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One week down and off to the main town in Gweru, for a look around and get some alcohol supplies.
With only an hour to have a quick look around, thankfully not too much to see, we strolled through a small market that sold mostly clothes and shoes, and nic nacs for the locals.
Our main stop was the OK supermarket for supplies. Grabbing a box of goon to enjoy around the camp fire at night and supplies for the boys orphanage.
We visited the Rose Dale orphanage for a play with the kids. Then into a small boys orphanage where they showed us their grooves to the pumped up stereo. we got involved with a bit of circle dancing and "shake your booty" (only words of the song in english that I recognised).
We had a really interesting afternoon induction of lion safety and how to read a lions body language and facial expression, and how to show dominance over them when walking them so we don't become dinner! Dan, the Volunteer Project Manager, is understandably very passionate about the project and informed us more on the project, future plans and some of the obstacles faced such as the government not allowing exporting of the lions to other neighboring countries to set up additional stage 2 programs which in the long term would increase the number of the currently declining numbers of lions. Another major obstacle, like any major project, is $'s.
A slow but interesting walk with Penya and Paza.
With my box of goon in tow we headed off for a sunset cruise on the river - ah this is the life, the tranquility, so relaxed. Enjoyed chatting with some of the guests who were also on the cruise. Watching another sensational African sunset. Feeling very fortunate to be able to have these incredible life experiences.
On our return I was lucky enough to be put on the night encounter, where they take the older lions (M's and K's) who are around 2 years old, into the park to hone there hunting skills. As the enclosure gates are opened, they bound out and start prowling for the game.
We drive along off the beaten track with a couple of red spot lights searching, searching, searching. Unfortunately after a couple of hours we found nothing.
Despite not seeing any game there certainly was an air of anticipation and hope that they would make chase and a kill - next time! It was still an incredible chance to have lions walk so close to our open vehicle and watch their shadows in the bush.
The freezing night air started to set in and thankfully we headed back to camp.
The Saturday night party was in full swing but the cold of the night had taken over and all I wanted my warm bed. I must have been tireder than I thought as I crashed in moments.
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