip!
Thanks for taking the time to do such a nice RR.
(How did the accident happen? Look quite serious)
Thanks for taking the time to do such a nice RR.
(How did the accident happen? Look quite serious
)zacapa
Race Dog
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Oh No! Thats a major bummer. Glad everyone is ok. Hope insurance can bend things straight.
Awesome report, thanks for sharing.
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Damn karen, that's terrible to hear about the accident.
Glad you guys are all OK.
Glad you guys are all OK.
What an Epic Journey.
The BEST RR that Ive seen telling an amazing story... So sad for your misfortune but thankfully your all fine and can live to ride another day.
Well done and may you soon be able to ride again.
Ciao
The BEST RR that Ive seen telling an amazing story... So sad for your misfortune but thankfully your all fine and can live to ride another day.
Well done and may you soon be able to ride again.
Ciao
Clockwork Orange
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I really enjoyed this RR.
Wow!!
Nice RR -
Sorry about the ending - hope all was sorted eventually.
Nice RR -
Sorry about the ending - hope all was sorted eventually.
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