206 CHAPTER 25
Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, the present dayNick made it through the gates of Skukuza with three minutes to spare. Just a few kilometres short of the camp he and three other cars had been bailed up by a big bull elephant, who then took it upon himself to lead them towards the camp in a frustratingly slow conga line for a quarter of an hour. He stopped by the camp store and bought some more provisions and a bag of firewood.
When Nick arrived at his rondavel he was greeted by a stern-faced man in national parks uniform, and a cleaner slopping soapy water out of his room onto the verandah.
‘Hello, how are you?’ the man said without much feeling.
‘Fine, thanks, and you?’ Nick said. ‘What’s happened?’
‘Baboons. You must have left your window open.’
‘No way. I re
