November 23, 2025
To Rasesa
A lovely cool morning today and I was up before my 6 am alarm went off. I had breakfast on the veranda outside my little cottage and set off earlier than usual. I was keen to make some distance before the forecasted 34 degrees arrived. A mini-heatwave has gripped the region for this week. Next week, temperatures are forecast back down to late twenties.
I spotted some horses on the roadside for the first time. They weren't wild like those in Kyrgyzstan, but handsome all the same. I startled more cows grazing precariously close to the highway, and managed to cause a small donkey stampede when I rode past a group of six of them chilling by a tree close to the road. These welcome distractions briefly took my mind off the 201 km dead straight road to Gaborone that lay ahead of me.
I finally arrived at Dibete. Unknown to Google maps, there is a very well stocked petrol station at the main junction. I stopped to have a feed and a Fanta, and replenished my water stocks. I had another 8 km to go to Dibete Police Station, where I had planned to spend the night. However, at that moment, I felt strong enough to carry on so decided to skip camping at the Police Station and push on to Rasesa, which would make my day a 160 km day. My concern was the afternoon heat, but distant clouds boosted my confidence. I jumped on the bike and set off.
A few km later, to my very pleasant surprise, I crossed the Tropic of Capricorn. A large sign, and monument with appropriate description marked the imaginary line. I was thrilled. Later, when chatting to Jahnavi and Alks, I was reminded that I had crossed the Tropic of Cancer a few years ago during my ride across Egypt: Memories of Francois returned. There was a group of local travellers enjoying the spot with great enthusiasm. When I arrived, their attention turned to me immediately and they were even more excited than before! They insisted on the usual selfies, and then asked me to take a photo of them standing next to my bike, for me to keep. It was all good fun. A group of young teenagers offered me a guided tour of the site, which I politely declined because the site was completely self evident, but I gave them a token of my appreciation of their gesture. We became best friends instantly. They even sent me Facebook friend requests. Meeting all these lovely people at the Tropic of Capricorn was the highlight of my day.
The rest of the ride into Rasesa was uneventful. I pushed the pedals gently at a comfortable cadence and put my head down, keeping well hydrated as the early afternoon progressed and the heat intensified. Keeping moving, creating a wind effect, helped keep me cool.
I checked into the Rasesa Lodge, which was being renovated, so will look great... one day. I was grateful for a room, a shower and comfortable bed. One thing I just can't understand about all the places I have stayed during this tour is why none of them (except the Bulawayo Club) have mosquito nets in the rooms! It makes no sense to me, and I find it frustrating. I have used my tent in my room, as mosquito protection, more times than I would have liked.
I had a lovely phone call with Alks and Jahnavi, who were in Seaford for a surprise sewing weekend for Alks' upcoming birthday. I enjoyed a pleasant dinner in the garden. The steak was like leather, but I was hungry!
Electricity load shedding is practiced in this region of Botswana, so a 2 hour power cut is scheduled every other day. "It is meant to be 2 hours but never is", I was told by the chef who made my steak earlier. Today was load shedding day, which meant I ended my evening by spending a few hours sitting in my room, in complete darkness, to escape from the swarms of mosquitos outside.
Today's ride: 160 km (99 miles)
Total: 1,077 km (669 miles)
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