Camp Out

Last night we had our first sleep out in the bush. Just a roll mat and sleeping bag set up around the fire under the stars. It was a full moon so the stars were not bright but it helped us to see better for any animals that may wonder into camp. We spent the night on a dried up riverbed in the local game reserve and apparently, Lions and Elephants were seen around the spot a few hours before we stopped to make camp.

We arrived about an hour before dark, collected wood from around the area, made a fire and had sausages and pap (something a lot like cream of wheat but made out of corn) for dinner. Followed of course by roasting marshmallows and stories of past sleep outs. As soon as the sun went down a hyena decided to come check us out and walked about 20 meters from our camp. A couple of the guys wandered down the riverbed and saw another hyena on the other side of camp. The Hyena’s just came to check us out and never caused any trouble. After dinner most of the group went for another game drive. I decided to stay behind with about 5 other students, hoping the hyenas would come back and I could get a photo. Unfortunately they never reappeared. We did however see a scorpion, a dangerous one at that. You can tell how venomous a scorpion is by how thick the tail is in comparison to its pincers; this one had a very thick tail. Also, did you know scorpions glow green under a black light? No one really knows why they do this but it is really cool to see.

Since we were spending the night in the bush we had to take turns keeping watch. Each room kept watch for an hour during the night, making sure the fire didn’t die down and searching the surrounding bush with a spotlight every so often for anything that may be lurking. I was lucky enough to get the first watch so was able to sleep the rest of the night through not that I did. I woke up a few times mostly because I kept thinking I’d miss seeing something cool.
The morning came early up with the sun have a quick cup of tea. Clean up the sight as though no one had been and then off for another drive. I got my first chance driving the game viewer. It was a bit easier than I expected it to be but there is a lot to remember when you are not used to a standard transmission especially in a 4x4. I think I did all right no complaints from the other students on board. We spent the morning tracking a wounded cheetah and her cubs but never came across them. So we headed back to camp to unload and clean up. Not a bad day.

On another note, I am the proud owner of a South African Drivers License. It was not an easy thing to obtain and I am glad the process is over.