All new

1/11

Can you believe it’s already November? Phew, that went fast!

Yesterday’s drama is history! I got to the camp having zero expectations yet I was welcomed by stunning views and incredible wildlife. I have already seen over 30 elephants, Kudu and many different bird species. Just wow.

My good night sleep however wasn’t that good, as the day’s heat was suddenly replaced by icy air. Of course, I had not unpacked my sleeping bag thinking a thin blanket and a sheet will do. Boy was I wrong. On top of being semi-frozen, I was also woken up several times by loud hippos, who were just sort of hanging around the tent. Not ideal, especially because I really needed to pee. Thankfully we’ve been reassured that squatting next to the tent is OK, (as long as it’s not number twos of course, hehe) as wildlife poses a great risk during night time.  There I was, squatting next to my tent, in complete darkness, surrounded with scary shapes and weird noises, trying really hard not to accidentally startle any passing animals. This is the real African experience for you.

In the morning we got up at 4.30 and did a couple of LMT’s. The terrain is so different here! When I was fairly OK at animal spotting in Nyika, then I am pretty hopeless at seeing anything here. I have 4 days to improve my skills though, good times ahead! It must be also mentioned that we do LMT’s from the back of the ute and on top of having to keep your eye out for animals, you have to intensely monitor the road ahead as the lower tree branches could easily poke one’s eyes out if not careful. At one point it felt like we were in a Mario kart game. Leaning left, right, up and down pending on the trees. The only things missing were the banana peels. I guess it’s all fun and games until I get hit in the face. It’s going to happen, I guarantee it.

As mentioned, I have had my first ever African Elephant sighting. It was so much fun! We had a family of four, right in front of our tents, playing in the water and swimming around. Later on we saw another 20-30 passing by. God, they are such incredible creatures! Got heaps of photos, too. So excited to share!

It’s just turned 3PM and we’ll be heading out soon to do some work. It is also my turn to cook dinner tonight, so please wish me luck, as I have no idea, where anything is nor what anyone likes!

Anyway, I am so happy I got to come! I feel like I have ticked all the boxes in terms of what I wanted to gain from this experience… Yay!