Swartkop

October 10, 2025

There were two options for today. Firstly to head to Keimoes, the next town down river, or a short ride to a resort along the river between Upington and Louisvale. The prediction of a hot and windy day made the shorter option an easy choice. This meant we could have a later start and still have time to go to the Donkey Museum on the way out of Upington.

Its real name is the Kalahari-Oranje Museum and is located in the church and manse built by a Reverend Schröder in 1871 during the establishment of a mission station. The life-sized bronze donkey statue on the premises pays tribute to the "unselfish efforts of donkeys in developing the region".

The exterior of the cross shaped church.

The front of the manse sported a lovely verandah overlooking the river.

The museum held an eclectic mix of items from Upington's history. It overflowed from the church and manse into the old church hall. In hindsight we rushed our visit somewhat and could easily have spent another hour there.

Our route to Riva Resort took us to the south side of the Gariep and along a quiet farm road. The campground, which is on the banks of the Gariep and about half a kilometer away from the main resort, had been washed away during floods earlier this year but has recently been reopened. We are the only ones here so it is very peaceful if one ignores the sheep.

Crossing the Gariep. Notice the debris from the flood earlier this year.

This ewe had just lambed. The placenta can be seen dangling behind her legs.

The temperature reached 36 degrees today so we walked back to the resort to enjoy the swimming pool. A storm brewed up and eventually broke but we are warm and dry and sleeping in the tent again for the first time in almost three months.

Today's ride: 15 km (9 miles)
Total: 24 km (15 miles)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	6
Comment on this entry	Comment	0