Adventure lovers explore Makgadikgadi for charity
The largest salt pan in the world became host to adventure lovers from all over the country who braved the gruesome walk through the Makgadikgadi Pan to raise funds for charitable organisations across the country.
Over 80 people went on the ravishing walk that boasted breathtaking views.
The Makgadikgadi midnight walk is an annual 90km night walk divided into two 45km walks in two nights. It leads to Kubu Island and back to the mouth of the Makgadikgadi at the rear of Mosu village.
The night walk was started by a local organisation, YCare in 2003 with the aim of raising funds through walks
Chairperson of YCare, Modise Koofhethile explains that they give walkers an opportunity to explore areas they would not normally visit, and by exploring these new terrains, they keep fit due to the vigorous exercise walking provides whilst giving to a good cause.
Koofhethile notes that the unique walk has raised funds for different NGOs, community trusts, and other entities that help elevate communities across Botswana.
Koofhethile explains further that COVID-19 has affected their efforts as they mainly depend on organisations and individuals to get funds, therefore when companies were negatively hit by the pandemic it trickled down to the monies that were raised through their fundraising walks. Makgadikgadi is the NGO’s flagship walk as people are mostly attracted to it as compared to their other walks mainly due to the aesthetic features of the pan.
Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness also Member of Parliament for Boteti East, Sethomo Lelatisitswe participated in the walk and confirmed it was no easy task.
Beyond the health benefits of walking 90km in two days, he saw the spirit of teamwork being culti
vated as people worked together to make it to the finish line.
In addition residents of the constituency reap economic benefits from the walk. Lelatisitswe urged people to be eager to explore local tourism.
Gabasiane Gabasiane, a firsttime walker in the pan was elated to have completed the walk. Gabasiane explains that words fail him as the views of the pan are simply breathtaking.
He started the walk in high spirits
and found the changing surface of the pan quite draining. The one thing that helped him was the fact that he came to the walk prepared hence he went beyond the blisters, sore muscles, and difficult terrain.
Allim Milazi came all the way from Johannesburg, South Africa to be a part of the walk. He was lured by Makgadikgadi’s rich history to be part of the walk. He notes that the pan at night glistering with the light of the blood moon is a breathtaking sight to see.