"Tracking the Trickster" Puzzle Hint Book

1. How to use these hints

Welcome to the hints page for the fourth and final puzzle of the Puzzle Backpack! Here, you will find information to help you on your way through this puzzle and open the red 4-digit combination lock.

Each hint reveals more information about the puzzle. To move on to the next hint, tap the next button.

Good luck!

2. Location Hint

This puzzle takes place near the Savanna. Take a close look at the ground and follow the hoof print paths! 

3. Map of All Hoof-Prints

This is what all of the hoof-print paths look like:

Use the paths and other ground markers to find a number associated with each of the three questions on the prompt.  

4. First Question Hint

Here is a picture of the pillars. Follow the hoof prints from the well to the Banda Hut (see Fern & Juniper’s puzzle instructions for a labelled map of these locations).  How many pillars are on your left when you reach the hut?  

5. First Question Answer

The answer to the first question is 4. There are 4 pillars on your left when you are standing where the hoof-prints enter the Banda Hut. 

6. Second Question Hint

All of the ovals are part of the mancala board, which looks like this: 

7. Another Second Question Hint

You might be missing an oval… did you notice the shape of the mancala board itself? 

8. Second Question Answer

The answer to the second question is 15.

9. Third Question Hint

Here is a map of where the hoof-prints go with the path from this question marked in red. Does that shape look familiar to you? 

10. Third Question Answer

The answer to the third question is 3. The hoofprint path makes the shape of a “3.” 

11. Lock Hint

Use the answers to the questions to open the lock. They are already in the correct order! 

12. Lock Combination (Answer)

The code to open the lock is 4153. 

If you are still having trouble opening the lock, refer to the lock instructions provided with the puzzle in the backpack.