Stepping off the plane, the sun in my eyes, the warm air comforting me as I take my first steps into my new life. Pure nature and its beautiful perfume surround me as we make our way to the lodge, passing Lion, Giraffe and Impala. The Selous is a magical place, a forgotten world, that stuns you in the most simple way, like a raw uncut Tanzanite crystal. I had read about the Selous and Sand Rivers, I was shown photos and told stories, but being here, seeing, smelling and touching this wild place is an experience that can't be described. Nature was teaching me new and exciting things. As we pass the beautiful Lake Tagalala, I see bird species I have never seen before and watch how birds, crocodiles and hippos enjoy the evening sun.
We arrive at Sand Rivers in the dark, where my new family, a team of passionate, hard working and caring people, greet me with Swahili song and dance.
I am at home.
('Tis the season of babies, plenty of of young Impala around)
(Sleepy young male after a few days of mating)
(Northern Carmine Bee-eater looking as stunning as ever)
(Curious Giraffe, watching us watching him)
(African Fish Eagle perched on an ebony branch over looking Lake Tagalala)