Botswana Road Trip: Donkeys and Birds and the Good Life
Updated: Jul 20, 2020
When I lived in South Africa, we took many road trips to the neighboring countries. Botswana was one of the places we visited first. Botswana is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast and it is about a 4 hours drive from Guateng, South Africa to Gaborone, Botswana. One beautiful Saturday morning, en route to Namibia, we embarked on the scenic and relaxing drive through Botswana.
The country has a population of a little over 2 million people and during our drive through the countryside we saw very few people and even less vehicular traffic. Occasionally, we spotted a shop or a fellow motorist but generally we were graced by the beauty of the natural landscape and the animals who feed off the dry grasslands. For miles, earth and sky met on an even horizon as the land is mostly flat and is comprised of 70% of the Kalahari Desert.
Many animals such as Cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, elephants, rhinos and crocodiles are native to Botswana. For a better chance to see these creatures you can visit the Okavango Delta, Leopard Cup or Elephant Family reserves. None of those animals were spotted during our road trip. But what we saw plenty of were birds and donkeys.
The yellow weaver bird is common in the southern parts of Africa.
You can spot their elaborate nests on the sides of the street or nearby trees. Some of these birds weave single nests while others live in colonies comprised of several nests weaved together. We were blessed to see many birds and their nests along the roadsides.
In 2014, Botswana had a donkey population of over 200,000.
Several times, we had to stop to allow herds of donkey to cross the road. In recent times however, the donkey population has decreased due to the donkey hide trade between Botswana and China. China uses the donkey hide to make their traditional medicines. By 2016, the donkey population dwindled by 39% to around 142,000 donkeys. Nonetheless, donkeys are a popular site along the Botswanan roadways. The people still use them as a means of transport and to help with their work on the farms.
Nothing is more beautiful than watching the sunset over the Botswanan flat lands.
The burst of colors is indescribable and can only be experienced. After 4 hours drive and arriving at our guest house, this was the icing on the cake for us.
Still, nothing beats the smile and welcome of the Botswanan people. They are vivacious, innovative and friendly. So if you get a chance, make sure to visit Botswana. Ride a donkey, go bird watching, do a safari, engage with the locals. You will be glad you did.
Until next time
Venture Out. Keep exploring. Travel Smart and Stay Safe.
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