Ja, thank you for the update, Rupert. It’s steaming hot.

Even the chickens are sizzling. Drumsticks anyone?

‘An expected record-holding heatwave has gripped Southern Africa’ according to host Rupert Barstow at ESELBE Camp and Backpackers in the little town of Nata in south-eastern Botswana.

And there was no escape.

Overnight temperatures just slightly dropped below 30 degrees Celsius only to rise into the mid-thirties by 9 am.

We had to refresh accordingly as everyone had to rehydrate.

It was impossible to keep your cool.

This could mean one thing and one thing only! Shower business!

Anything goes with, in, or around water. H2O and off we go.

Splashing, crashing, dashing, meshing, and fishing.

Boy, and girl, did we have fun. Everyone joined in the fun in the hot Nata sun.

The community’s kids and teenagers had a splashing time in the river, or what was left of it.

Due to the high salt content in these lowlands, the water was indeed salty like the ocean. This kills off germs and nasty bacteria. The silky smooth mud felt like silk and with its minerals is healthy for the body and skin.

I just hope no one peed in the pool.

The Nata River originates from the highlands in Zimbabwe near Bulawayo.

The severe drought that gripped Southern Africa for the past two years didn’t deliver much rain in Zimbabwe either.

The Nata River is a shadow of itself and shade was hard to find. Just as dry as all other permanent water sources nearby.

Only a few shallow muddy pools are left as it is surprising that they still exist.

They, of course, created a pool of reflections.

ESELBE backpackers and campsite are located outside Nata township along the Nata River.

The cooling river is a major drawcard for these accommodations.

There was, however, one thing hotter than midday temperatures. Any ideas what I am pointing out?

It was the atmosphere and acceptance among all guests and host Rupert Barstow.

It was a truly comfortable camaraderie here at ESELBE, pronounced S-L-B.

In fact, this type of ambience is what has been missing on my African adventure so far.

What used to be normal has become an anomaly.

It is fun, it is friendly, it is fabulous.

We’re all in the same boat, we’re all a long way from home.

Only to find and stay at this home from home.

Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be. Cold beers are in the fridge.

The Braai area is spacious and comfortable and was lit most evenings. There is no TV and we didn’t need AI to entertain ourselves.

Games were played as an empty bottle of red was spun around off embarrassing questions or devilish dares.

The mix of travelers and adventurers from 4 different continents of all ages couldn’t have been shuffled any better.

Anum and his partner are from Pakistan originally. Both are living in Botswana and volunteer to help Rupert with daily tasks.

Next to arrive after my appearance was a Dutch couple, travelling by…?

By bike of course. I just refreshed and gotten out of the pool when Marcel and his partner arrived, pushing their heavily loaded bikes through soft sand. Pain and agony in the form of relentless sweat dripped like a shower head.

‘The camp is full, you will have to cycle 50 km further north’ I said after the obvious question was asked.

I just couldn’t help myself to this Mastercard moment. ‘Park your bikes and jump in the river pool, Gotverdomme!’ as my mom used to say.

Rupert was out for the day and it’s just like this kinda relaxed vibe here.

We had a few coldies at the sunset bar as the territorial bush babies made an appearance.

These metal hollows were installed to offer a safe home for these cuties. Being nocturnal and naturally timid, bush babies are hard to find in the natural world and even harder to take photos off. It is not surprising that we waited for their arrival.

A young Japanese duo arrived shortly after last light, hitch-hiking from Kasane. Maki and Yumi arrived together but traveled separately as I dropped Maki off at the bus stop the next day. She is tiny and takes on the world hitching and hiking everywhere. She never had any issues so far, despite being female and half my size. Inspirational.

Yumi travels at a lower pace and stays for another day, hey. He enjoyed the cultural exchange with locals. Mr Bean couldn’t smile with that affection.

Meanwhile, a ‘monkey’ trio from Belgium had arrived. There are now four Chinese Horoscope monkeys here on the dance floor. Two 1968’s and two 2004’s.

Meanwhile, Floor and Yenthe had been studying native languages in Windhoek for the past 6 months.

Apart from one robbery at knife point, it was smooth sailing, they said.

Annalise, Yenthe’s mum, joined in for the final adventure around Southern Africa for the last few weeks.

‘Africa is so, so different in comparison to Europe’ the keen trio agreed on. ‘Every day is a new adventure.’

Life truly is a box of Belgium Chocolates. And that’s just how it is.

Whether you are ‘just’ passing through or needing a break from it all, one thing is certain.

ESELBE camp and Backpackers will offer you exactly that in a friendly and respectful manner.

Good food, great company, and a warming welcome in the Nata sun will leave you for more.