In the heart of Minkebe a number of mountain ranges run parallel to each other with the Nouna and the Sing running between them. Crossing the forest is easiest when taking a high route along a mountain ridge. The forest is less dense there and the ground drier. Also the forest elephants have flattened their own paths and you can follow these. The only problem is that there is no water. For that you have to descend to one of the rivers. The trick is to spend the night at locations where you don't have to descend too far for water. Mokambo knew these places well. Actually we only stopped once at a place like this at La Falaise (the rocks). Mokambo was in a hurry and we eventually covered the distance in two days.

A couple of times we came across pools that were being frequently visited by forest elephants. What we should have done was stay a few days at such a location and be ready by 5 am. This is the assignment for TJ2. Then you have a chance of meeting them. Past La Falaise there is a mist forest, the type of forest that you find in the tropics above approximately 1000 m. The light is fantastic; it is cooler and especially quieter. The crickets have established themselves here. It has a remarkable atmosphere.