#1: [01-Apr-07]

22-Nov-2013 -- This is the sixth out of 7 reports reaching 5 and attempting 2 confluence points in Botswana. The story starts from 24S 25E. The previous report is 21S 27E.

We made the same experiences with the water puddles as the first visitors did. Only that we didn’t have a 4x4 car and also not the experience in driving under such conditions. We also approached the confluence point following the fire break. The fire break is a wide, straight forest aisle of more than 100 km in length. Branching off from the highway between Francistown and Gaborone, it leads directly to the confluence point.

There were bypasses for most of the huge water puddles on the way. Progress was slow because these bypasses consisted of windy and narrow tracks. We were able to get through some of the puddles, but at a remaining distance of 20 km this one was rated as too risky for us. We searched for a bypass, but no track seamed to follow around the puddle. So we called it a day, returned to the main road and soon reached the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, were a rhino scared us by running towards us up to 5 m.

CP Visit Details:

• Distance to an asphalt road: 30 km
• Distance to an unpaved road: 600 m
• Time at the nearest distance to the CP: 1:15 PM
• Measured height: ca. 1050 m
• Minimal distance according to GPS: 20 km
• Position accuracy: 5 m
• Topography: flat
• Vegetation: Scattered bushes and trees.
• Weather: overcast, 15° C (felt temperature)
• Given Name: The Risky Puddle Confluence

The story finishes is at 24S 26E.