however that we had our first notable wildlife encounter, when we found an elephant at the dusty roadside. It was an early opportunity to take a photograph, as he crossed the road in front of us, then paused in a brief display of mild irritation at the level of excitement he had triggered within our truck. After a flurry of photographic activity, we approached the park. We arrived at 12.10 pm, and stopped at the gates for Bibi to fulfil the formalities of entry into the park. A short time later we arrived at our campsite and home for the next two nights. Prior to arrival our support crew, who we were yet to meet, had been

  busy. Our tents had all been erected in a shady spot beneath the trees, the bonfire was lit, and coffee and tea was available. Bibi got to work preparing lunch as we unpacked our bags from the trailer. We were introduced to our support crew, Gee and David, and after a very pleasant salad lunch, it was time for a little relaxation in our new surroundings. At 4.15, Bibi shouted "all aboard" and we were off on our first game drive in the park. Our first game drive produced sightings of impala, giraffes, zebra, ostrich and 3 male lions lying low in the distant grass. Elephants were also well represented, and we stopped to photograph a group as they enjoyed a dust bath.

All this was followed by a wonderful Botswana sunset, a highlight of each day over the following two weeks. We returned to our camp, and the failing light enhanced the atmosphere of the two bonfires in the darkness - one amidst a semi-circle of chairs, and the second being used by the support crew to prepare our evening meal,  the fragrance of which filled the air as we arrived. Time for a quick brew before Bibi announced "dinner is served." We all then sat down to our first camp dinner of chicken casserole, jacket potatoes and fresh corn on the cob. A simple dessert of apple and banana

with custard followed, all amounting to an excellent meal prepared over a camp fire. After dinner we adjourned to our seats around the camp fire, for an opportunity to get to know each other. 12 in all - Trudi and Cedric from Canada, Jacqui and her mum Judy, from Australia, and a UK contingent of Karen and Rik, Henrietta, Reg, Malcolm and Colin - and myself and Nancy makes 12. Nancy and I shared a tot of Talisker single malt with some of our travellers, before Bibi came and sat with us to give a briefing with regard to life in the bush. Visits to the loo during the early hours had to be taken with

some caution warned Bibi. We were urged to scan the area with torchlight to ensure that there were no eyes reflecting back. (He never did explain, as far as I can remember, what we should do if there were !!) He assured us that animals were almost certainly not to be encountered within the confines of the camp. Bibi's talks were a regular feature of the trip each night after dinner, giving advice, telling us about the animals,  and recounting tales of his experience as a wildlife guide of 13 years experience.  With what was to become a regular early start - up at 6am - it was another early night.

We settled into our tents. The crew had already installed our beds, with a view of a crystal-clear sky through the mesh roof. Couple that with the accompaniment of the sounds of the African night, and it was really quite comfortable. Falling asleep however wasn't always easy - watching the stars, listening for animals that you were able to identify, and wondering about those that you couldn't - and all this amidst the cacophony of noise that epitomises the African night, though it ensured relaxation, was not fully conducive to falling asleep easily - but hey - no complaints from me!!  But we all drifted off, amidst the sounds of the night - that gradually

became more human in nature!!  But despite this we eventually managed some sleep, and it didn't seem to be too long before we were roused by the pre-dawn sounds of the crew preparing for the day. Sounds of the bonfire being revived from the embers of the night before, kettle lids being removed, mugs being prepared - Reveille!