Page 71 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 12

MY AFRIKA
MY AFRIKA

to lower ground. That would have Good thing too because these were near the lower entrance to the camp-
placed it a little over 100 meters some big, round and well-fed indi- site where the troop was coming
from where we were. It made a low viduals. I don’t think they know how from keeping an eye on us in case
call or series of calls in its throat. strong they are because they could we did anything they didn’t like and
Later that night, I heard a number easily have watching the troop making sure that
of animals calling to one over- all members were accounted for and
another pow- had passed before joining the tail
ered end of the queue itself. It was only
us our three rogue baboons hidden
in the trees that this baboon didn’t
notice.

As we had our breakfast, we heard
the sound of a single gunshot ring
through the air. I stood up to see
whether what was being shot at was
heading in our direction – ready to
take shelter in the Chariot ... but
nothing showed. We called Jacinta
and she told us that the baboons
were bothering them and they had
based fired a shot to get them to scatter.
on strength, agility and num- We finished our meal, washed up,
in the bers. They were pouring through the packed up and headed out. Back
distance for quite some time, camp. I think there were over 100 at the ranger station, we found the
they didn’t sound like herbivores; in this troop alone. Three of them damage the baboons had caused to
I woke my husband for that one. I took perch in a tree nearby. They some of the equipment on a new
don’t know what they were. I cau- were trying to figure out how to get museum and educational facility that
tioned my bladder not to make any their paws on our eggs and leftover the KWS is constructing. Cheeky
demands on me in the wee hours pilau and chips. We didn’t give them baboons!
of the night... it ignored me, so I an inch though and they eventually
ignored it back. left in a hurry as soon as the rest of We had only paid for two nights, so
their troop vanished up the pathway we were heading off ... and good
The morning found us well; we got towards the rangers’ base. thing too because it was a public
up, sorted out bladder issues and holiday and they were expecting
showered. As I was getting ready to It was interesting watching them more locals to be there for the bon-
shower I heard a loud squeal and a interact with each other. The troop fire that night. It is thrilling to know
bang and I peeped through the grill marched through for about half an that locals make use of such won-
and took note that some baboons hour because they were that many derful facilities available to them. I
were traveling through the campsite, and they kept stopping to forage hope they see and enjoy the natural
quarreling with each other, stopping for food. They had a disciplinarian beauty that we did because there are
to pick up food from the trash left who would go through the ranks, many treasures hidden in that park.
behind by users of the facility. I saw correcting behavior it didn’t like and The KWS rangers told us that there
my husband holding his big wood- hurrying the dawdlers in their midst is a special campsite near Lake
en staff in readiness for anything. along. Big beefy baboons would be Paradise that we would like to try
There was nothing left to do but running from the discipline master someday. It has none of the ameni-
finish my shower and head down squealing in a panic. Babies were ties of the other campsites. This one
to our campsite, walking as tall and playfully running around or being is a real back to nature deal. Are you
big and boldly as I could. I wore my carried. Other members of the up for it?
towel around my shoulders and it troop took elevated positions on
would flap around in the wind. The the rooftop of the washroom and
baboons didn’t seem to like that so outdoor kitchen area scanning for
they made some room as I walked. trouble and one character set up

WWW.MSINGIAFRIKAMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 12 | MAY/JUNE 2021 71