This is the tale of many experiences while rough camping in the Selous, Ruaha and Mikumi Parks of Tanzania. These less visited areas present different challenges to the well known Northern Parks such as the Serengeti.

Camps were set right on the shores of lakes alive with Hippos and Crocodiles, not to mention fish which attracted fish-eating birds of every size from Fish Eagles to the tiny Malachite Kingfisher.

Camp stores were raided by Elephants in search of fruit, and Bull Hippos indulged in territorial chases around the tents, requiring nimble avolding action by the occupiers.

The logistics of camping in remote areas naturally presented challenges, for instance where to find ice for the Cooler box while travelling beetween Parks. Answer, hail a taxi (but not for the ride). Even if food could be kept cool in the searing heat just obtaining fresh meat was a challenge. When tinned provisions began to pall various solutions were attempted culminating in competing with those master fishermen, the Crocodiles.

Camping gives day and night experience of real Africa with its wealth of glorious birds and fascinating animals. In the Selous 'Special' camps allowed setting up anywhere in the bush, effectively renting a little piece of Africa for a few weeks, and this is the story of sightings and incidents during weeks spent in the African bush over a four year period.