Nighttime in Africa is so special. That’s when the shadows deepen – not only in the bush, but in your mind as well. And you get visitors…
The spooky moon fills your mind, creating images you’d rather not endure.
Quick! Add wood to the fire…! Listen…the soft padding of approaching paws!
Oh joy! It’s the resident badger, scouting for scraps. But…isn’t that another shadow moving behind it? Oh no…there are two of them!
A jackal and a brown hyena followed the badger in the hope of robbing him of supper!
And then you realise – the biggest of them all has been watching silently all along.
When at last dawn releases you from the claws of darkness, you get the fire going for a mug of black coffee. Another day of adventure awaits…
PS If you like Africa and her stories, you may want to have a look at Imagine: Africa..
Rolbos © 
I can’t make out what the largest animal was. Did you? Are you telling? Loved your words that accompanied the photos. I lived and travelled in Africa for years…but never camped out. Looks exciting. Judy
It was a very quiet, very peaceful elephant. The picture is poor, I agree, but I didn’t dare use a flash. And that’s as near as it was, no cropping etc. It certainly was exciting…
The dawn picture is incredible…meant to say. All are interesting.
You’ll remember Africa’s dawns…each one of them an incredible sight…
I could see the elephant! Was it really that near to the camp? Quite scary coming to think of it
He was standing (how on earth did he get there so quietly?) a metre or so behind my chair, happily thinking deep thoughts. Then, after a while, he ambled off about 20 m, head-butted a marula tree to dislodge the fruit, and stood there eating his favourite snack for the next hour or two. It was a night to remember!
I believe you! If it hadn’t been for the marula making him feel relaxed it could have been a different situation!
Indeed. Still, it’s surprising how many mornings you can get up and see the tracks of some visitors you had during the night – and never knew anything about their presence. But, after that incident, I do prefer pitching tent near a marula tree. I certainly feel safer there!
Ha ha, good on you!
q chido
Orale!
jajaja, mae,jajajaja
amigo, ¿como pongo una foto? dime, porfa
It paints a 1000 words..
no te entiendo
MAE,MAE, MAE, MAEEEEEE
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Enjoyed this thoroughly… Love that burning fire!
Those early morning moments, waiting for the kettle, watching the flames…priceless!