#1: [30-Sep-02]

23-Nov-2013 -- This is the last out of 7 reports reaching 5 and attempting 2 confluence points in Botswana. The story starts from 24S 25E. The previous report is 22S 27E.

Shortly before closing our big loop around the Central Kalahari Desert, we decided to attempt this confluence point. We branched off the Francistown – Gaborone Highway at a place called Artesia (30 km from the Confluence). An official unpaved road took us to a little village, Bodungwane. From there, we turned southwards towards Diskonnye. The minimal distance between this road and the Confluence was 4 km. It is theoretically possible to follow sandy tracks up to less than 1 km distance. We tried driving a couple hundred metres on such a track, but then considered it as too risky - getting stuck in the deep sand. Anyway, I enjoy running long distances, such that we decided to turn around and start from the minimal distance from the public road at 4.05 km beeline.

While Elionora read a book in the car, I ran towards the confluence point. First, I had to overcome a little swamp. Then, I followed some sandy tracks. The last kilometre, I ran cross-country through a labyrinth of arcadia trees and bushes. Here, I saw a couple of holes, dug by animals that I cannot name.

At 3:30 PM, after being 45 minutes on the way, I had reached the confluence point. Again, as almost all confluence points that I had visited in Botswana, there must have been a fire recently. It was very hot (mid 30s Celsius) so I did not extend my stay at the Confluence. On the return, I did not follow the sandy tracks. Instead I followed the beeline through the arcadia bushes – which turned out to be quicker actually.

Shortly after 4 PM I was back to the car. We returned to Gaborone and flew back to Zurich the next morning.

CP Visit Details:

• Distance to an asphalt road: 30 km
• Distance to an unpaved road: 4.05 km
• Time at the CP: 3:30 PM
• Measured height: 1033 m
• Minimal distance according to GPS: 0 m
• Position accuracy: 3 m
• Topography: flat
• Vegetation: Scattered bushes and a few Camelthorn trees.
• Weather: sunny, 35° C (felt temperature)
• Given Name: The Unknown Digger Confluence

The story finishes is here.