Kalahari Day 1

On Friday we had a half day of clinic and then headed off for the Kalahari. Our campsite is only 200 km from Gabarone but only 80 of that was paved. We were riding in a landrover with no airconditioning so it was a hot trip. The biggest problem on the way there were all the cows, goats and donkeys that would wander into the road. Our camp site was basic but nicer than expected. There was a "shower" and toilet area. Both were enclosed and the shower is a large bucket on a pulley that you fill with water and then turn a spout to let the water out the bottom. We quickly set up camp and went out for a game drive. The Kalahari is a scrub dessert and this is the rainy season so everything is relatively green. It is dotted with pans which are areas where water collects and therefore has a high salt content in the ground. Less vegetation grows here and it is easier to spot animals. We saw herds of orynx, red hartebeest, springbok, a couple kudu, 5 giraffe including one baby and lots of birds. That night was clear and you could see the milkyway perfectly. It cooled off once the sun went down which was very nice. We feel asleep that night listening to the sounds of insects, lions and jackels.

A few more random things to add to what you can not get in Botswana:
Colonoscopy's
EEG unless at the private hospital and an emergency (though no one could come up with something emergent enough to warrent and EEG)
Echo's read by a cardiologist (you read your own and let''s just say that doesn't work very well)
Hot Fudge - by far the most disturbing of the list.
Blended drinks such as pina coladas

I have to head to clinic now but we'll tell you about the rest of the trip later.
Becca