on the way to camp
We eventually arrive at the remote campsite at about 5.30pm. It has been a really long day and everyone is hot, sweaty and tired. Zac, one of the jeep drivers, has arrived before us because he was transporting the luggage and he has made himself very popular. He has set up all our tents! We are very happy bunnies.
The camp is quiet and basic. There is a covered kitchen area, some seats under trees and a shower/toilet block. There is a bit of distance between these areas. Our tents are pitched between the kitchen area and the showers. I am desperate for a cold shower and as soon as four backpacks are in the tent, I am off (at a sprint) with my trusty soapbag and towel. It is not quite what I expected. There are lots of muddy footprints and a bin with contents strewn over the floor. Nevermind, I head into a cubicle and divest myself of clothes. I have just turned the water on when I hear an unfamiliar shriek. I am still digesting this when the face of a baboon appears over the top of the door.
I have visions of being naked and stranded – they have a reputation for stealing anything! I throw a face cloth in the general direction of the door and he disappears. Shower turned off, clothes back on and I make do with a quick wipe with the face-cloth which he didn’t steal! Apparently, a few weeks back, a guest had complained that a bottle of champagne had been stolen from her tent – either by one of the other guests or a tour worker. It was all becoming rather heated until a drunk baboon was found behind the kitchen – still clutching the empty bottle!
Zac and Stuart build a fire, chairs are set out and dinner is served by the indomitable Albert. He has managed to make fish and chips! We sit round the campfire, eating, chatting and star gazing. There are even marshmallows provided by Ali.
Any trips to the toilet now have to be like heading for Noah’s Ark – in otherwords, two by two. There is no barrier between us and the animals and we may hear them through the night. The rule is not to come out of your tent. No worries on that score I can assure you! We head to bed early as there is s 4.30am rise for our Hot Air Balloon Ride in the morning.
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