Day 5 Monday 13 April Chipale

Awake at about 6.00 and soon had the kettle boiling for a cup of coffee. A most comfortable bed!

The cleaner turned up at 6.30 but the other 2 tents were fast asleep.

Walked down to the river and out across the sand to the water but saw no wildlife.

Breakfast on our verandah and then we all left for an introductory drive in the vicinity.

First to Fishans Crossing which was very much underwater and then later to the Chilojo picnic area where we walked down to the water's edge. Sat and talked.
This was our first real look at the Rundi River and the Chilojo Cliffs. Stunning views, hippos in the river and distant elephants. Kudos and baboons on the way back to out tents.

Back to camp for a sandwich lunch, a G&T and a siesta despite the tent being hot.

In the late afternoon Graham took us on a a side trip to the river bank to see whether we could see Fayne Connelly's party on the other sure. Had a good look, saw a group camping but no Fayne. As we left Dave managed to drive into a deep washaway and we were precipitously balanced on the riverbank. Everybody out and fortunately the Hendersons were halted by Viv, and Graham returned to pull Dave out. Quite a bit of drama that we were lucky enough to escape from unscathed.

Jean not feeling well so final food preparation was completed by Viv in our kitchen. The whole group ate around our successful fire and we talked until tiredness. Plenty of Umtali childhood memories were combed over by Graham, Dave and me.

Great shower and sound asleep soon after.

Had seen impala, elephants and female kudos that day.Read more