Sumwe Journal

sultry days, lounging around on sun beds and hiding under palm fronds the sweat slides down your skin the sun plays with palms leaving secretive shadows on the sand salty drops of water fall from my wet hair and a breeze dries salt crystals onto my skin fresh coconut to quench my thirst, the sweetness is mixed with a  salty taste left on my lips from the ocean eyes are sleepy yet full of magic as this scene feeds my soul

On the Indian Ocean This place is so full, in the coolness of the night, billions of stars shower the sky, in the early morning it is still, the only motion is that of the sleepy waves. I have seen so many incredible things just in the short time that I have been here. Deep blue and turquoise colored crayfish, eagle rays that fly and glide on the surface of the water and baby turtles, just hatched from their nest and crawled out from their hiding place. It is so beautiful to see the new life of these tiny babies.  One of my favorite evenings was a fishing trip. We get onto the little dingy before the last bit of the days light disappears. As soon as we are out of the calm lagoon, we are drenched with some bigger waves. Holding on and non-stop laughing we go on, into the blackness that surrounds the island. After a while we get to the spot where we need to drop anchor, the waves aren't as crazy here.  But the stars out when there is so little light aroun...

M A L D I V E S 3.2028 N  73.2207 E This is a magical place, little islands sit perched up, off the oceanic plate, covered in palm trees and other tropical plants. Lying along the equator the air is steamy and hot. A unique pattern of corals and turquoise coloured water surround each of the islands, and then the eternal deep blue swallows up the horizon and everything in view.  Sitting on the soft white sand, i can see hundreds of frenzied hermit crabs, scurry around. Their little feet make tracks in the sand and the end result of all of them together creates an art work of nature. So many things to observe when you really look. Slow, small waves dance along the shore, tickling the sand and bring gifts of broken corals and shells with intricate markings. The sultry summer brings breezes that are heavy with moisture. It is salty and I can taste it on my lips, I can feel it in my sandy, knotted hair. The breezes goes on to shake the leaves of the palms, and t...

T he sky is black and clouds heavy with rain, hover just above the horizon. The first winds of the storm whisk up loose pieces of grass, dust and the first few raindrops. In a few seconds the full storm surrounds us. The air is full of energy, thunderous clouds shut out the last bits of light and it feels as though night has fallen. The sky opens and huge drops of rain slap the red dust on the ground, making an intense sound. The birds sing out an African tune, thankful for the freshness of the storm, a break from the blistering heat of summer. Driving along the now muddy road, I put my head out the window and look up squinting, as the rain drops sting my skin. Open mouth and open heart, I taste the rain, the smell fills my nose and it drenches my hair, making it stick to my face.

G olden light that mesmerizes the soul. Up and out the tent at 4:30am on a cold morning, we fill up our flasks with hot water and strong coffee. Blurry eyed and big jackets on we stumble into the landy and out the camp gate.  Along the road we go and a surreal scene unfolds: the shadows are still sleepy and the sun is creeping up to the horizon, the world around slowly comes alive. Orange and coral colours dance upon the water creating liquid gold for the baby hippo to play in.   The copper sun makes a brilliant display as she bursts out from behind silhouettes. By this stage of the morning the hyena clan lazily make their way onto the road to take in the first light. The pups walk right up to our car and we peer down at big black eyes filled with curiosity. This light is just magic. 

there is something so utterly special about experiences with elephants. finding a herd close to the road to just sit with is what i eagerly search for when in the bush. spotting some of the grey beasts in the distance, i usually park the car and wait for them to amble up a little closer. as they approach, i close my eyes and you can hear and smell them distinctly. my ears prick up at the sound of the soft padding of their feet on the sandy road and the squeak of grass being pulled out of the ground. the smell is so earthly and intense, mixed with the sweetness from the grass.  each member of the heard has a distinct character, and sitting there observing them, it feels as though you become one with them. their eyes, wow, if close enough you get to see the amber glow below long eyelashes. so much ancient wisdom and spirit shines through as you stare into their eyes.  my heart definitely starts beating faster the closer they get. a wall of grey wrinkles surrounds the car once th...

kosi bay 4:30 a.m. and the coffee pot is already on the coals. the boys are baiting up and  getting ready for a long morning of fishing. jackets on, we head out to launch the boat. there is no movement in the air so the water is a reflection of the sky, light pastel colours. we glide slowly over the crystal clear water, passing the traditional fish kraals that stand  out of the water. cows stare with blank faces as we drift pass, and still the sound of thousands of birds in the reeds fill your ears.   The channels can get pretty narrow and we watch warily as we pass hippo paths made in between the reeds. eventually we make it out of the channels and into the wide open lakes where we hope to catch grunter, mullet or kingfish.   Elegant pink flamingos dance across the water, sending ripples into their reflections as they go. This place is wild and fill of untouched land. after a few hours of fishing, nothing is taking the bait and our tummies a...