A long drive from South Africa up to Botswana. Trouble trying to reclaim VAT at the border (Accountants have to do this sort of thing!). Stocked up in Francistown to go into the bush. Tried to sort out mobile internet access through Mascom and Orange but neither an option (former doesn’t work and latter wont allow it on pre-pay). Spent a restless night at a site near Francistown (near the Zim border) where security has been a problem with vehicles being broken into at the campsite. Thankfully there was a guard on duty though. Then spent two nights at the Makgadikgadi Pan (photos on the site), saw first Hippo of the trip and met a couple of British overlanders, Mike and Jackie who had been away for 8 months via the western route. Quite a lot of driving in sand here which is quite challenging. Then moved onto Nxai Pan for a couple of nights down a very sandy track. Saw our first Cheetah here (a group of 4 males) as soon as we arrived in the park. Found them again the following day but on both occasions they were some distance from the track (which you are not allowed to leave). We also met another British overland couple here Steve and Michelle who have been away for 8 months via the western route. On the last day we saw a honey badger and two bat-eared foxes (photos on the site).
On to Moremi and Chobe reserves next after re-stocking in Maun (safari ‘capital’ of Botswana).