Collected Moments of Survival

  Fragments I There is something curious that happens when you spend long enough in wild places. At first, like most people, you arrive with expectation. You hope to see something. You look constantly toward the horizon, scanning the landscape for movement, for activity, for that moment of discovery that justifies the journey. But nature rarely works on our timetable. Over time I have learned that finding what you seek is not always about searching harder. More often, it requires the exact opposite. It requires stillness. Working on my recent encounters with Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra has reminded me of this lesson repeatedly. In the harsh and often unforgiving environment in which they survive, nothing happens quickly. Water is never assumed. Shelter is scarce. Movement is deliberate. Energy is conserved. And so, in order to truly observe them, one has to begin surrendering one’s own sense of urgency. Waiting becomes part of the process. I have spent long periods simply sitting qu...

There are animals that impress us at first sight, and there are animals that reveal themselves slowly over time. The Hartmann's mountain zebra belongs firmly in the second category. At first glance, a zebra appears to be one of Africa's most familiar animals. Its striking black and white stripes make it instantly recognisable, even to people who have never set foot on the continent. Yet familiarity can be deceptive. The more time one spends with Hartmann's mountain zebras, the more apparent it becomes that there is far more to them than their distinctive appearance. For me, the Hartmann's mountain zebra became a subject not because it was dramatic or rare, but because it seemed to embody something far deeper: endurance. Over many years of observing these animals in Namibia, I came to realise that their lives are shaped by an environment that offers very little in the way of comfort. Unlike many of Africa's more celebrated wildlife species, Hartmann's zebras inha...

I have been lucky enough to be a resident Artist at a very special place, nestled on the edge of the Namib Naukluft Reserve in Namibia. A hidden gem known as Schlesien , an artist's retreat where tranquility and natural beauty merge seamlessly. This sanctuary is not just a place on the map; it is a state of mind, a haven for those seeking solace and inspiration in the heart of one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. The Oasis of Schlesien Schlesien is not your typical retreat; it's a sanctuary where the rhythm of life slows down, and the connection with nature deepens. As you arrive at this remote location, you are greeted by the sight of Hartmann Zebras grazing peacefully in the golden light of the Namibian sun. These majestic creatures are not just inhabitants of the reserve; they are protectors of the land, sharing their home with those who seek refuge in its tranquility. The Stone Cottage Your accommodation at Schlesien is a beautiful stone cottage, blending har...

We arrived at Schlesien on Wednesday afternoon. We’d been given clear instructions on where to go and arrived in front of a set of gates flanked by two cheetahs. However, the gate was locked, and per kind favour or Vodacom (who lie through their teeth when they advertise that International Roaming is available - we sat with our fingers you know where! By some miraculous power of deduction Paul worked out how to open the gate (I won’t reveal how) and we were wending our way over a 4x4 track that would have enthusiasts drooling. Slowly and inexorably we made our way towards the house which we could see in the distance atop a very high hill, maybe even a mountain. Finally, we were there and the first to greet us was a scruffy looking black dog who enthusiastically greeted us. When his human caretakers made an appearance and after all the introductions were made I enquired as to whether the dog was one of theirs. It appears that they misunderstood my question - directed in Afrikaans and n...

It all happened so quickly. One minute, we were still the owners of a Lodge and then suddenly we weren’t.   In December 2021 we were packed up. Our possessions landed in a container and we were officially “homeless”. After being pinned down in one place for 17 years we were reluctant to make a hasty decision regarding the future. In a moment of contemplation I suggested that we buy a caravan, travel from Game Reserve to Game Reserve throughout Southern Africa for the next couple of years and then we make our decision as to where we would like to settle. This decision was to have a few repercussions. Caravans, in South Africa, it seems all fancy the idea of cooking in your bedroom. I, for one, cannot abide the thought of going to sleep amidst the smells of cooking food and so the journey began. After much searching and disappointments along the way we finally found someone who could tailor-make a caravan to specification. However, due to his willingness to design the caravan around ...