Makgadikgadi Pans Walk

This past winter (July) we got to do one of the coolest, most challenging things we have ever done. We got invited to participate in a charity walk across the Mkgadikgadi Pans in northern Botswana. We walked on the Curry Pot team, which is a local restaurant here in Botswana. All of the money that was raised was used to help HIV/AIDS NGOs (Non-governmental Organizations) with small funding issues that come up throughout the year.

The challenge- to walk 40 kilometers a day (26 miles) over three days across the pans where there is no shade and the hot sun beats down you for the entire 7-8 hours you are walking. Basically we did three (walking) marathons in three days. And I would have to say it was absolutely brilliant and we both agree that we would do again in minute.

We packed up our tent and our belongings and loaded them onto the truck and trailer that would be leading us for the three days. We were instructed to follow the tracks created from the four- wheeler and just keep walking. So, we started walking. Every 6 k or so there was a four-wheeler and trailer stopped so that we could have some water, PowerAde and/or oranges. These stops also served as a way to relieve ourselves with a little protection while hiding behind the four wheeler.

The first four segments proved to be fairly easy; so we kept our fast pace and did not think the rest of the day would be that difficult. However, after walking in the desert for 6 hours the last segments of this day seemed almost impossible. However, we reached the campsite, ate dinner watched the stars in this incredible setting and where fast asleep, our bodies needed the rest. We actually got to watch the moon set over the horizon- SO COOL!

Day two, we reached this strange island of grass and trees in the middle of the saltpans. IT was so amazing. We were walking through the salt pans for two entire days, seeing no life and anything that was living and tried to survive the pans was petrified and bleached white by the sun. Then out of nowhere, there is this island of land with living things. It was a pretty cool experience and something that I have never seen. At the end of this day many of the walkers had to drop out and ride on the four-wheelers to the campsite. They had blisters (and honestly if I had them I would have stopped too- OUCH!), were simply tired after 80 k of walking and needed a little extra help. Knowing how difficult day two was and the thought of day three on the horizon- I pass no judgment on these people. This day was truly the hardest for me.

Day three- going back the way came, knowing what to expect, and the aches and pains in my body really did not have me to excited. However, our team of four made it the entire way on our own. The last 6 k- was the most challenging thing I have done. Honestly it was the thought of completing this on my own that got me through. And Paul Simon- Under African Skies- on my Ipod. At one point, Matt and I just started running so that we could feel different muscles and give the walking parts of our feet a break.

We reached the camp/lodge, showered for the first time in three days and ate a feast. Walking around that night was virtually impossible considering all the aches and pains we had and I went to bed around 8- dead to the world.

It was really awe-inspiring being in the middle of nowhere with nothing to block the morning sunrise or the shine of the many stars at night, looking out and seeing these crazy mirages in the horizon that were created by the sun and the heat, and completing this great feat.

And once again, while living or traveling in Africa, I am astounded by all that mother earth has to offer us, teach us and awaken in us.

If you are interested in learning about the pans-
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makgadikgadi_Pan )

Pictures are posted in Picasa-
http://picasaweb.google.com/mattandlaurabots

laura