Today we drive to Ghanzi in Botswana via a less interesting route. The Trans-Kalahari Highway takes us first to the border to complete the entry and exit formalities. Pure Africa: we fill out lots of forms, get at least as many stamps and papers and then pay the fee for the cars. At 140 Pula, the Botswana currency (= approx. 13 EUR), this is considerably cheaper than stated in the forum, travel guide or by Click & Travel. Maybe because the weekend is cheaper?

The worst part, however, is that we are asked for the children's birth certificates. The fact that they have their own passports as teenagers is irrelevant and after some discussion and an official warning, we are allowed to enter the country without these documents.

On the way to Ghanzi, we notice the relatively frequent gatherings of livestock, cattle and goats on and along the road. A few ostriches also greet us on the side of the main road, which is excellently developed by African standards.

Ghanzi

The city of Ghanzi is not particularly noteworthy for tourism and the liquor stores are the busiest because of the weekend. We make do with a quick purchase at the Spar supermarket, money from the Barclays Bank ATM (the Bank of Gaborone did not accept any of our cards) and a tank of petrol at Shell, which also accepts credit cards. This is a real exception, as diesel is usually only given out in cash.

Ghanzi Trail Blazers

We drive back a short distance to turn into the bush and reach our camp on a sandy track. Trail Blazers The camp is run by Bushmen (San), who generally receive little social attention. Through such projects they are given the opportunity to profit from tourism and to preserve at least part of their culture.

Ghanzi Trail Blazers from Joerg on Video.

After moving into the simple but functional "chalets", we then go on the Bushman Walk, where we are explained hunting techniques, natural medicine and San customs. Everything is in the original language with lots of clicking and hissing sounds, which are explained to us by a highly educated translator.

We are out in the bush until sunset, a little later than usual due to the one-hour time difference when crossing the border, and then we go to the boma for dinner. There is chicken with rice and vegetables, and cake with vanilla sauce for dessert. Not really the traditional cuisine of the San, which we would probably not be able to handle.

After dinner we are treated to a performance of various traditional dances, all of which are very descriptive and tell stories, mostly with animals. A beautiful performance, in which we are allowed to take part at the end, to everyone's amusement. At around 9 p.m. we end this colorful evening by the campfire and go to sleep, especially since we have to leave early the next day.

Weather: sunny and warm up to 30 degrees.