The Gat

"The Gat" is the premier local oasis. It used to be a quarry, and has since been transformed into a cool haven in the dusty, burning-hot expanse of Ghanzi. If I remain in D'Kar for the weekend, the Gat is my favourite excursion - I'm sure you can see why!

Terraces of beautifully maintained green grass lead down to the water, and a large thatched pavillion provides shade. The quarry is about 100m across, and 6m deep, clean and clear. The owner stocked it with fish, which occasionally nibble your toes. Less charming are the water beetles lurking at the edges, which will give a sharp bite to whatever part of your body they happen to encounter. I try to get in and out very quickly.

There are flowers all over Ghanzi right now - foamy spray of white on some of the bushes, tiny powdery yellow flowers, bright yellow daisies growing in any shade available, cactus flowers, acacia flowers, and so many more.

And there are always the desert plants, hardy little herbs popping up in the sand.

There's never a day without a new weird bug. This little guy is actually facing downwards - the long light-green things are the antennae, not the brown ones.

Reflection.

And of course... what trip to the Gat would be complete without a braai?