Crocodile & Tafika

This morning we are walking back to Tafika....some 3 hours so I squeeze my cankles into my walking shoes. I keep catching people giving my feet covert glances wondering if I'm going to make it or if they're going to have to stretcher me out.....the guys at Chikoko have been wonderful....lots of hot water & salt baths and things are staring to look a little better....as with the heat....this is all relative.

Strangely enough although it looks bad, there is no pain so on I hobble....it is the end of the season here & the game is now used to pedestrians so they don't bolt at the sight of us...
Although there has been no sign of rain yet, the trees are getting ready for the new growing season....they know that rain is just around the corner & some are putting on their spring show....this one had the most beautiful scent..a bit like jasmine....
The photo below is typical of the terrain between the camps....open dambos fringed with quite dense bush which could be harbouring any number of animals - most just chilling out in the shade..some thinking darker thoughts....but we won't dwell on that...
When walking in the national parks in Zambia you are always accompanied by an armed scout as well as your guide from the camp....I've seen people freak out at the sight of the weapon but the park scouts are highly trained professionals - they have an exceptionally good knowledge of the area as well as the animals and they alternate between poaching patrols and the walking safaris....I've always felt I was in extremely good hands. Having the scout gives the guide the opportunity to concentrate on his (sometimes challenging) clients - answering questions, making sure his instructions are being obeyed, making sure clients are still mobile etc.

We made an early start this morning....06h00 but by 07h00 it was already baking so we were pleased to see Crocodile Camp....very well camouflaged, built by hand & seasonal just like Chikoko Camp...
Crocodile Camp is different but the same as Chikoko...this time the colour theme is blues & greens and there will be no prizes for guessing who provided the fabrics or the mats...

That hammock is calling - I can think of no better way to spend a lazy afternoon after a good morning walk & an excellent lunch....

After some very welcome refreshments & use of the facilities, we make our way to the river for the boat crossing & vehicle transfer to Tafika Camp where we are given a warm welcome by John & Carol Coppinger and Heather....I find the news of my infamous cankles has preceded me and another hot water & salt bath is immediately ordered so I can bathe my feet.....a nice rock shandy with extra rehydration salts (just for good measure) later and I'm feeling good.. Rock shandy has become my drink of choice in Zambia during the day....but come sundowner time I'm a creature of habit & switch to my other safari drink...gin & tonic with a touch of bitters...

I'm beginning to think that Remote Africa Safaris have cornered the market on the best hammocks and the positioning thereof...you couldn't get better than this....perfection...
There is a hide built into the 'wall' around the camp & we spend a while looking out at the unsuspecting (or not) puku....stunning scenery even at the end of the dry season, no?
There has been a big commotion going on down at the river for a while now so we grab our cameras and check it out....one male is trying to pick a fight....but the other guy is a 'lover not a fighter' & won't be drawn into battle....it does make for some good photo opportunities as I've been trying to get a hippo 'yawning' since the beginning of the trip with very little success..
This is a typical Luangwa river scene....imagine these two above bellowing in the background..
The sun is starting to sink in the west and it's time for the afternoon activity....there are only four mountain bikes, so the rest of us start off on the game drive & plan to rendezvouz with the cyclists later....John gives a briefing and makes all the volunteers do a practice ride around camp to see if they can actually ride a bicycle....important if you need to start pedalling for your life....
Here's my roomie, Danica, looking strong & flashing her red carpet smile for the papparazzi....you can just see our chalet behind her..Normally the chalets sleep a maximum of 2 adults & 2 children but in our chalet we are privileged to be the guests of a little black cat & her two daughters. The father of the girls is a wild cat of some sort so they are quite self sufficient & come the rainy season, disappear into the bush for 6 months. Mama prefers her home comforts in her old age (she is 16 years old apparently) and the shelf meant for the extra loo rolls is her favourite spot....too sweet....except Danica is allergic to cats....Just outside camp, we spot these two young ladies....wonder if the cyclists saw them on their way past...perhaps best not mention it......my, what BIG teeth you have....
Oh yes, she's definitely spotted us....there's no mistaking that look....I think she realised it's sundowner time and a tasty little snack to go with it might be a good idea....
We remove ourselves from temptation and a bit further on come across some kudu doing a splendid job of blending into the background...
It's nearly dark when we spot the cyclists coming towards us.....one, two, three & four....all present & correct....phewwww..