African Adventure: Windhoek to the Kalahari

We got on the road at our usual time, 7:00 a.m., and headed west from Windhoek to Ghanzi, Botswana in the Kalahari. The trip was uneventful and crossing the border went smoothly. The countryside changed somewhat as we got nearer the Kalahari. The land is still quite arid, but more hilly with outcrops of rocks near Windhoek. However, the rocky outcrops soon gave way to slightly hilly terrain. As we neared the border, the land become quite flat, similar to what you might see in the Prairie provinces. The land is not tilled but is carpeted with draught-resistant grasses and dense shrubs and bushes. A few bigger trees stand out, but are sparse. Apparently some trees here have roots that extend over 50 meters into the ground in search of water.


My Home for Tonight

Upon our arrival at a campsite near Ghanzi, we had an option to spend the night in a San Bushmen-style hut for $5.00 or set up our tents. I chose the hut. As it turned out, it was a bit of a mistake as the hut remained quite warm all night, whereas a tent would have cooled down.

Shortly after arriving, some of us headed to a nearby quarry to take a dip. It was just awesome; the water was cool and clean and was a welcome relief from the 38 degree weather we have been travelling in.

After 30 minutes or so, we headed back to camp to meet up with the San Bushmen. They are the oldest race of human beings on the face of the earth and scientists have traced the DNA of all races of people back to the San Bushmen. They took us for a walk in the desert and showed us how they survive. They are a very interesting people and are constantly being monitored by a number of scientific organizations. Later in the evening, after supper, they again returned to our camp and entertained us with their music and dance.

I am absolutely thrilled to meet these people as I had participated in the National Geographic Research Project by submitting a DNA sample. In return, they sent me a documentary DVD covering the research that has taken place and the connection of all humans to the San Bushmen.

Awesome, awesome, awesome!