The Kgalagadi is famous for its big skies and vast horizons. It is also a place of intricate detail that my son and I have come to love.
Our days would start early, long before sunrise, the time of our departure determined by the opening of the gates.
During the heat of the day, we would stop at boreholes that were drilled during the First World War, scanning the horizon for dust being kicked up by approaching animals.
In the afternoon, hot and tired, we would slowly drive back to camp, catching the last rays of a crimson sunset and timing our return with the closing of the gates.
Early evening, after lighting the fire, we would listen to the cacophony of barking geckos at the cooling of nightfall that brings a peace that can only be felt.
Later, the calls of nearby black-backed jackals would pierce the cold Kalahari air.
And then we would fall asleep in the middle of an immense arid wonderland, where we are just visitors and nature carries on, as it has for millions of years.
16 окт 2024
