Author Archives: Mark Eveleigh

Nic raises a hand and ushers us into single file behind a tall, thick-trunked tree. I reason that maybe the feisty bull elephant won’t catch our scent like this. Perhaps he just won’t see us — although surely those big ears must register the seemingly deafening crackle of leaves under my boots.

The harsh cough of a leopard echoes up the valley. I pause to listen, with my coffee cup halfway to my lips. The aroma of the beans mixes with the damp scent of the African jungle and, in my sleep-befuddled state, I’m struck by the distinct impression that the cat is mocking me.