ON DIRT ROADS THROUGH BOTSWANA, PT. 1
Amundsen Field Trips
February 27, 2025
Amundsen Field Trips
February 27, 2025
#1 Johannesburg, South Africa – Touchdown at the O.R Tombo International Airport – 07:45AM
5 days before arriving in Johannesburg we found ourselves at the hospital awaiting our vaccinations in Oslo, Norway. At that point we only knew that our destination would be south of equator, before the doctor asked us where we were heading. “We don’t know!” we replied in sync.
This situation seemed familiar, as this is usually how our preparations goes. Last year, our trip from Montebelluna – Oslo was planned 2 days before departure. This year we found ourselves in a similar scenario. At the Doctors office there were maps of “disease areas” across Africa, and one country stood out as more remote and sacred than any other African country; Botswana. With a population just shy of 2,3 million people we have heard tales of its beauty and remarkable nature. National reserves as large as Switzerland and Denmark combined seemed a fitting destination for testing our brand new Safari Collection. Following up on our new category of last year, the ILUJJINIQ Mountain Muck, now the Safari Boots are up to test together with our new Safari Shorts, Safari Jacket and other news from the newly released collection.
Postcard: Johannesburg, South Africa
Arriving in Johannesburg was a stark contrast to the crispy spring mornings in Norway. The rain season have just ended down here and as the soil dries up we will be heading into the wilderness of Northern Botswana. First off we had a planning day ahead of us to collect our necessities and gear up the vehicles. To carry us for 3000km we have two 4×4 pickup trucks with roof top tents and they will be our practical homes for the next 10 days. None of us have explored these areas before so we are eager to get started and put our clothing to the real test. We stacked up at a local butcher with South African meat, jerky, wine and other local goodies. Our 4×4’s are ready to go in the morning, kickstarting our 3000km adventure through the wilderness of Botswana. Check in tomorrow as we head North!
#2 Kwa Nokeng, Botswana – Border between South Africa and Botswana – 10.57PM
Today we completed our first leg. Finally in the 4×4’s, ready to explore the wilderness of Botswana. As a result of it’s remoteness, we will be travelling long and far to experience the in’s and out’s of several national parks and game reserves. This is what makes this area unique, it is not accessible for the average tourist.
From what we have heard, Botswana’s wilderness is such a remarkable destination because of the abundance of space. As Norwegians these characteristics seems very intriguing and we are eager to get out there and explore this vast landscape for ourselves.We are ready to test our latest Safari Mucks, brand new luggage and all the other apparel we are launching the coming season.
Travelling north from Johannesburg we set the cruise control on the N1 before heading North-West towards the border. Getting closer to the Limpopo River (the floating border between South Africa and Botswana) we started to discover a change in landscape as communities became scarcer and savannahs started to unfold themselves. Rolling into Groblersbrug and the Martin Drift Border control was a roaring experience with goats on the run, clucking hens and local food stands and craft sellers setting the mood. We jumped in the departure lane and checked out of South Africa for now.
Border control and importing the cars went smoothly before we headed across the Limpopo river and into Botswana. Our first night was to be spent at Kwa Nokeng along the river. Our rooftop tents was pulled down and installed and the first camp of many was established. Roof top tents is a new experience for all of us, and certainly a game-changer within the world of mobile touring. Being able to observe wildlife from above and having the ability to break camp quickly is two of numerous benefits. Living among the animals without fencing or other boundaries are in stark contrast to our daily lives in Norway. Above our camp we had a Acicia tree similar to those in “Lion King” that were crowded of curious vervet monkeys. These social creatures are characterised for their creativity and as notorious thieves, we played hide n seek with them until the grunt’s from the hippos draw us to sleep on top of our 4×4’s.
Tomorrow we will head towards the Kalahari Desert. This area is larger than Switzerland and Denmark combined. Endless roads hours away from the nearest population is what we came here for.
