We were up early yesterday to go out on the morning game drive around the park. We had the same tracker again, which we were glad about because he was really good. The standards and examinations for Zambian guides are a lot higher and harder than in many other African countries - particularly East Africa. They have to learn not only the English and local names for all the animals (including numerous different bird species) but they also have to know the Latin names. They also have to know all the animal tracks and sounds. Our guide was even able to pinpoint a warning call from a particular bird species that he used to find predadors in near-by areas.
We saw pretty much the same game as the night before and unfortunately the leopards eluded us again - much to Pim's disapointment because he is yet to see one. I think the best thing we came across was a group of elephants feeding on the road side. One of the bull elephants got particularly annoyed with us being so close to the young so he trumpeted and started to charge us - all terribly exciting.
We were back in camp around 11 and we had a late breakfast before heading back along the awful road to Mama Rula's. That evening after a super of pasta and cabbage salad we retired to the bar to watch their satellite TV and an episode of Takeshi's Castle. It seems that we have something in common with Zambians - we love to laugh at Japanese people doing stupid things on game shows!
The next morning we left the campsite bright and early as we had a long drive to the Capital, Lusaka. The road was excellent however and we passed hardly any cars at all. When we reached the city we headed straight for the biggest shopping mall in order to stock up on supplies. Usually at home I wouldn't spend more time than was absolutely required in an out of town shopping centre. However we have found ourselves hanging out around big supermarkets a lot in all the African cities we have passed through. Mainly because you can usually get a coffee, use a Western toilet and spend hours in the food aisles looking at all the fabulous imported products! So after two hours hanging around the Arcade Shopping Centre we finally motored on to the campsite with Monty and Mitch laden with nice food for super.
The campsite is nice and has a really friendly little dog, which we have called Roley Poley, who seems to have adopted us. Since arriving she has spent the entire time with us, barking at any other dogs or humans than come near us and spending a lot of time on Git and Ric's laps. We have met lots of friendly dogs a long the way, but she is currently one of our favourites.