After 3 mentally and physically restful days, the odyssey continues. We are leaving the “Zambezi Zone” and entering the “Elephant Highway” section of the Tour.
82 km, 437 m total ascent, 30°C maximum. Gusty tailwind for most of the day.
Short distance day for two reasons. First, we have to cross the border into Botswana. Second, we are scheduled for a Chobe River safari cruise after arrival at camp.
We have four new sectional riders + Eero returning from Finland.
Our dinner truck crew buying charcoal at the roadside today.
Lunch was at 68 km, and border was at 72 km.
We crossed the Zambezi River one final time.
Halfway across the river, there is a confluence of 4 countries (Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia) – much like the “four corners” in the southwestern USA.
Biking into country #8.
Shoe and bike wheel disinfection was mandatory upon entry into Botswana, to avoid transmitting disease to their livestock.
We stopped in the town of Kasane to get Botswana pulas out of the ATM.
Our campsite is at Thebe River Safaris, on the Chobe River.
By 3 pm, we were on a pontoon boat on the Chobe River heading towards Chobe National Park to view wildlife.
Elephants . . . 
Impala . . .
Hippos . . .
Cape buffalo . . .
More elephants . . .
There were herds and herds of animals that came down to drink and feed by the river. We saw many crocodiles, but they never photograph well.
We will be riding into the Kalahari Desert over the ensuing days. We were reminded to stay hydrated. There will be a complete paucity of Coke stops.
Our tour director gave us additional warnings and information on how to behave around elephants on the upcoming Elephant Highway.
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