Makgadikgadi Pans: A walk at midnight
Mpho Mokwape | Friday September 7, 2018 11:58
The offer to experience the epic walk just landed in my path unexpectedly and I jumped at the opportunity. Firstly I viewed it as a chance to get away for ‘fresh air’. Secondly, I had never been to the pans and I figured it would be a great experience. Lastly and most importantly, the Midnight Walk is for charity and who wouldn’t want to be part of a cause meant to change someone’s life. The participating teams met and we set off on Friday as the walk was scheduled to commence the very same day.
We arrived in Mosu just in time for a little rest before we took off for the walk at 6pm.
As it is the norm with most villages, we get off the bus at the main Kgotla where we are supposed to be introduced to the village Chief while waiting for the remaining team.
It was not long that the rest of the team arrived and we walked to the camp, on the outskirts of Mosu, just as you enter the pans.
With little time to prepare before the big walk, the YCare support team put everything in motion, conducting introductions and briefing the walkers about the do’s and don’ts. For me at that moment it sinks in hard that I was about to embark on a journey that will test my character, my body and my spirit. It will be the first time taking such a risk; 100km in all honesty is not a child’s play.
The Walk: The Ultimate Test
Selfies and camera flashes are the order of the day, as we get ready to set off. The YCare support team reminds everyone on the necessities to carry. Armed with water bottles, headlights, energy drinks amongst others the 50km journey to Lekhubu Islands begins. As usual, the walk kicks off with everyone highly motivated and in high spirits. Since I had made few acquaintances before the walk as the crowd picks up the pace, we fall behind and ultimately agree that we should take it easy.
Fast forward, we arrive as the last group at the first stop, before we could even catch our breath the team takes off again and in that moment I realised that falling behind will mean that every stop I will not have time to rest so I ditch my acquaintances and pick up the pace too. At the 18km it’s a struggle for most of us, the pace also has reduced, I for one I am beginning to feel terribly tired and my body is now complaining.
The terrain was not that bad except where at times it felt a bit muddy, but most of the time it was the salty sand.
As we fall deep into the chilly night, many start to give up and as much as I wanted to continue my body gives up at just 24km.
For those who finish the first 50km walk arrive at the camp to roars of appreciation just when the sun was rising.
The support team was amazing, tents are set and the participants are given water with salt to soak their feet before breakfast.
As the day progressed, many retire to their tents to catch a bit of sleep while others find a hiding place to take a shower; the old fashioned way. Those in need of massage and medical attention get tended to while the rest chat the day away, some with few drinks under shades.