Animal Encounters

Robin, the fire management man has gone away for a few days to burn some bush, leaving Elle and I alone to enjoy the seclusion and privacy of Sijwa. (Robin will be leaving permanently in about two weeks, and heading back to Mozambique where he is now based).

Went to switch on the generator last night and startled something big in the small storeroom beside it. Couldn't see what it was because it was dark and I didn't have a torch. But as I backed away, I heard what sounded like a sudden burst of air from a tyre which Elle now assures me was a snake, probably a Puff Adder. (Talking tractor tyre here and not bicycle tube by the way!)

Elle has had more than a few snake encounters over the years but fortunately has never been bitten. Just over a year ago, she discovered an Egyptian cobra under the groundsheet of her tent by inadvertently standing on it. Fortunately, she was able to phone Evans at the time, who came round and killed it. (see picture: and this is a small one...).

Apparently, a large bull elephant swam across the river the other night about fifty yards from the house. I was fast asleep but Elle heard it crossing. (She can distinguish between an elephant and hippo breaching water apparently). Evans confirmed it the next morning after his whole village was roused and tried to chase it way.