This is our last day at Matusadona, and we decide to depart later in the morning before the heat begins to pound down. That still leaves time for a boat ride along the shoreline to look for lions. Graeme and Jane are staying on, and will go out with Gus in the Land Rover, but we'll meet up before we leave.

On the water, we spot a small elephant family group meandering along the water's edge. A juvenile hides behind an elder sibling as we approach. In the boat we can approach to within 15 meters and the adults do not seem unduly bothered.

Later we spot a beautifully patterned green and black water monitor, over a meter long, but it slips into the water before I can photograph it.

We converge with the Land Rover, and they report that they sighted a big male lion who seemed to be out by himself, maybe marking his territory. Didn't find any other lions. We bid our goodbyes to Jane, Graeme, and Gus and head back to camp.

A quick breakfast and the 45 minute boat ride back to Kariba returns us to the civilzed world and the Breezes Hotel, where we will spend the night before starting our canoe trip tomorrow. There is a pre-dinner briefing for those making the trip, and we're given a basic orientation, and meet a young Zimbabwean couple who will also be in our group. Still, we really have no idea what this next section of the trip is going to be like.

Full of anticipation, that night we enjoy a real bed and shower. I miss our tent.