The most of the trip was in South Africa.
On my way to Matatiele I lost my cell phone holder and realise I left my fleece jacket in Durban. Luckily today was easy navigating so it didn’t impact the ride.
The day started a the Resthaven Guest House in Matatiele. The hosts Philip & Elrita were tremendous. Philip was always giving us tips on the trip from his vast knowledge of Lesotho and Elrita fed us until we almost popped with excellent home style meals.
I managed to get going shortly after 8.00. The first section on tar with a mild gradient. The biggest challenge was the traffic, although reasonably quiet I was nervous and did not want to take risks so whenever there was risky sections I rode on the gravel next to the road. I think I was over cautious. Soon I was on dirt roads and the I had the advantage my bike is better equipped for it then any car.
It was very impressive to see the Maluti Mountains in coming closer all the time. The temperature was a bit of a killer the average was 30 degree Celcius with a high of 38.
All the vehicles greeted and hooted. About 3 km from the Border the SA Border staff stopped to have a chat completely disregarding the two following vehicles which had to wait.
The border process is went smoothly. At the border I had about 10 min chat with a man from Claremont who want’s to start a start up 3d printing glasses frames. Annemarie and Irene saw me in the distance approaching the border so they waited but were surprised how long the process took by me 😊.
In Qachas nek i managed to get a sim and withdraw money so now I am prepared for Lesotho. The temperature has dropped quite seriously and it was quite cool this afternoon.
Tomorrow is a long ride Qacha’s nek to Lehonyeling guest house about 70 km.
