A dusty whirlwind of fun at Makgadikgadi Epic
With no water in sight, the vast, dry, barren Makgadikgadi Pans turn into an endless dancing stage for north and southerly bound winds.
Like lethargic, giant entertainers, the two dancers leisurely walk onto the stage, waltzing past unamused spectators.
For some time we’d watch four winds dancing on their elongated legs, growing taller and bigger with each tango.
Perhaps angry that spectators were busy with their beverages, and not applauding the performance, the winds would suddenly merge into a ferocious choking ball of dust and tornado towards spectators, knocking down chairs and gazebos before disappearing into the horizon to regroup.
It’s at this very moment that, like a pack of smarties, skydivers would spill out of the sky to land gracefully on the windswept ground.
Like locals love to say ‘Ga go na nako’ (there’s no time for sob stories).
When the wind knocks down your gazebo in Makgadikgadi, you pick it up, spit out the pebbles and watch daredevils free-falling from the sky.
You had to keep one eye on the sky and the other on the horizon, keeping careful lookout for the grumpy, dusty dancers.
Following a disastrous end to the Toyota Gazoo Desert in Jwaneng a fiery fortnight ago, Makgadikgadi Epic was the perfect place to put the bad memories to rest and have another go at fun in the dust.
Despite the lack of water activities, and the popular C-130 which only made one appearance late in the afternoon, the 2023 Makgadikgadi Epic was as another successful outing.
The event has become one of the best in the country, offering something totally unique.
There’s no place like Makgadikgadi in Botswana, or indeed the world – the place perfect for all adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers.
From tandem jumps, quad biking, skydiving, horse and camel rides, the three-day experience is worth anyone’s time and money.
Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) and Parachute Association of Botswana (PAB) have a gem in their hands; they must ensure this activity gets the necessary attention, particularly from the international media.
Sowa Town has been catapulted to be one of the leading destinations of sport tourism, and it can only get better.
If you can’t make it to Khawa Dune Challenge or Desert Race, don’t fret, Epic got your back.
I’m never missing this event for anything. Thank you BTO once again for the invitation.
