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Mmopane Mmopane is a small, but rapidly growing, town on the outskirts of Gaborone. I stayed at a friend's house surrounded by a magnificent expanse of gardens containing many species of trees and plants. Cacti were especially abundant and thrived in the semi-arid conditions, February was wet season and days were hot with temperatures around 35°C. Many species of birds were found on the property or within easy walking distance. It became a morning ritual to do a walk around the garden and surrounding areas to bird and nature watch. |
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No children about on the weekend at this childminding centre |
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Business a little slow...? |
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A view of acacia bushland and an interesting tree in the foreground. Cloudy skies like these are common during the rainy season months |
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A small farm holding dominated by a single acacia tree. Despite the rain and sunshine it is difficult to grow crops to harvest in the poor sandy soils and unpredictable climate in this region |
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An unusual creeping cactus plant in bloom. |
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A goat enjoying the texture of a prickly acacia bush |
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A herd of goats on the march looking for something tasty to eat |
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Donkeys are working hard carting goods around the farming area |
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A statement of the obvious or an indication that the students have had enough? |
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The hill that dominates the otherwise flat terrain around Mmopane |
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A roadside car wash. Roads are dusty and water is very scarce |
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A small business providing an important service to the community |
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A common sight - a stall selling locally produced fruit and vegetables |
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A beautifully maintained garden containing a wide range of drought resistant plants that provide habitat and shelter for many indigenous creatures |
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Another view of the garden |
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The "Mother-in-law's Seat" (named by someone with a wicked sense of humour) |
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Another view looking east at sunset showing what are known as "anti-crepuscular rays". These are created by sunlight shining through gaps in cloud in the west creating parallel light beams that appear to converge directly opposite |
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A "rock-splitting fig". The rock stands no chance of withstanding the power of the plant and will eventually split wide open |
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A rising mass of moist air forms a stormy cumulus cloud that catches the colours of the sunset. I was wakened by a rousing lightning and thunderstorm later that night. The rain that fell was most welcome |
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A glorious African sunset. I don't know for sure why sunsets (and sunrises) in Africa are so detailed and colourful, but they are beautiful to witness and photograph! |
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A panoramic view looking east at sunset showing interesting features in the sky, the flat terrain and sparse vegetation |
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Colourful decoration found in a Gaborone cafe |