In Africa one never complains about rain, not even when on a motorcycle tour.
My goodness, and did we have rain. For the first three to four days we were never without our rain suits. At one water hole (my error) even the hooter of my KLR stopped working and being washed with brown mudday water.
The KLRs were again superb. What a comfortable ride I have had until now. My bike is packed like for Russia, so it is heavy. On a few days we had a terrible headwind and as a result the fuel consumption dropped to 16 km / l. On other days it went up to 20 km / l.
We had only one hot, dry day, and that was on Sunday from Keetmanshoop to Upington. We felt dried out when we got to Upington.
Today, Monday, was the highlight. We left early from Upington en route to Orania. Shortly after we left Prieska we turned onto a muddy gravel road. A loooong road with mud, gravel and stones awaited us. What a pleasure! As comfortable as the KLRs were on the tarred road they offered a comfortable ride also on the gravel. I couldn't help asking myself how that would feel in Siberia when one is on such a road and the destination is days further. I need to work more on my mental preparation.
While on the gravel road a huge storm was building up to our left. The heaven turned dark with rain and thunder. The KLRs were flying but the storm suddenly reached us and soaked us while we put on our rain suits again.
And now we are in Orania. it is my first visit here. Tomorrow we are going on a town tour. I look forward to that. I will keep you posted.
Here are some photographs of the last two days.
Ariamsvlei, Namibia. The three boys watched us interested filling the bikes the last time in Namibia.
It was hot camping in Upington.
On the desolated Karoo plains.
That is what the KLR loves: Wide open spaces of nothing
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