Day 6 Tuesday 14 April Chipale

Had a really good night's sleep and made coffee just after 6.00 am. Wandered around the tent corner to see what the baboons were up to and found the large ebony trees above us alive with them (40+?). They were panicked by us and rushed down to flee but it unsettled us as well as we weren't too sure what they were doing.

Heard lions in the night.

Lazy start to the morning. Read, did puzzles, laundry. Got changed when Elizabeth arrived to clean our accommodation.

Late breakfast and then wandered across to see how the Hendersons were. Jean not feeling well with .migraine symptoms. By mid- morning the Whites had arrived and the decision was made to pack a picnic lunch and go to the Bupomela crossing site.

The thick undergrowth thinned out as we drove south-east along the river, with the Cliffs across on the far side. Saw zebra, impala and elephants. Turned off the graded road on to a bush track and followed the course of the river.

About 5 kms short of Bupomela we were halted by a flooded drift that was just that too deep. Turned back and found a shady, grassed picnic spot under a large baobab tree where we had lunch. Stayed until about 2.30 before returning to our Chipale camp ground.

We came back along the river road and saw a family of warthog. Stopped on the river bank opposite another campsite on the south bank. Tried calling (coo-eee) but got no positive reaction from them so Fayne was obviously not among them (which was disappointing for Viv).

Relaxed on our return to camp and then got a fire going as everyone joined us for dinner. Lots of talk and laughter as we watched the flames dance in the designated fire place.

The bed was large, firm and comfortable and we slept well again.Read more