Published: 01.08.2023
Yesterday, when I arrived in Divundu, I actually wanted to refuel. But they didn't have any diesel in the whole town... In the evening, they would expect the diesel truck and have diesel the next day. Okay, I'm staying in a lodge nearby anyway and I have to pass by the gas station on my way again, so I'll just refuel tomorrow!
But the next day, there was still no diesel! The next gas station in any direction was 200 km away! And I only had about a ยผ tank left. It could be enough for 200 km, but it could also be enough for only 180 km! No chance! I didn't want to take the risk! So I went back to the lodge and asked if they could pump 10-20 liters from somewhere for me! Sure, I can have 20 liters for 400 N$! Great, make it 440, the rest is a tip! ๐ With the extra 20 liters, I now had almost a ยพ tank again and would easily make it the 200 km to the next gas station in Kongola! ๐ So off I went! The Caprivi Strip is a long, thin strip that stretches about 450 km from west to east, but is only about 50 km thin from north to south most of the time, and actually consists mostly of one road that runs through the middle. Only at the end there is a slightly thicker bump, where a few things are distributed.
But 200 km further in Kongale there was also no diesel! And my tank had shrunk again by quite a bit! This time the next gas station was 100 km further in Katima Mulilo. I would still make it that far, but if they don't have anything either...? ๐จ Then I would have to hope that I can still make it to Botswana and refuel there! On the way the 100 km to Katima Mulilo, my tank kept getting emptier and soon I was only at about ยผ again... ๐ฐ Once I arrived in Katima Mulilo, I went straight to the next gas station! 'Yes, yes, we have diesel, no problem!' OMG!!! ๐ฅณ๐๐ Finally full again! ๐
So I could continue on to Botswana relaxed! ๐ Soon I crossed the border and left Namibia behind! Hello Botswana! How are you? It wasn't far to Kasane, it's only a few km east, but still right on the border to Namibia. I could practically spit over there! ๐
But on the way, I already saw elephants again! ๐ This area already belongs to the Chobe National Park, which is not completely fenced in like Etosha and can only be accessed through certain gates, but completely open.
From the best accommodation I have been staying at until yesterday at the Popa Falls, I have now ended up in the worst accommodation so far on this trip! ๐๐
First several power outages, then no water in the shower, and finally the towel holder in the neighboring room, where I had to shower, fell apart. ๐
Well, at least I was able to book a Vic Falls tour! It starts at 8 am tomorrow! ๐